Things to do in Ballarat

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Ballarat showing night scenes and heritage architecture
Ballarat which includes a sunset and street scenes
Sovereign Hill
Ballarat showing street scenes
Gold Museum which includes interior views

Ballarat Attractions

You'll soon figure out why travelers love staying in Ballarat. Regardless of your interests or age, there are countless experiences and attractions to dive into. Book your hotel and flights, get those bags packed and get ready to explore this vibrant city.

Discover the sights of Ballarat with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of {7 fun activities in Ballarat fun activities in Ballarat}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and put your energy into planning an unforgettable vacation.

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What to do in Ballarat

Free Things to Do in Ballarat

There's no need to endlessly reach for your wallet in Ballarat. The following won't cost a thing.

Ballarat Town Hall - Take a stroll around this historic place and uncover a few secrets from yesteryear.

Lake Esmond - Close your eyes and draw a deep breath — nothing tops being near the water for some rest and restoration.

St John of God Hospital Ballarat - Open up your guidebook and find out why this place deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens - Renew your body, mind and soul by spending a bit of time in nature.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ballarat? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ballarat

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill

4.5/5(8 reviews)

Strike gold at this open-air museum, which tells the story of Ballarat’s first decade as a gold rush town with recreated buildings, goldmine tours and workshops.

Sovereign Hill
A cool peir overlooking Lake Wendouree in Ballarat. Great for long exposures. #BvSBlue

Lake Wendouree

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Wendouree during your travels in Ballarat. Amble around the area's lakeside or experience its museums.

Lake Wendouree
Ballarat showing night scenes and heritage architecture

Ballarat Town Hall

Ballarat Town Hall is just one of the places to see in Ballarat, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander around the gardens or experience the area's art scene.

Ballarat Town Hall
Ballarat Fine Art Gallery which includes interior views

Art Gallery of Ballarat

5/5(1 review)

Follow the history of Australian art from colonial to contemporary when you peruse the collection of Australia’s biggest and oldest regional art gallery.

Art Gallery of Ballarat
The glass house in the Ballarat Botanical. The internal layout changes to suit seasons

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

4/5(2 reviews)

Find out about the history of Ballarat when you spend time at Ballarat Botanical Gardens. While you're in the area, find time to visit its spas.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Gold Museum featuring interior views

Gold Museum

Find out about the treasured metal that enticed thousands of prospectors to find their fortune in the gold rush of the mid 19th century at this intriguing museum.

Gold Museum
Mount Buninyong is an extinct volcano near Ballarat. This is the view from the scenic reserve #localgem

Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve, a lovely green space in Ballarat.

Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve
St Patrick\'s Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral

You can find out about the history of Ballarat with a trip to St Patrick's Cathedral. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the area's art scene.

St Patrick's Cathedral
Ballarat Bird world is fun if you are a bird lover. It is smallish and is mostly parrots in aviaries. The free flight aviary is definitely worth it. Sometimes, the gentleman who owns it lets you go in and pet the red tailed black cockatoo #localgem

Ballarat Bird World

Enjoy an outing to Ballarat Bird World during your stay in Ballarat. While you're in the area, find time to visit its spas.

Ballarat Bird World

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Ballarat

A cool peir overlooking Lake Wendouree in Ballarat. Great for long exposures. #BvSBlue

Lake Wendouree

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Lake Wendouree. You might want to make time for a stop at Lake Wendouree or Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

Lake Wendouree
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Delacombe

Delacombe is well-liked for its shopping. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Ballarat area, you might plan a trip to Ballarat Tramway Museum or Ballarat Golf Club.

Delacombe
Sovereign Hill which includes interior views

Golden Point (Ballarat)

Golden Point (Ballarat) is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Gold Museum and Sovereign Hill while you're in town.

Golden Point (Ballarat)
Roo snooze at Ballarat Wildlife Park. Great place for children to enjoy kangaroos and other Australian wildlife. The kangaroos are very familiar with visitors and will happily steal sandwiches from picnic tables - Yogi Bear style.

Ballarat East

Ballarat East is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Eureka Hall and Eureka Aquatic Center.

Ballarat East
The Buninyong botanical gardens are one of the oldest in Victoria and are so beautiful to visit. It feels like you've gone back in time #localgem

Buninyong

If you're spending some time in Buninyong, Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve and Union Jack Education Area are top sights worth seeing.

Buninyong
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Canadian

Travelers like the parks in Canadian, and Lake Esmond is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Canadian
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Ballarat worth visiting?
Ballarat has a unique mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into nature, history or local cuisine, there's a lot here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Ballarat?
Once you've checked off major attractions like Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Wildlife Park, spend some time experiencing Ballarat's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ballarat?
Don't go home without visiting Sovereign Hill, ranked the top tourist attraction in Ballarat.
Is three days enough to stay in Ballarat?
Three days in Ballarat is enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travelers spend two days on average. Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park and Her Majesty's Theatre are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Daylesford.
Is Ballarat a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Ballarat. Several top attractions, such as Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Wildlife Park, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Ballarat's best neighborhoods, Soldiers Hill is 1 mile away from downtown, while Golden Point is 1 mile away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Ballarat with kids?
If you're searching for sights and activities for all ages, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Ballarat with kids.

What to do in Ballarat for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Ballarat, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Ballarat Town Hall.
Are there free things to do in Ballarat?
In Ballarat, Lake Wendouree is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a good way to discover the best free things to do in Ballarat.