THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Ballarat
Things to Do in Ballarat
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- Kule DudeBromsgrove, UK976 contributionsWhile staying in Melbourne we decided to venture a little further from base and headed north to Ballarat. Having left our base in reasonable temperature of high teens, it soon became clear we hadn't brought enough warm clothing! On arrival the temperature was only 7 degrees!
We have several similar recreated open air industrial villages in the UK (beamish/Blists Hill/Black Country etc) - and Sovereign Hill was as good as any of these.
The guides in the various areas were all in character and well dressed.
There were several school parties enjoying the facilities - and the panning for gold seemed to be the most popular.
We didn't have chance to sample the catering outlets and I feel we would have stayed longer had we been in warmer clothing - but that was our problem. Perhaps a return visit is needed.Written 1 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Yattikorn KrittayanurakBangkok, Thailand16 contributionsIncredible place to visit local animals like penguins, tasmanian devils, koalas, kangaroos and many reptiles. Worth 2-hour of travel from Melbourne to Ballarat. I have a chance to attend Koala encounter and it was amazing. All of the staffs there were super nice and friendly, specially thanks to Michelle who supported us during Koala encounter session. Kangaroos were walking freely in the park and they were very tame which you can feed foods by your hand. Didn't have a chance to observe Wombat as they're sleeping in the den. I'll recommend everyone to visit this place!Written 28 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mark JSydney, Australia43 contributionsMy wife and I spent two hours walking around this lake. This is truly pleasant place to spend time. The views are changing with bend you come to.Written 7 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jennifer S4 contributionsGreat collection, very informative guided tour. Would highly recommend this regional gallery, an unexpected find.Written 13 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Chris RobertsStratford-upon-Avon, UK10 contributionsA very beautiful site of gardens that are carefully tended which includes statues of Australian Premiers along with a wide variety of plants. Close by the lake Wendouree which is very scenicWritten 16 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bug a1 contributionGreat place to learn about old trams. Amazing sight seeing experience in the tram ride and nice customer service.Written 21 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paul PMelbourne, Australia232 contributionsI love this street with it collection of old buildings. It reeks of Ballarat's golden hey day. Mercifully the city is determined to keep these building looking like new and we hope they continue to do so.Written 10 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- springbanktravellerCallgary870 contributionsThe staff were excellent. The displays of paintings and histories of the Eureka Stockade of and the gold miners rebellion in Ballarat was displayed along with the flag flown at the time. Well worth a visit.Written 12 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ron HColo Vale, Australia487 contributionsThis place is truly a beautiful memorial to all of Ballarat's Service men of WW1 and all conflicts, with 3900 trees lining a 14 mile stretch of road signifying the citizens that served in WW1Written 20 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wendy OBrisbane, Australia173 contributionsMy husband and I attended the Anzac Day service here. Was a very good service, lots of people including the police. We attended this one due to that my dad was a POW in Changi, meant a lot us. It’s a shame there’s not more places like this around Australia.Written 16 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- roy vTraralgon, Australia4,808 contributionsWe visited the railways station a couple of times while in Ballarat.
A terrific set up with all platforms being covered.
Lovely architecture inside and out.
Reminds me of stations in England, lots of character.
Busy place , trains coming and going all the time.
Just outside is the bus terminal where buses go to lots of nearby towns,
Well worth going for a look when in the areaWritten 5 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - roy vTraralgon, Australia4,808 contributionsWe visited the Cathedral while in Ballarat.
It first came to our notice because of all the ribbons hanging on the metal fence around it , not sure what that is all about.
A lovely bluestone building, when we went inside it was very impressive.
It feels huge in there, lovely altar area and very beautifull stain glass windows.
Worth a few moments of your time for sure.Written 6 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Tina T3 contributionsWhat a lovely place, after initial confusion about the front door being locked, we had a lovely visit hosted by the amazgin (see what I did there) Vanessa.
Vanessa was the best host giving us heaps of information and we walked away with the Revenant whisky and two different gins, a great experience! Highly recommendWritten 15 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,838 contributionsThis jewel of the Victorian era is something of which the people of Ballarat can be proud. The Queen herself would surely have cast an approving eye over this vintage theatre; it is said to be the best remaining theatre of the Victorian Age. From the point of view of the performing arts, it is a great asset for the citizens of this golden city.Written 3 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,838 contributionsAustralian birds are colourful and diverse, it's worth taking the family on a visit to the Ballarat Bird World; the noisy Black Cockatoos are entrancing. There's a half kilometer of raised walkways, and more than 50 metres of man-made waterfalls. Apart from the Maze, the kids will love the animatronic dinosaur. Ballarat Bird World is an entertaining day out, it's obviously a labour of love for the family who manage this venture, who have reared many birds by hand.Written 2 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ballarat
- The top attractions to visit in Ballarat are:
- Sovereign Hill
- Lake Wendouree
- Ballarat Wildlife Park
- Ballarat Botanical Gardens
- Art Gallery of Ballarat
- The best outdoor activities in Ballarat according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Ballarat Botanical Gardens
- Lake Wendouree
- Ballarat Wildlife Park
- Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground
- Sturt Street Gardens
- The best day trips from Ballarat according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Grampians National Park Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne
- Sovereign Hill, Ballarat and Melbourne City 1-Day Tour
- Custom Private Day Tour Melbourne to all surrounding areas for up to 11 people
- The most popular things to do in Ballarat with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial
- Ballarat Botanical Gardens
- Lake Wendouree
- Ballarat Wildlife Park
- Ballarat Tramway Museum
Ballarat Attractions Information
Attractions | 205 |
|---|---|
Attraction Reviews | 11,005 |
Attraction Photos | 8,264 |
Local Time | Wednesday 7:38 pm |