Ballarat is one in all Victoria’s main regional centres within the centre of the Goldfields area and an impressive regional city for households. The 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne means it is doable in a day – however with so many issues to do and locations to eat it’s worthwhile having fun with an extended keep.
Listed below are our family-friendly suggestions for a weekend away to Ballarat.
**These winter faculty holidays make Ballarat your loved ones getaway vacation spot – discover out what’s on for the Ballarat Winter Pageant.**
Issues to do in Ballarat
1. Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill is the largest vacationer attraction on the town and value visiting with both underneath 5s (who’re free) or older youngsters who will recognize the historical past on show. Go throughout winter for a Christmas in July expertise ‘Winter Wonderlights‘ and there is a playground with a gold rush theme. Full assessment.
Sovereign Hill, 3 Bradshaw Avenue, Ballarat (03) 5337 1199
2. Livvi’s Place Ballarat – Victoria Park Inclusive Playspace
This big playground is inside Victoria Park and close to Lake Wendouree. It spans about 10,000 fenced, sq. metres, options a number of play zones and accessible gear designed for individuals with all skills, with a double flying fox, a number of swings, slides, a carousel and a water play space.
It additionally contains shade sails, picnic shelters, barbecues, picnic tables, bathrooms and alter facility.
Livvi’s Place Ballarat – Victoria Park Inclusive Playspace, Sturt St, Newington
3. Sebastopol Water Play Park
The water splash park at Victoria Park Sebastopol options an thrilling number of gear together with tipping buckets, bathe sprays, run-through water tunnel and 4 water cannons.
There’s additionally a small plastic playground subsequent to the water play appropriate for youthful youngsters.
The water jets are operated by a button which runs for quarter-hour at a time throughout the hours of 9am – 9pm throughout the hotter months of the yr.
Sebastopol Water Play Park, Victory Park, 243 Vickers Avenue, Sebastopol
4. Eureka Aquatic Centre
The Eureka Aquatic Centre is a public pool facility with outside swimming pools in addition to plenty of different water play options!
There is a shaded toddler’s pool, small playground, a 25m pool with a brief water slide into one finish and a splash pad.
Eureka Aquatic Centre, 102 Stawell St S, Eureka
5. Artwork Gallery of Ballarat
The Artwork Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest and largest gallery in regional Australia. Throughout faculty holidays they run actions and workshops, and generally there are classes for households throughout faculty time period too.
We love our go to to Eliza-Jane Gilchrist’s Unusual Backyard and her intricate cardboard-based sculptures (1 December 2018 – 17 March 2019), the place we take part in a drop-in unfacilitated expertise to make our personal cardboard backyard creations.
Artwork Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
6. Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard
Each time we go to Ballarat we drop into this lovely bookshop in a historic constructing belonging to the Previous Colonists’ Affiliation of Ballarat.
They’ve an entire third of the shop devoted to youngsters’s/Younger Grownup literature, with cozy benches and a heat cosy environment all through.
Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard, 22 Lydiard Avenue, Ballarat
Discover Lodging in Ballarat Victoria
7. Lake Wendouree Journey Playground
An enormous wood playground appropriate for all ages by lovely Lake Wendouree. Full assessment.
Lake Wendouree Journey Playground, Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree, Ballarat
8. Eureka Gardens playground
In fact, the house of the Eureka stockade would have a Eureka stockade/gold rush themed playground! It is throughout the street from Eureka Aquatic Centre. Full assessment.
Eureka Gardens playground, 102 Stawell St South, Ballarat
9. Yorkdale Property Central Park
Yorkdale Property Central Park has a considerable playground by Journey+, commissioned by the property. The playground’s most evident function is a 6 metre tower with an enclosed slide. There are many play alternatives for youthful and older children, with monkey bars, extra slides, rock seesaws and a sandpit with digger.
