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
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What to do in Ballarat

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ballarat

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill

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

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

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

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
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
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

Ballarat Base Hospital

Though Ballarat Base Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Ballarat while you are here.

Ballarat Base Hospital

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Ballarat

Ballarat

Ballarat Central

If you're spending some time in Ballarat Central, Ballarat Town Hall and Her Majesty's Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Ballarat Central
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
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 Aquatic Center and Eureka Hall.

Ballarat East
Crested Pigeon #wildlife

Newington

The bars and spas are just a few features travelers like about Newington. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Ballarat Tramway Museum and Lake Wendouree are a few top places to visit.

Newington

Frequently asked questions

Is Ballarat worth visiting?
Ballarat offers a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or traditional cuisine, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Ballarat?
Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Wildlife Park are two excellent places to start your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in Ballarat while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ballarat?
Don't leave without checking out Sovereign Hill, rated 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 main highlights. Many travelers book for two days on average. Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park and Her Majesty's Theatre are among the most popular sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Daylesford.
Is Ballarat a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Ballarat, like Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Wildlife Park, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometers from central Ballarat is Soldiers Hill and Golden Point is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Ballarat with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our ideas for what to do in Ballarat with kids.

What to do in Ballarat for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Ballarat, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Ballarat Town Hall.
Are there free things to do in Ballarat?
From enjoying parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Ballarat. If you're in need of ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Lake Wendouree is a must for anyone wanting to save on their traveling adventures.