Ballarat is what you would call a Victorian goldmine; where art, culture, history and award-winning attractions meet in a city filled with flawlessly preserved Victorian-era architecture. Best known as being central to the largest gold rush in Australia’s history, modern Ballarat is a bustling and vibrant metropolis in the heart of the Victorian Central Highlands. Get ready to jump in your Hertz rental car as we explore all that this beautiful town and its surrounding highlands have to offer.
Experience Ballarat’s Rich History
The first stop on anyone’s list has to be Sovereign Hill, one of Australia’s unique experiences and Ballarat’s top attraction - it’s definitely one that’s not to be missed.This open air living museum features a full scale reconstruction of old Ballarat Town. Here, you can take a step back in time and get a taste of 19th century Victoria at the height of the Gold Rush. Try your hand at panning for real gold, take an underground mine tour and experience the talent and craftsmanship from a bygone era in the shops of the reconstructed main street.
Contrast your visit to old world Ballarat with a visit to the heart of the vibrant city centre, where you will discover gorgeous garden-lined main streets, a diverse range of flagship stores as well as smaller independent boutiques along Bridge Mall. Start your morning off with a Melbourne-style brunch and Ballarat’s best Coffee at Fika Coffee Brewers, a hidden gem and local favourite. After fuelling up, it’s time to explore the central heritage precinct. Take yourself on a journey through time and discover many of the city’s oldest and grandest buildings. Not just for history buffs, this short loop around town showcases grand Victorian-era architecture, unique pieces of public art and gorgeous public gardens. Located on the heritage walk, you’ll be able to stop in at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australia’s oldest and largest regional gallery.
After soaking up the history and ambiance of the city, you’ll want to make yourself at home at Hotel Vera, Ballarat’s premier luxury stay. Located right in the heart of the CBD, you’ll be walking distance to so many of the city's best restaurants - the best however, is located right on site. The acclaimed restaurant Underbar is a premium fine dining restaurant, offering an intimate and unforgettable dining experience. The menu is a seasonal chef’s tasting menu, inspired by local purveyors and producers of the region, and perfectly paired with a curated wine menu for the most refined culinary experience in Ballarat.
Visit Victoria’s food, wine and spa country
The Central Highlands region is awash with rich cultural experiences, beautiful natural scenery and wineries, so you’re going to want to grab the keys to your Hertz rental car and head out on a country Victoria road trip. If you’re a morning person, treat yourself to the absolute best views of the surrounding region with a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Picture This Ballooning operates scenic sunrise flights just outside of Ballarat, where you’ll get to watch a gorgeous sunrise as you drift gracefully through the sky. After a sky-high morning, it’s time to relax. Take a drive half an hour up the road to Victoria’s spa country - Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. The Central Highlands has the highest concentration of mineral springs anywhere in Australia, and you’ll find plenty of chances to bathe in these naturally warm and rejuvenating thermal baths.
If you consider yourself a connoisseur, the wineries and cellar doors of the Ballarat wine region will be right up your alley. Home to a scattering of award winning wine bars, breweries and distilleries, this growing region is known for its small batch, boutique wineries paired with an excellent local food scene, giving it a premium reputation. Stop in at Eastern Peake wines, just outside of Ballarat, for local food and wine tastings in the heart of the highlands (just make sure you allocate a designated driver). On the return journey, end the day with sunset on the banks of Lake Wendouree - Ballarat’s lakeside destination.
With something to see and do wherever you look, Ballarat is a melting pot of culture, art, great food and even better wine, in a city that lives and breathes its iconic gold rush heritage. Whether you’re visiting to discover Australia’s gold rush heritage, or looking to relax in the highlands, there is something for everyone. Ballarat and surrounds are sure to charm and invite you to stay a little longer to discover this beautiful part of Victoria.