There are picnic tables and a few synthetic shade, with bushes planted to finally present pure shade. There are additionally grassy areas to kick a ball or throw a frisbee. Greatest to go to the bathroom and fill water bottles earlier than visiting, as there are none accessible on the park.
Yorkdale Property Central Park, Greenhalghs Street, Winter Valley, Ballarat
10. Ballarat Wildlife Park
From penguins to koalas, wombats to penguins, crocodiles to Sumatran tigers, the family-owned Ballarat Wildlife Park strives to offer the most effective interactive expertise with a few of Australia’s most unusual animals.
Ballarat Wildlife Park, 250 Fussell Avenue Ballarat East, 03 5333 5933
11. Ballarat Botanic Gardens
Wander by means of the attractive Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the western facet of Lake Wendouree: regional Victoria’s oldest inland botanic gardens is a medley of mature bushes and marble statues set inside vibrant flowerbeds.
Masking 40 hectares, it’s additionally house to the Robert Clark Conservatory, a placing fashionable construct harbouring an oasis of seasonal shows that’s a hub for the Ballarat Begonia Pageant held every March.
Ballarat Botanic Gardens, Wendouree Parade Lake Wendouree
12. Kryal Citadel
Knights in shining armour, damsels in misery, wizards and witches – Kryal Citadel has all of it all!
Fashionable characters resembling King Arthur will probably be launched throughout performances, and in between there are different sights like a playground and stone maze to discover. A recent program has been developed so each customer will see one thing new. Kryal Citadel assessment
Kryal Citadel, 121 Forbes Street Leigh Creek, 03 5334 8500
13. Gold Rush Mini Golf
Proper subsequent door to the Mill Market, Gold Rush Mini Golf has two 18 gap programs – an out of doors course celebrating Ballarat’s gold rush historical past and an indoor Misplaced Worlds course full of dinosaurs, medieval characters and Caribbean pirate hideouts. If you happen to’re coming to Ballarat from Melbourne, preserve a watch out for the eight-metre-tall Massive Miner guarding the entrance of the Western Freeway venue.
Gold Rush Mini Golf, 4/9367 Western Freeway Warrenheip, 03 5334 8150
14. Xtreme Bounce
Tire your children out at Ballarat trampoline centre Xtreme Bounce. They will love the massive enviornment of excessive efficiency trampolines plus the Slam Dunk, Battle Beam, Efficiency Wall, Dodgeball, Wipeout, and Air Luggage. Ebook on-line to safe your one-hour leap time.
Xtreme Bounce, 48-50 Heinz Street Delacombe, 0468764394
*Bonus* Sanctuary Day Spa
Ballarat’s Sanctuary day spa is *not* a family-friendly location however I’ve added it right here as a bonus addition in case you end up in Ballarat with out children.
It is one of many finest day spas in Regional Victoria that you could go to in a day journey from Melbourne and has received quite a few awards on the World Spa Awards 2019: Greatest Luxurious Lodge Spa (Australia), Greatest Luxurious Day Spa (Australia) and Greatest Luxurious Spa Retreat (Australia & Oceania).
The Ballarat day spa is situated inside the gardens of the Mercure Lodge and Conference Centre and options six luxurious therapy rooms together with two twin suites, non-public bathing, a floating pedicure lounge, a rest lounge with an open hearth and The Sanctuary with a sauna and heated hydrotherapy pool.
You possibly can go to simply The Sanctuary casually relying on capability (although visitors having therapies are given precedence).
Sanctuary Day Spa, 613 Most important Rd, Ballarat Australia 03 5327 1296
The place to eat in Ballarat with children
15. The Forge Pizzeria
The Forge Pizzeria serves the most effective pizza on the town and the restaurant even has a separate youngsters’s space to play. Full assessment.
The Forge Pizzeria, 14 Armstrong St North, Ballarat
16. The Mallow
The Mallow is a relaxed pub with a courtyard, colouring-in and youngsters menu. READ THE REVEW.
