The best places to eat, play and stay in Ballarat

Once visitors came purely for gold. Now Ballarat boasts a diverse array of riches. Here’s where to eat, stay and play on a weekend visit.

The McKenzie St mural by Ballarat artist Travis Price. Photo: Courtesy Commerce Ballarat.

Bursting with charm, a rich history and golden leaves, Ballarat is set to be a bustling celebration of colours and harvests this autumn.

The heritage gold rush city features culinary riches, plenty to see and a range of accommodation this autumn.

Here are some of the gold places you can eat, play and stay in the great city.

Get more autumn travel inspo and ideas in Space magazine, available with your Sunday Herald Sun on March 21.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN BALLARAT

FIKA Coffee Brewers, Ballarat Central

Expect great brews from Matt Freeman (formerly of Melbourne’s St Ali) and his team.

Hūsker Dū, Ballarat

The newly opened trendy cafe is proving popular for coffee and toasties.

The Shared Table, Buninyong

Chef Dianne Ray’s menu is a mix of Asian and northern European flavours, with the focus on produce that is fresh, available and at its best.

Drive Cafe, Golden Point

An old service station gets a new lease on life. Don’t miss the Grounded Pleasures hot chocolate.

Enjoy a meal at Lola at The Provincial Hotel. Pic: Supplied.

Lola @ The Provincial Hotel, Ballarat

The focus is on European-inspired dining at this stylish eatery.

Try the Lola Larrikin gin, a collaboration with Ballarat’s Kilderkin Distillery.

Hydrant Food Hall, Ballarat

Seasonal produce plays a starring role at this renovated heritage warehouse a few minutes’ walk from Ballarat train station.

Orchard Cafe, Lucas

The Orchard Salad is bursting with seasonal produce from Wilsons Fruit & Vegetables, conveniently located next door.

Enjoy amazing food lakeside at the Boatshed Restaurant. Photo: Supplied.

Boatshed Restaurant, Lake Wendouree

Dine overlooking scenic Lake Wendouree and celebrate an occasion with something special from the premium reserve cellar list.

Mitchell Harris Wines, Ballarat Central

From Pyrenees reds to cool climate sparkling, this is a great spot to enjoy a local drop.

Roy Hammond, Ballarat Central

Choose from the Korean bar and diner’s wall of gin, wine and whisky then settle in with Asian-inspired fare.

Sample an award-winning cocktail at the 18th Amendment Bar. Photo: Supplied.

The 18th Amendment Bar, Ballarat Central

This charming old-world speakeasy harks back to the days of Prohibition.

Tucked away in a hidden laneway, it’s the perfect spot for a cocktail or two.

Piano Bar, Ballarat Central

Request a song, dance the night away, or relax with a drink at this funky venue.

Il Piccolo Gelato, Ballarat Central

With so many flavours to choose from — mango, watermelon mint, peach and basil — this artisan gelato is made daily in-store using fresh milk, the finest ingredients and no artificial colours or flavours.

WHERE TO STAY IN BALLARAT

Lyon House

From fixtures and fittings to works by local and national artists, and an inground heated plunge pool in what used to be the stables, everything about this newly restored 1880s Victorian property is luxurious.

After a busy day, put your feet up at the chic Lyon House in Ballarat. Photo: Supplied.

Craig’s Royal Hotel

This 1853 legendary gold-rush era hotel has hosted poets, princes and prime ministers.

Dame Nellie Melba famously sung from its balcony in 1908.

The impressive accommodation is where old world charm meets modern comfort.

The Provincial Hotel

Set in a heritage building from 1909, the recently renovated luxury boutique hotel has tastefully curated rooms with a mix of antique, contemporary and custom style.

Kryal Castle Suite

Sleep like royalty in the Commander’s Quarters with adjoining bunk rooms for the kids.

The rooms capture the glory and mystery of times past, with hand-woven European tapestries.

THINGS TO DO IN BALLARAT

Admire the public art

Travis Price’s McKenzie St mural is the latest addition to the city’s street art scene, which also includes Briony Galligan’s public art installation Open Every Door at Alfred Deakin Place and Cax One’s Sweet Fern Girl in Armstrong St.

Visit the Amazing Mill Markets in Warrenheip

Unearth something special at this former woolshed filled with retro fashions, collectables old and new, art, homewares and jewellery. And check out the display of Wolf Creek props.

Get Space magazine in your Sunday Herald Sun on March 21.

Get creative with a new skill

Master new skills in Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art.

- Get set for the weekend with a Friday night clay date for two featuring wheel throwing, music, nibbles and BYO wine with Beck Davies Ceramics.

- Join chef Dona Pietrantuono and his team for masterclasses at Carboni’s Italian Kitchen. Learn traditional recipes then enjoy the fruits of your labour over a glass of wine.

- Unleash your inner creativity with a Paint and Sip experience at Pinot & Picasso Ballarat.

- Learn about the craft of brewing, take part in a hands-on experience, or join a tour of the brewhouse at Aunty Jacks. Every weekend, Dr Beer takes beer palates on a trip around

the world.

- Learn the art of chandlery (candle making) at The Essential Candle Co.

Get more autumn travel inspo and ideas in Space magazine, available with your Sunday Herald Sun on March 21.