Best Things To Eat, Drink and Do In Ballarat in 2026

We love a little road trip, and Ballarat is easily one of the best destinations, with its veritable treasure trove of history, cafes, stunning historic architecture and a burgeoning food scene with upscale restaurants, killer bars, charming pubs and breweries.

Things To Do In Ballarat At A Glance:

• The best bars and restaurants in Ballarat
• The best cafes in Ballarat
• 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.

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.

Here’s our full guide for everything you need to tick off your to-do list when you’re visiting Ballarat:

The Best Bars And Restaurants In Ballarat

Babae

710 Sturt Street, Ballarat

Image: Babae | Instagram

Did you expect destination dining in Ballarat? You should. It’s so close to some of Victoria’s food bowls that this one totally checks out. Babae, underneath Hotel Vera is serving up some of Victoria’s best regional produce in an intimate 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 pumpkin cake with crème fraîche and candied Boonderoo walnuts, 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

Image: The Shared Table | Instagram

The Shared Table is set in the little historic town of Buninyong, just a short drive outside of Ballarat. It’s worth the trip, and 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 beef cheek croquettes with pickled pumpkin and mandarin pancakes with hoisin rabbit, and classic dishes like steak frites with mushroom sauce and fried onion rings. Their tofu doughnuts with miso caramel and house vanilla ice cream are a must-order to round things out. The Dine Without Decision set menu changes constantly, and the pairing upgrade comes strongly, strongly recommended. 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.

Grainery Lane

35 Armstrong Street, Ballarat

Image: Grainery Lane | Instagram

Firstly: the fitout is to die for. Old-world grandeur with dark wood, an ornate backbar, chandeliers and hanging greenery whisk you away to a Gold Rush era gone by. But Grainery Lane's cocktails are the real treasure. Sip a classic Manhattan or switch it up with one of their creative signatures. You'll find their own house-made spirits in many cocktails (how many bars can boast that?). To accompany the tipple, a menu of Asian-influenced dishes, like oysters with nahm jim, confit pork belly spring rolls and crispy eggplant.

On Sundays, they host 'high tea' with a difference. Their G & Tea includes 2 hours of free-flowing cocktail teapots (cute!) and an array of small bites for $79pp.

Meigas

33 Armstrong Street N, Ballarat Central

Image: Meigas | Instagram

Meigas is some of the best Spanish cuisine you’ll find this side of the equator. 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 tortilla espanola (if you've never had a Spanish tortilla, it'll blow your mind). 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

Image: Johnny Alloo | Instagram

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.

Cobb's Coffee

2 Lydiard St Sth, Ballarat

Image: Cobb's Coffee | Instagram

​Situated in a heritage building between Lydiard and Sturt streets, Cobb's Coffee is a caffeine mecca for locals. Their beans are from Melbourne's Rumble Coffee, so they brew a cup at least as good as what you'd get in the big smoke. They've also opened Cobb's Canteen over on Pleasant Street, where they bake their own pastries and focaccia - that's as fresh as it gets.

Of course, they're famous for their deli-style sangas, so pick up an oozy three cheese, truffle mushroom melt, classic HCT (that's ham, cheese, tomato) or a hefty Reuben. But it's hard to skip the focaccia, with ham, cheese, chilli salami, pesto, pickles and fennel. And if there's a cinnamon roll in the cabinet, get it immediately. 

1816 Bakehouse

18 Armstrong Sreet North, Ballarat

Image: 1816 Bakehouse | Instagram

Bakery fans, make a beeline for 1816 Bakehouse. Opened in 2018, it brought the artisan sourdough movement to Ballarat, churning out glossy loaves and sweet treats that draw in folks far and wide. Whether it's flaky, buttery croissants, fudgy double choc chip cookies, fresh apple pie, melt-in-your-mouth savoury scones or a classic vanilla slice, they're obsessive about quality (and it shows). Even their toasties would please any Melbourne sandwich aficionado, along with the locally roasted coffee.

Sure, we love a country bakery pie, but 1816's handmade range is a serious level up, with specialties like beef, cheese and jalapeno and lamb and rosemary, as well as a cheesy sausage roll we can't stop thinking about. 

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 your room will be right upstairs, making that post-meal flop all the bit easier.

Monterey Eco Stay

Image: Monterey Eco Stays | Instagram

Just a short drive from Ballarat, Monterey Eco Stays is your natural oasis 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

Image: Lake Wendouree | Instagram

Ballarat is surrounded by natural wonders. 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, making it 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. 

For height-seekers, Mount Buninyong sits 745 metres above sea level and shows 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, which 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

Image: Eastern Peake | Instagram

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 should head to the iconic Hop Temple. With over 200 beers available by the bottle and on tap, this old saddle maker’s warehouse is the perfect spot for a cold one. If 200 beers aren’t enough, Aunty Jacks brewpub slings craft beer, moreish food and even offers hands-on experiences where you can learn about all things beer. For something more spirited, Roy Hammond is Ballarat's most vibrant cocktail bar, with a playful Asian fusion menu to match. 

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 (also the cellar door for cult fave LATTA) to indulge in one of their tasting experiences.  

Settle In For A Feed

Image: Underbar | Instagram

Perhaps one of Ballarat’s biggest flexes is its abundance of mouth-watering cuisine. 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 the empanadas. 

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 20-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

Image: Sovereign Hill | Instagram

Once you’re done eating through Ballarat, there are loads of cultural experiences to add to your itinerary. The Art Gallery of Ballarat (currently closed for a refurb) 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 gigs, Ballarat boasts an electric music scene, so 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

Image: Backyard Beekees Ballarat | Instagram

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 the area 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. 

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 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. 

Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.

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