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Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes

Agritourism

Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes

Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes is the perfect destination for truffle lovers and foodies alike. Their 20-acre farm is located in the beautiful Central Highlands, just 15 minutes from Ballarat. With the Winter Truffle season slowly coming to an end, they look forward to Spring at Black Cat Truffles. During Spring, they will be continuing to offer up their famous brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays in their picturesque venue and surrounding gardens. The lunch dining options will take centre stage with an a la carte menu on Fridays from 12:00 PM, a chef's selection degustation menu on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as an afternoon grazing menu from 2:30 PM. To accompany the lunch menu, their popular Seafood Degustation lunches will take place once a month so keep an eye on socials for updates. For the first time ever this Spring, Black Cat Truffles will open for dinners, using the best local ingredients. Please see website for more details and to book. These dinners are expected to fill up quickly so visit the website to secure your spot.

Wattle Flat VIC

3.3 km away

Creswick Regional Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Creswick Regional Park - Koala Park

Creswick Regional Park is 120 kilometres north-west of Melbourne between Ballarat and Daylesford, just off the Midland Highway. The park is part of Djandak, the traditional Country of the Dja Dja Wurrung People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and they recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country. You can explore diverse natural environments, from wetlands and lakes to hills and native bushland. Walking, cycling, fossicking, picnicking, camping and birdwatching are popular activities, all within a landscape shaped by Aboriginal cultural heritage and the region's gold mining history. Walkers can follow trails through gentle hills, gullies and forests, while cyclists can explore a network of roads and shared tracks throughout the park. Visitors can fossick in designated areas and discover reminders of the area's goldfields past. The park offers rewarding nature experiences year-round with spring producing wildflowers that add colour to the landscape. Koala Park is a popular destination for short walks and nature based recreation. Established in the 1940s as a koala sanctuary by the School of Forestry, it features signposted walking tracks through forested hillsides, alongside Creswick Creek and through regenerating bushland. St Georges Lake and the Slaty Creek Campgrounds offer opportunities for picnicking, camping and enjoying the outdoors, with barbecue facilities, fireplaces and accessible toilets available at selected locations.

Creswick VIC

6.5 km away

St Georges Lake

Natural Attractions

St Georges Lake

St Georges Lake lies two kilometres east of Creswick and is a fabulous spot to escape the hustle and bustle of town. It's framed by pristine bushland on the edge of Creswick State Forest and Koala Park. The lake was originally one of many government-built dams that supplied sluice-water to mine operations in the late 19th/early 20th century. Today, it's the ideal spot to throw down a picnic rug, cast in a line, or enjoy a paddle. There is a short but relatively challenging walking trail that loops around St Georges Lake. The path largely follows the shoreline, and some sections are narrow and relatively steep. The abundance of birdlife and beautiful views along the way makes this walk well worth the effort. For safe walking, wear suitable walking shoes and lower leg protection, and carry plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Always inform friends or family of your plans and estimated time of return. Keep to designated paths and stairways, and obey all safety signs.

Creswick VIC

7.1 km away

La Gerche Forest Loop Walk

Natural Attractions

La Gerche Forest Walk Loop

When forest bailiff John La Gerche came to Creswick in 1882, he found what was described as a 'lunar landscape'. Three decades of gold mining had stripped the once forested Wombat foothills bare. In 1887, he selected sheltered Sawpit Gully as the site for a nursery and plantation to grow exotic ornamental and commercial tree species. Today the plantings are a fascinating window on the past. You can access the La Gerche Gully Loop Walk from Sawpit Road off the Midland Highway north of Creswick. Park in the designated area and follow the fence line to the left of the gates to the old nursery (now a Parks Victoria depot). You'll pass some relocated 19th century stables, before setting off along this well signposted gravel track. It meanders through a forest of various species of conifers from the Canary Islands, Austria, California, Corsica, and Scotland. Watch out for raised tree roots, which can act as a tripping hazard. Further on, the 120-year-old Oak Gully is a delight. Tips for safe walking: Wear suitable walking shoes and carry plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Always inform friends or family of your plans and estimated time of return. Keep to designated paths and stairways, and obey all safety signs.

