Things you must do in Ballarat
Regional Victoria is thriving, with the state’s hottest restaurants, family drawcards and beautiful scenery drawing Melburnians out of the city when the working week is over. Ballarat is at the forefront of this revival. Here’s a few things to try on your next free weekend.
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Ballarat offers a lot more these days than panning for gold in Sovereign Hill or visiting Kryal Castle.
The city is now home to some of the best restaurants in Victoria and - according to Herald Sun food reviewer Dan Stock - one of the best hidden food secrets in the state.
If you’re heading up the Western Freeway this weekend (or just blessed to live in The Rat), we’ve compiled a list of must-do activities for one of Victoria’s hottest destinations.
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BUY A JAR OF RASPBERRY DROPS AT SOVEREIGN HILL
There’s a lot more to Ballarat than the Sovereign Hill open-air gold rush museum, and a lot more to Sovereign Hill than what you saw on that school excursion many moons ago.
You can still pan for gold and see the sound and light show, but it’s worth visiting when the weather gets cooler for the Winter Wonderlights show in June and July, where snow is dusted along the main street. Don’t leave without a jar of raspberry drops.
A LAP OF LAKE WENDOUREE, SPOT AN OLYMPIAN
The 6km circuit of Victoria’s largest man-made lake is beautiful at any time of year.
Get on your bike or tackle a lap by foot, surrounded by swans and ducks. You may even see Olympian Steve Moneghetti on your trek — the Ballarat athlete is known to frequent the circuit.
ballarat.vic.gov.au/lae/lakes/lake-wendouree
ORDER THE SHEARERS PIZZA AT THE FORGE
But also make room for the vast offering of other gastronomic delights in the growing foodie region, including Mitchell Harris Wine Bar, Moon & Mountain, Underbar or Hop Temple.
DRINK IN THE VIEWS UP MT BUNINYONG
Drive or hike up the region’s extinct scoria cone volcano — Mt Buninyong, about 15km east of Ballarat city. If you’re walking, take the Crater, Zig Zag Summit or South Walk, varying between 20 minutes and an hour. If you’re driving, make sure you pull over and take in the views.
CHEER ON THE DOGGIES AT MARS STADIUM
It’s Ballarat’s answer to Kardinia Park. Near the Wendouree Showgrounds, the ground has hosted AFL, VFL and TAC matches. The Western Bulldogs has a deal to play at the ground.
afl.com.au/tickets/venues/mars-stadium
EAT THE DUCK PIE AT CRAIG’S HOTEL
Along pristinely preserved Lydiard St in Ballarat, you’ll strike gold at historic Craig’s Hotel when you dine on their famous duck pie. It’s a golden beauty of buttery, flaky pastry with a forest of mushrooms and generous with duck that has a delicious garlicky orange zing.
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