The Mallow Lodge, 20 Skipton St, Ballarat, 03 5331 1073
17. L’Espresso
L’Espresso serves the most effective espresso in Ballarat (so I’m instructed, I do not drink espresso!) and the meals was fairly good. However notice whereas I see loads of households brunching, the venue may be too squishy and darkish with younger youngsters who wish to transfer round!
L’Espresso, 417 Sturt St, Ballarat, 03 5333 1789
18. Websters Market and Cafe
A heritage nook retailer has been transformed right into a two-room cafe in a residential avenue.
The menu focuses on native and seasonal produce with a wholesome bent. There is a children menu and excessive chairs.
Websters Market and Cafe, 61 Webster St, Ballarat
19. The Hydrant Meals Corridor
Make a journey down a slender laneway to an previous hearth hydrant store and end up in a spacious cafe – at Hydrant Meals Corridor the meals is great, with a nod to developments whereas staying true to the seasons and native produce.
There’s area for pram entry, plenty of excessive chairs, a enjoyable children menu (rainbow pancakes!) and you should purchase a children’ exercise pack for $2.50. There’s additionally an accessible bathroom with a fold-out change desk.
Sadly, the cubby home and chalkboard that was current a couple of years are not accessible.
Hydrant Meals Corridor, 3 McKenzie St, Ballarat Central
20. Il Piccolo Gelato
Lick freshly churned gelato within the centre of city, with a couple of tables and chairs dotted inside close by of the mounds of vibrant creations.
Il Piccolo Gelato, 217 Sturt St, Ballarat
21. Paper Cranes Ballarat
Paper Cranes Ballarat creates genuine and fusion Japanese meals on the go – suppose sushi, katsu burgers, gyoza, rooster curry and bubble tea!
There are a couple of tables and chairs inside for eating in, although it is extra focused for takeaway.
It is the third retailer for this enterprise, becoming a member of their Bairnsdale and Sale shops.
Paper Cranes Ballarat, 8 Armstrong St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
22. Hop Temple
Because the title suggests, Hop Temple has a really in depth beer menu. However additionally they have a meals menu with loads of snacks, pizzas and mains like fried rooster and burgers. Hop Temple is a household pleasant venue, however do maintain trivia nights and different occasions so it’s finest to see what’s occurring previous to visiting.
Hop Temple, rear of 24-28 Armstrong Avenue North, Ballarat Central, 03 5317 7158
23. 1816 Bakehouse
Artisan bakery with a terrific number of pies, sandwiches, breads and candy treats, in addition to espresso and different drinks.
1816 Bakehouse, 18 Armstrong Avenue North, Ballarat, 03 4372 9292
24. Increased Society
Café specialising in breakfast / brunch, and catering for dietary necessities, together with vegan choices. They’ve a few devoted children choices on their menu.
Increased Society, 413 Sturt Avenue Ballarat, 03 5383 0817
Different reader suggestions embody:
The place to remain in Ballarat
At any time when I am searching for family-friendly lodging I wish to analysis on Stayz and Reserving.com. There are many locations to select from, so listed here are my suggestions for locations to remain in Ballarat that both I’ve stayed at or my trusted associates have booked.
25. Lascelles Terraces
Lascelles Ballarat consists of two grand Victorian terraces with luxe, boutique lodging proper within the coronary heart of the Ballarat.
Positioned in Errard Avenue North, Ballarat Central, it’s inside simple strolling distance to the Ballarat CBD, cafes, eating places and even the lake and heritage precincts. Sovereign Hill is a 7 minute drive and Kryal Citadel is 14 minutes away.
The primary Terrace #6 has a downstairs 2-bedroom townhouse (The Mainstay) and an upstairs high ground 2-bedroom residence (The Overlook). The second Lascelles Terrace #8 (The Grand Terrace) is a grand 6 bed room home that’s nice for teams.
