Things to do in Ballarat

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Ballarat which includes a sunset and street scenes

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 {4 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!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Ballarat on a sunny day?
If you’re chasing a little fun in the sun, try these outdoor adventures:


Are there cheap things to do in Ballarat?
If you’re traveling on a strict budget, add the following cheap and cheerful tours and activities to your schedule:


What can you do in Ballarat for free?
You’ll barely have time to grab your wallet out of your bag with so many fantastic free things to do:

  • Lake Wendouree
  • Ballarat Base Hospital
  • Ballarat Botanical Gardens
  • St John of God Hospital Ballarat

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ballarat

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve

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

Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve

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
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
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 Ballarat Wildlife Park and Eureka Aquatic Center.

Ballarat East
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)
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Sebastopol

The spas and theaters are a few reasons travelers visit Sebastopol. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Sovereign Hill and Gold Museum, a few notable attractions nearby.

Sebastopol
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Wendouree

While visiting Wendouree, you might make a stop by sights like Eureka Stadium and Flax Mill Swamp Wildlife Reserve.

Wendouree
See our Where To Stay guide