Creswick VIC

7.4 km away

Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails)

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails)

Djuwang Baring – which means 'long track' in the Dja Dja Wurrung language – is a 60-kilometre network of newly constructed mountain bike trails that traverse the rugged landscape east of the heritage gold mining-era town of Creswick. Creswick is part of the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people and Djuwang Baring offers an amazing way to immerse yourself in this spectacular part of regional Victoria. The trails are a mountain biker's dream with segments to suit riders of all skill levels. The network consists of approximately 70 trail segments, which are skill-rated and colour-coded accordingly. Hammon Park serves as the trailhead for Djuwang Baring and is located within walking distance of Creswick's town centre. It features a smooth bitumen pump track for bikes, skateboards and scooters. From there, the trails wind their way through state forests, regional parks, and commercial forestry land, and deliver an unparalleled experience of the local landscape, ecology and mining heritage. Several trails in the network are suitable for adaptive mountain biking (sometimes referred to as off-road para-cycling). Creswick is accessible by rail from Melbourne via Ballarat. Creswick Railway Station is situated one kilometre west of the town centre. Rail access is also available from regional Victoria via the Ballarat, Ararat, and Maryborough lines.

Creswick VIC

8.5 km away

Hammon Park pump track, learn to ride track and play space Creswick — Image credit: Hepburn Shire Council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Hammon Park Creswick

Hammon Park is home to the trailhead of Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails) – a 60-kilometre network of newly constructed mountain bike trails that traverse the rugged landscape east of the heritage gold mining-era township of Creswick. The park's bike pump track section is great for kids on bikes. Unlike many traditional dirt pump tracks, the Hammon Park Pump Track is covered in bitumen for a smoother and faster riding surface for mountain bikers, skateboarders, and scooter riders. Hammon Park also boasts accessible toilets (including a Changing Place facility), a BBQ area, an electric bike charging station, a nature playground, a learn-to-ride track, and ample parking. Walkers can use Hammon Park as a way to access the Wallaby Track. Highlights along the trail include St Georges Lake, Koala Park, the Goldfields Track, and a sessionable skills area. The park is conveniently located within walking distance of the town centre, and is accessible by train and bus from Ballarat. Highlights include cycling jumps, children's play space with nest swing and balancing/bouncing equipment, rope climbing structure, undercover barbeque area with double burner electric barbecue and picnic table, toilet block with three ambulant and one accessible cubicle (with shower), changing place toilet facility accessible with MLAK key (available upon request according to need); cyclocross stairs and sandpit to competition standard, bike wash and repair station, and e-bike chargers.

Creswick VIC

8.5 km away

Creswick Museum — Image credit: Hepburn Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Creswick Museum

Creswick Museum is housed in the grand Creswick Town Hall complex, which was constructed in 1876 and added to the National Trust Heritage Register in 1971. The interior of the building is worth the visit alone for its magnificent staircase constructed of local basalt. The building is a wonderful setting to browse the extensive collection of rare colonial paintings, artworks by Victor Litherland and the Lindsay family of artists, gold mining artefacts, and items related to the evolution of local government in the region. The museum also holds a significant collection of historical documents, including newspapers, maps, books, and the personal papers of former residents who spent time researching the town's history.

Creswick VIC

8.7 km away

Park lake Creswick

Natural Attractions

Park Lake

Park Lake is a stunning recreational facility, which sits on the edge of Creswick town centre. This serene body of water is surrounded by civic gardens and a gentle walking trail, and is adorned with a beautiful fountain. Visit the upper section of Park Lake Reserve to see plantings created and maintained by the local Landcare Group. Here you will also find public tennis courts (you can borrow rackets and balls for free from the Creswick Visitor Information Centre), public toilets, a playground, and an undercover picnic area. It's a lovely spot to spend an hour or two. Park Lake is featured on the Creswick of the Lindsays Arts Trail, and there is some interpretive signage to read. The trail shares the story of the famous Lindsay family and their history in Creswick. You can collect a trail guide and map from the Visitor Information Centre.

