We love a little road trip here at the Urban List and what better place to go than Ballarat, with its veritable treasure trove of history, cafes, stunning historic architecture and a burgeoning food scene that we’re slowly falling in love with.
Things To Do In Ballarat At A Glance:
- The best restaurants in Ballarat for a country dining experience
- Ballarat’s best cafes to while away your morning
- Places to stay in Ballarat
- What to do when you’re in Ballarat
At just 90 minutes from Melbourne, the ‘Rat is an easy choice for a weekend getaway. The V/Line can noot you up there in less than the time it takes to get down Punt Road in peak hour and bonus only costs a crisp tenner if you don’t have wheels.
Arguably Melbourne’s most picturesque regional city, Ballarat was founded in 1838 and was the centre of the gold rush in Victoria—and very briefly one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It’s come a long way since then and it’s not just about gold rush history anymore—there’s more things to eat, drink, do and see than ever before.
Without further ado, here’s our full guide for everything you need to tick off your to-do list when you’re in Ballarat:
The Best Restaurants In Ballarat
Babae
710 Sturt Street, Ballarat
Did we expect destination dining in Ballarat? Well, come to think of it, yes. It’s so close to some of Victoria’s foodbowls that this one totally checks out. Babae, underneath Hotel Vera (more on that below) is serving up some of Victoria’s best regional produce in an intimate (date night, hello) fine diner with just 26 seats. Inside, expect a definite feel of opulence and luxury which is reflected in the food as well. Their menu champions local growers and producers and they even source some bits from their garden, nice. So what’s it like? Light, bright, glamorous with a stunning open kitchen, a tight little courtyard that provides pond-side dining so you get that authentic feel. On the menu front expect dishes like gougeres on Long Paddock cheese, jerusalem artichoke and chestnut, Central Highlands corn-fed duck with plum sauce and little mushroom parfaits with pickle quince. It doesn’t get much better than that.
The Shared Table
317 Learmonth Street, Buninyong
The Shared Table really does what it says on the tin, there’s plenty to share here which is part of the beauty of it. Set in the little historic town of Buninyong, just a short drive outside of Ballarat, it’s the perfect spot for a meandering lunch. The very European leaning menu (a little from France, a little from Italy) with a touch of Asian influence sprinkled atop for good measure lets you pick at your leisure with little bits like red pepper coquettes, scallop ceviche, antipasto and bigger classics like a steak frites (but the frites are onion rings, love that) or ginger soy glazed chicken. Their tofu doughnuts with miso caramel and house vanilla ice cream are a must order to round things out. Victorian wines are at the heart of their drinks list but don’t fret you can still get an espresso martini to perk you up or a negroni to wash everything down after your meal.
Meigas
33 Armstrong Street N, Ballarat Central
Si, mi gusta. The comida (that’s food) at Meigas is some of the best Spanish cuisine you’ll find this side of the Indian Ocean. The dark and moody interior is reminiscent of Barca and the food is unreal. In true Spanish style there’s plenty of snacky bits ranging from little boquerones and croquettes (which change daily) to Galician octopus, paella (of course) and the obligatory charcuteria. The best part about Meigas is a girl dinner is mandatory: all the plates are share plates. Make sure you take a pal to cover off on everything but our picks are the Spanish meatballs in almond sauce and the charred broccoli (try it, trust us). If you’re lucky while you’re there you might be able to catch a traditional flamenco show which really just caps off the whole experience. Vamanos!
The Best Cafes In Ballarat
Johnny Alloo
32 Drummond Street N, Ballarat Central
Remember brunch? Johnny Alloo is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you don’t carve out more time for leisurely cafe visits, not just one but two coffees—you know, one before and one after your beautifully crafted plate. Think dishes like breakfast gnocchi with kale, mint, peas, pine nuts and doused in a couple of kinds of cheese and a beurre blanc or a stacked spiced chai maple, poached pear french toast. The moody red brick interior is perfect for whiling away your late morning while you enjoy your St Ali brew.
Where To Stay In Ballarat
Hotel Vera
710 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central
Image: Hotel Vera | Supplied
Hotel Vera is no ordinary hotel. It’s the latest enterprise from Ballarat’s own David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew and is a tribute to David’s maternal grandmother, Vera. It’s why as soon as you walk through the hotel doors you’ll instantly feel a change of pace, an unmistakable warmth and ultimate seclusion. Boasting seven personalised suites laden with curated art, design, lighting, products and decor, it’s safe to say you’re never going to want to check out. Best of all, if you're dining at Babae (see above) your room will be right upstairs, making that post-meal flop all the bit easier.
Monterey Eco Stay
Sustainable accommodation is not in short supply in Ballarat with Monterey Eco Stays opening at Captains Creek Organic Wines. Inspired by the need to live smaller and more sustainably, this secluded and intimate luxury escape has been thoughtfully designed to lessen your environmental footprint and reduce our reliance on natural resources. Nestled among 35 acres of native forest at Blampied, the tiny house is built from salvaged Monterey cypress timber and can sleep up to four people with a king bed downstairs and cosy double bed located in the upstairs loft. Enjoy the best of both worlds with quality bed linen, baker’s oven wood heater, floor to ceiling forest views from the shower and the serene sounds of nature from the surrounding forest.
Things To Do In Ballarat
Get Adventuring
If you’re the kind of person that loves to seize the day with an early morning hike or you're partial to an afternoon cycling adventure, you’ll be stoked to know there are plenty of stunning landscapes, trails and mountains to keep your eyes occupied while you work up a sweat. For a leisurely stroll, you can’t go past Ballarat’s equivalent of The Tan, Lake Wendouree. The lake is lined with stunning botanical gardens, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the most scenic suburban walking tracks in Victoria. Or, if you’re keen to explore a little further, La Gerche Forest Walk is a 2.2 kilometre loop that offers the perfect escape for a therapeutic walk.