Each homes have been lovingly restored with a contemporary and up to date overlay. All of the townhouses function luxurious bedding with electrical blankets, in depth zoned heating all through, absolutely outfitted kitchens, fashionable fixtures, giant display screen good televisions with Netflix and blu-ray DVD gamers.
I stayed within the 6-bedroom home with some associates and located the rooms to be very comfy, with glorious facilities within the dwelling areas – and it fulfilled our standards of getting a fire for quiet studying!
The Grand Terrace features a main bedroom, eating room seating for 12, up to date kitchen, two loos and rear sunroom overlooking a personal outside entertaining space with a gorgeous backyard and firepit.
Get pleasure from free Wi-Fi and free off-street parking too.
This keep welcomes home skilled pets (ideally hypoallergenic) of most sizes and breeds. Most of two pets allowed per reserving and are solely permitted on prior association.
Ebook Lascelles Terrace #6 (The Mainstay), Lascelles Terrace #6 (The Overlook)or Lascelles Terrace #8 (The Grand Terrace) now
26. Home at No.10 Ballarat
Home at No. 10 is a centrally situated Ballarat lodging with free WiFi, air con, a patio with backyard views and barbecue amenities. We do not use the outside space a lot as we go to in winter, but it surely’s nice to have the choice.
The vacation house has 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, an outfitted kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washer, and a pair of loos with a bathe. The beds are *tremendous* comfy, you would possibly simply not wish to depart.
The home is mild and spacious and spreading out over three bedrooms means the 2 children do not should share a bed room (which they do not usually), thus avoiding arguments!
You may additionally discover video games for the children and even a piano!
Ebook Home at No. 10 now
27. Ballarat Premier Residences
Simply across the nook from Home at No. 10 is Ballarat Premier Residences in central Ballarat. Initially in-built 1901, the property gives lodging that includes Victorian-era décor that is been renovated to fashionable requirements.
This restored resort gives self-contained 1, 2 and 3-bedroom flats and deluxe rooms. The rooms have a fridge and a settee. Most lodging incorporates a kitchen or kitchenette. Some suites additionally boast a fire, a spa bathtub or a balcony. All Heritage rooms function a grand chandelier.
Ebook Ballarat Premier Residences now
28. Gordon Bush Retreat
Woman AB wished to remain in a caravan so I discovered Gordon Bush Retreat on Airbnb. It gives not only one, however two caravans on the identical bush block – which implies no sharing with noisy children!
As it is a household’s vacation ‘home’ there’s a swing, trampoline and a full camp kitchen. Be aware the bathroom and bathtub are outdoor so the lodging could not swimsuit very younger youngsters.
29. Jack’s Home
Step again in time to a Nineteen Sixties renovated hilltop home in Golden Level with views throughout town by means of image home windows. The bungalow has 2 bedrooms with 2 beds, 1 bathtub and suits 4 individuals.
Uncovered brick and the in depth use of pure wooden keep a mid-century environment, enhanced by interval furnishings and gleaming softwood flooring all through.
Chill-out and watch TV in the lounge or let your children’ creativeness run wild within the walled courtyard with none worries.
30. The Miners Church
*The Miners Church isn’t presently open for bookings*
We go to Ballarat on a very busy weekend (Clunes Booktown Pageant) so we determine to base ourselves in Buninyong, a couple of 20 minute drive. Due to a reader tip we keep in The Miners Church. It’s such a splendidly quirky place and so kid-friendly that we will’t wait to return.
Our 3 bed room cottage is $200 an evening. This features a substantial cook-your-own breakfast with freshly laid eggs, bacon, do-it-yourself bread, cereal, and muffins. The homeowners offered a portacot and excessive chair at no additional cost. Better of all, the children have a ball, with gardens to discover, bushes to climb and an entire separate video games room in a duplicate schoolhouse.
This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks. If you happen to e-book utilizing the hyperlinks there is no such thing as a additional price to you and I earn a small fee that helps me to offer beneficial and helpful data free for you! Thanks upfront – Joyce