Creswick VIC

8.8 km away

Creswick of the Lindsays Arts Trail — Image credit: Hepburn Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Creswick of the Lindsays Arts Trail

Enjoy a fascinating step back in time in Creswick by following the Creswick of the Lindsays Arts Trail. Creswick was the home of the Lindsay family from the 1860s. Of the ten children born in the town, five achieved widespread recognition in the field of the arts. Norman Lindsay was a famous painter, and also wrote eleven comic novels and illustrated 30 other books. Sir Lionel Lindsay was a printmaker, Sir Daryl Lindsay was director of the National Gallery of Victoria and a water colourist, Ruby Lindsay was an illustrator, and Percy Lindsay was both a painter and a distinguished art teacher. The Arts Trail highlights the locations and buildings in Creswick that had significance to the Lindsays. Many sites have a QR code that enables you to access further information on your mobile device. Stop number one is situated at Creswick Visitor Information Centre. Here you can pick up a printed map and guide. From there, most of the trail can be done on foot. The final stop, Creswick Cemetery, is located just a couple of minutes' drive from the town centre.

Creswick VIC

8.9 km away

Calembeen Park

Natural Attractions

Calembeen Park

Calembeen Park is located just a short walk or drive west of the Creswick town centre. It boasts two beautiful lakes, which are home to plentiful birdlife and colourful waterlilies. It's a lovely spot to relax, walk, cycle, fish, row, picnic, and swim. Chinese miners mined here for shallow alluvial gold during the 1850s and 1860s, and the area developed into a semi-permanent Chinese settlement. By the early 1900s the mine workings had been abandoned, and in 1911 they were deemed as a suitable place to establish a swimming hole. Known by locals over the decades since as 'the pool', tyre magnate Sir Frank Beaurepaire once commented that Calembeen was Victoria's finest inland swimming basin. It hosted many swimming carnivals and attracted hundreds of visitors to the area. The restoration of the historic dive tower in recent years has seen renewed interest in the reserve as a swimming facility. Only one of the lakes in Calembeen Park is suitable for swimming and there are sudden, steep drops in depth. Exercise caution and always supervise children closely. There is a toddlers' pool at the site, which is open during the summer months.

Creswick VIC

9.2 km away

maze aerial view

Amusement and Theme Parks

Maze House

Maze House has a 35 year old hedge maze and unique carnival games hiding around every corner of the its extensive country garden. This popular Daylesford tourist attraction has activities for kids, groups, families, garden lovers, fun loving adults and anyone who likes mazes, playing games, a bit of competition and strolling through beautiful country gardens. There is a prize for those who find all the clues in the maze hunt. The retro milk bar overlooking the gardens sells light refreshments including milkshakes, cakes and good coffee. Open weekends and school holidays. Close to Daylesford, Ballarat and a short drive from Melbourne.

Newlyn North VIC

9.8 km away

Visit Creswick Woollen Mills — Image credit: Creswick

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Creswick Woollen Mills - A Very Fine Yarn

Creswick Woollen Mills is an award-winning Australian family business and the last coloured woollen spinning mill in Australia located in Creswick, Victoria. Creswick specialises in luxurious, high quality, natural, sustainable fibres including alpaca, cashmere, merino wool and possum apparel, accessories and homewares. Visit Creswick Woollen Mills and experience a window in Australian history. ‘A Very Fine Yarn’, is a interactive exhibition that showcases the journey of natural fibres; from their natural source through to the manufacturing process an insight into the rich history of the Mill. Explore Creswick Farmyard and learn about the beauty behind natural fibres from the farm to the shop floor. Shop a wide variety of Australian-made products in rich natural fibres. There is ample free parking and easy access for coaches and caravans.