If you’re keen to raise the stakes on your stroll, Mount Buninyong will do just that, sitting 745 metres above sea level and showing off some seriously epic views over Western Victoria. Avid hikers can venture to Mount Cole State Forest, where you’ll walk through cool fern gullies and alpine plateaus, accompanied by sprawling views of the Langi Ghiran and the Grampians. For those who prefer to get around on wheels, the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail is the ultimate off-road adventure, that will have you completely immersed in Australia’s native flora and fauna. Marvel at wide-open grasslands, eucalypt forests, historic bridges and quaint 19th-century villages all while working up a sweat.
Treat Yourself To A Tipple
No getaway is complete without sampling some of the local area’s finest drops, and fortunately, Ballarat is loaded with options. Those on the hunt for an icy cold beer and a solid feed should look no further than the iconic Hop Temple. With over 100 beers available by the bottle and on tap, this old saddle maker’s warehouse is the perfect spot for an afternoon beer. If 100 beers aren’t enough, Aunty Jacks brewpub pours up a delicious craft beer, moreish food and even offers hands-on experiences where you can learn about all things beer. If you’re in the mood to enjoy the finer things in life, Roy Hammond is Ballarat’s newest bar and certainly leaves an impression. This is the place to enjoy Ballarat indoors, with a photo-worthy interior and most importantly, a vast selection of gin, whiskey and wine.
Vino lovers can raise a glass at a slew of wineries, sprawling through Ballarat and the Pyrenees region. For the serious wine drinker, we recommend a trip to Eastern Peake to indulge in one of their cellar door experiences. Ranging from introductory to comprehensive and even private Barrel Room tastings, these guys know what they’re doing when it comes to making delicious wine and providing an unforgettable experience. Another winery to firmly plant on your hit list is Mitchell Harris Wines, located in the heart of Ballarat. Sit back and relax in their 140-year-old former produce store while indulging in some of their cool-climate wines while snacking on some of their tasty grazing menu.
Settle In For A Feed
Perhaps one of Ballarat’s biggest flexes is their abundance of mouth-watering cuisine. Here, you can have it all, with Chef Hatted restaurants, iconic pubs and atmospheric eateries at every turn. If you’re after something completely unexpected, Pancho is where you’ll want to unwind for dinner. With a strong focus on truly traditional South American cuisine ranging across the Latino globe, this intimate South American bar and eatery is a must-visit. Hot tip, make sure to order fish tacos. If you’re after a feed that packs a punch, make sure to head to Moon and Mountain and strap yourself in for a Modern Asian feast. The atmosphere is vibrant and the food, simply delicious.
For breakfast and lunch, you can’t go past the perfection that is Hydrant Food Hall. Situated in a heritage warehouse in Ballarat’s CBD, this large open space oozes natural light and a relaxed vibe suited to every season (the food’s pretty great too). Another epic breakfast destination is Fika Coffee Brewers. While the fit-out and menu is minimalist, it’s big on vibes and deliciousness. If you’re looking for something to really blow your socks off and time is on your side, try to score yourself a booking at Ballarat’s 16-seater restaurant, Underbar. Created by Derek Boath, former head Chef of New York’s three-Michelin starred Per Se, you just know this is going to be good.
Immerse Yourself In Culture
Once you’re done eating through Ballarat, there are loads of cultural experiences to add to your itinerary. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is located in the heart of Ballarat’s central heritage precinct and is Australia’s oldest regional gallery. Showcasing an impressive collection of Australian paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and works on paper, whether you consider yourself an art aficionado or not, this is a must-visit. Whether you’ve been before or not, there’s no denying that Sovereign Hill is an iconic experience not to be missed. Bringing to life the excitement of Australia’s 1850s gold rush in a themed setting with experiences and learning workshops, it’s no wonder it’s been named Australia’s best ‘Major Tourist Attraction’ four times.
If you love to get around live music, Ballarat boasts an electric live music scene, showcasing a wide range of artists and performers from around the world. So if you’re keen to catch a gig, make sure to keep up to date with what’s on. For those who like to immerse themselves in the local flora and fauna, the award-winning Ballarat Wildlife Park allows for people and animals to come together in a relaxing, friendly and educational environment. Prepare to marvel at free-roaming kangaroos and koalas, tortoises, crocodiles, Sumatran tigers and loads more.
Level Up Your Trip With Unforgettable Experiences
While Ballarat’s culture, food, wine and scenic landscapes will certainly have you occupied, there are plenty more memorable experiences to be had. Sitting firmly as our favourite thing to do in Ballarat is the stunning Tuki Trout Farm and Retreat. Not only is this a romantic getaway for couples (think stone cottages, open fires, spa baths), it is also open daily for trout fishing. Here, you can catch your very own fish and have the on-site restaurant prepare it for your lunch. Now that’s what you call paddock to plate.
Horror fanatics and crime podcast lovers can’t miss an evening with Ballarat Eerie Tours where you’ll explore the dark and paranormal side of Ballarat. Get ready for a night of uncanny occurrences and spooky tales set against the magnificent backdrop of Ballarat’s Gothic-inspired architecture. If a haunted tour is a little too risque for your tastes, you can always opt to upgrade your pottery skills in a ceramics workshop or deep dive into all things honey with a beekeeping workshop hosted by Ballarat’s own Backyard Beekeeping.
Keen to start planning your next local escape to Ballarat? Click here to discover more about the region or to book accommodation.
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