Things to do in Ballarat

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Ballarat

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Things to Do in Ballarat

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park, Historic Sites, Ports of Call Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.

Top Attractions in Ballarat

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Historical gold rush hub with interactive mine tours, gold panning, and craft demonstrations. Enjoy candle dipping, sweet making, and evening light displays.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Wildlife park with interactive kangaroo encounters and informative shows, including a crocodile demonstration. Features gentle walking slopes and a variety of Australian animals.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Scenic lakeside walking path stretching 6km, hosting 1956 Olympic rowing events. Enjoy wildlife, picnics, and water sports amidst tranquil botanical gardens.
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Botanical haven with diverse themed gardens, marble statues, and a Prime Ministers Walk. Seasonal blooms in the conservatory, scenic lake views, and tranquil picnic areas available.
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Historic tramway museum showcasing a collection of classic trams, complete with rides and workshop tours in a scenic garden setting.
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Historical art gallery showcasing a blend of classic and contemporary paintings, curated around unique themes with an educational twist on the region's history.
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Historical center chronicling the Eureka Stockade rebellion with original flag, detailed displays, and an inviting coffee shop for refreshment.
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What travellers are saying

  • tripper77
    Sanctuary Point, Australia16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed our visit. Was not overly busy. The daytime shows were really good and informative, giving my kids a great perspective on life in the 1800s. The leather keyring making was ok but a bit overpriced. The upgraded mine tour and panning should have been included in the price, so we chose not to do it.
    Written 13 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adam B
    Mount Gambier, Australia36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was our first visit to the park and we really loved every minute of it.
    The kangaroos on arrival are friendly and definitely look for treats and this certainly sets the tone for a great day.
    The park has a great variety of animals, ranging from Koalas to meerkats, from giant tortoises to wombats, penguins, snakes and lizards, a huge crocodile and a majestic tiger.
    We were lucky to spend time with Crunch the massive crocodile while no one else was in his viewing area and were left in awe of his size both above and below the water.
    We got a family photo with a giant tortoise, which is one of the many added extras you can experience if you have the time and money.
    The cafe was a nice rest spot and the food was well priced.
    The boys really enjoyed the large selection of snakes and reptiles, while the playful penguins put on a good show for us.
    The only disappointing aspect of our visit was the poor weather, which cut our visit short. We definitely hope to visit again. Highly recommended to families and people looking to have an enjoyable day out
    Written 5 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Moving Butler
    Ballarat, Australia191 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just massive and wonderful to walk around. Just watch out of duck / bird poo that you will find close to where they roost. The entire lake is quite the body of water and I am sure you will enjoy it. There is a farmers market that sets up shop over selected weekends.
    Written 23 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Roadtripping Nanny
    Newcastle, Australia586 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s wonderful ! So many lovely things to see……gardens, trees etc and sculptures and buildings. It’s quite large and has excellent signs and information boards so you can read all about the things you are seeing. It’s a lovely experience in beautiful Ballarat.
    Written 9 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andrew A
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a great time there, super helpful staff. But the carpark was hard to find, the GPS not much help and Melbourne roads are intimidating at times. It's possible to join the tram tour outside the Museum and pay on board for the Museum entry which includes the rides, that is what we would do next time.
    Written 19 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maryann B
    Basel, Switzerland348 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were not expecting such a wonderful art gallery outside of the big Australian cities. We were lucky enough to time our visit with the free guided tour which was very enjoyable and informative. We learnt a lot about both the art works and the history of the local area. The staff were all extremely helpful. One can easily spend 2+ hours here if exploring all the exhibits. And it's all for free!
    Written 14 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James B
    Newcastle, Australia633 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was a lovely street walk appreciating the historic buildings, so many of which have been preserved. Ballarat was clearly a wealthy town in its heyday.
    Written 9 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Toowoombatourist
    Toowoomba, Australia319 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not a huge museum but it explains well the history behind the Eureka Stockade and the significance it has in Australian history.
    The original stockade flag is on display and the associated memorabilia helps set the scene for life in those times.

    The Memorial Park next to the centre is also worth a stroll through...a number of different memorials all linked to the Eureka Stockade story are each special in their own way...Pathway of Remembrance, Pikeman's Dog, Eureka Circle, Stockade Monument Lake Penhalluriak.

    The cafe in the centre is a great spot for a break during your explorations of the area.
    Written 17 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Toowoombatourist
    Toowoomba, Australia319 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A modern memorial to Australian POW's...quite moving to see the huge number of names represented on the wall. These men and woman from so many conflicts deserve this recognition and it has been beautifully done.
    Written 17 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C...
    Gippsland, Australia94,528 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Together at this location is the Arch of Victory and the beginning of the Avenue of Honour, they are here because the community wanted to create a tangible and fitting memorial in recognition of service and sacrifice during WW1.

    The Avenue was officially opened in 1929 by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales ( later Edward VIII). Both the Arch and the Avenue are listed by the Victorian Heritage Register.

    William Birdwood, 1st Baron Birdwood of Anzac and Totnes, field marshal was born in India. Birdwood was appointed K.C.M.G. (1914), K C.S.I. (1915), K.C.B. (1917), G.C.M.G. (1919), and was created a baronet and granted £10,000 (1919). He was mentioned in dispatches frequently and awarded many foreign decorations. In the Australian Military Forces he was made a general (1920), field marshal (1925), and honorary colonel of the 3rd Infantry Battalion and the 16th Light Horse; he also received further British honours. In 1920 he toured Australia and one of his duties was to lay the stone for the arch.

    The Arch of Victory is the largest commemorative arch in Australia. The world’s most significant arches are displayed at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Ballarat’s Arch of Victory has its place amongst those world arches.

    It is a very grand structure, but to really appreciate it... you do need to get out and walk around... there are many information plaques at it's base and information boards in this precinct.
    Written 4 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Moving Butler
    Ballarat, Australia191 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Take a quick trip from Southern Cross Station Melbourne to the magnificent Ballarat Train Station, the perfect day trip out. Once you arrive at the main Station, you will see the majestic yesteryears just before your eyes. The station is majestic to say the least and is very well looked after. I am sure they are still filming old sets here. Take a moment once you arrive to walk around, sit for a minute and take in the splendour of what once was but in real time today.
    Written 6 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,699 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Australian 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 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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