Top Places to Visit and Stay in Historic Ballarat

Renowned for its connection to gold and today, for its well-preserved historic landscape, Ballarat was a thriving boomtown in the mid 1800s, with gold first discovered in 1851. By the 1880s, Ballarat was one of the richest cities in the world, evidenced by the stately architecture lining the main streets. Set against this unique historic backdrop, there’s been a steady rise in contemporary offerings breathing new life into the city.

Here are some of the top spots we recommend you visit and stay during your Ballarat escape!

Johnny Alloo: Start your day with a warming brew and an impressive line-up of food offerings at this local favourite. Named after Ballarat’s first restaurateur from the goldfields, Johnny Alloo’s is housed in an historic brick building and is all about showcasing local fare.

Art Gallery of Ballarat: The oldest and largest regional art gallery in Australia, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is one of the city’s most prized tourist attractions. In an iconic 19th century building, set aside a few hours to admire gilt-framed colonial artworks, contemporary, and indigenous collections.

1816 Bakehouse: Your go-to for a local coffee, sourdough loaf and flakey pastries, 1816 Bakehouse is Ballarat’s much-loved bakery serving hand-rolled croissants, hand-moulded sourdough, fresh sandwiches and crisp toasties. Stop here for a quick grab-and-go, or settle in for a warming scone and tea.

Sturt Street Precinct: Sturt Street, Ballarat’s main thoroughfare, boasts a number of vintage and secondhand retailers including The Known World books, That Little Vintage Shop and Antiques Ballarat, as well as the acclaimed hatted Asian-infused eatery that is Mr Jones. Located in Ballarat’s historic Bakery Hill - home to the Eureka Stockade - this shopping strip is a charming tourist attraction in itself.

Lake Wendouree: A hub of recreation and relaxation, venture along the six kilometre track for your morning stroll or jog, grab a coffee from Racer’s or The Lake View Hotel, pack a picnic lunch and take the family to the adventure playground. Spend an afternoon exploring the magnificent Ballarat Botanical Gardens, which date to 1851, or simply find your place by the glistening lake as you watch the swans and birdlife glide by.

Ragazzone: A hatted restaurant that fast became a local favourite since opening a few years ago, Ragazzone is a modern Italian dining experience that combines flavour, talent, ambience, and a whole lot of decadent pasta, with chef Liam Downes at its helm.

Where to Stay

Hotel Vera: Ballarat’s newest luxury accommodation offering, Hotel Vera is located in a painstakingly restored, 19th century medical building in the heart of Ballarat. Merging modernity, artistic credence, sustainability and seclusion, the hotel has just seven exquisite, personalised suites, guest bar, garden oasis - and in January 2024, became home to new restaurant Babae, headed up by Executive Chef Tim Foster. Offering seasonal and locally sourced ingredients - including from Foster’s own 25 acre garden - Babae will seat 26 guests, with a rotating menu that features locally-sourced wines.

With heritage charm and character around every corner, a thriving arts & culture scene, and home to some of regional Australia’s finest eateries and boutique accommodation, the Ballarat’s tourist offerings continue to grow from strength to strength. Ballarat is just 90 minutes by car from Melbourne’s CBD, or catch the train from Southern Cross station.