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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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