Creswick VIC

10 km away

Gong Gong - Kirks Reservoir — Image credit: https://australia247.info/explore/victoria/ballarat_city/pootilla/gong_gong_reservoir_car_park.htm

Natural Attractions

Gong Gong - Kirks Reservoir

Kirks Reservoir Park is one of the region's most picturesque assets and is only a 10-minute drive from the centre of Ballarat. You'll find ample parking, free undercover gas barbecues and toilet facilities at the park. The wooden rotunda and surrounding garden (flat lawn) and the steel rotunda near the reservoir wall are ideal for wedding ceremonies (free, bookings required). School groups can learn about the water cycle and water efficiency at the Outdoor Education Centre.

Gong Gong VIC

11 km away

Our gallery boasts a range of local and fairtrade artists alongside our own metal art.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Overwrought Sculpture Garden and Gallery

Overwrought Sculpture Garden and Gallery is an inspiring creative retail enterprise set on five acres of lush farmland in Blampied, Central Victoria just eight minutes from Daylesford on the Midland Highway to Ballarat. Artist David Dawson creates his uniquely Australian sculptural metalwork designs in his extensive workshop. He then displays them next door in the rustic hay-shed gallery and beautifully landscaped garden setting that he has created. His creations include garden art, native Australian animals and birds, furniture, wall art, magnetic creatures, privacy screens and much more. The gallery also offers the art and produce of local and fair trade artisans, many of whose work is not available to purchase elsewhere. For your enjoyment, Overwrought has great coffee and treats to take away or be enjoyed in the extensive sculpture gardens. They also provide toilets, and picnicking areas. Extensive parking is available for all vehicles including caravans and buses. They offer a dog friendly experience with dogs welcome in the gallery and extensive gardens. They are family-friendly and offer opportunities to feed the fish in the numerous garden ponds. A detailed tour of their manufacturing area and gardens including coffee and cake and a gift is available by booking at the website. They look forward to having you visit.

Blampied VIC

12 km away

Indoor Course — Image credit: Gold Rush Mini Golf

Amusement and Theme Parks

Gold Rush Mini Golf

Located conveniently on the Western Highway, Gold Rush Mini Golf’s Two 18 hole fully licensed themed golf courses are accessible for all ages yet fun and challenging for all skill levels. Venture through the indoor course in the world of the dinosaurs, walk the castle hallways of medieval times and glow in the dark tunnels and pay a visit to the Caribbean pirate hideouts as you play 18 fun filled holes of mini-golf on the indoor course. The outdoor fully themed course celebrates the Ballarat history of the Gold Rush from the nineteenth century with facades and props throughout. Each hole has a historic plaque descriptor and gives players facts about the town settlement, the miners, discoveries of gold and of course, the famous story of Eureka. Gold Rush Golf offers endless catering and function options. Both Mini Golf courses are licensed and The Cabaret Club room is equipped with a full production sound system, stage, lighting, projector and screen and boasts a quality lineup of entertainment. The cafe offers hot food and they are fully licensed.

Warrenheip VIC

12 km away

Coloured Glass

Shopping and Markets

Ballarat Vintage and Collectables Market

Come and visit the Ballarat Vintage and Collectables Market, where every day is a treasure hunt. Their expansive range of vintage and collectables is located on the Western Highway at Warrenheip, inside the Great Southern Wool Shed. Since opening their doors, they have become the go-to destination for those searching for rare and unique items and they bring together an amazing array with over 80 stalls that offer a range of goods to suit all tastes. Whether you're looking for vintage, retro, collectables, antiques, or furniture, you name it - they sell it.

Warrenheip VIC

12 km away

Kryal Castle

Amusement and Theme Parks

Kryal Castle

Enjoy a range of activities at Kryal Castle; located just a short drive from Ballarat city center. This charming castle offers something for everyone to enjoy. Families can explore the magical grounds of the castle, wandering through its picturesque gardens and taking in its stunning views. A unique blend of Medieval adventure and fun. Explore this enchanting castle with its knights, dragons, and spellbinding shows. Participate in an array of interactive activities and shows that bring Medieval history to life. From show-stopping jousting tournaments and daring sword fights to axe-throwing and archery - there is something for all ages to enjoy. Learn about the fascinating history of Medieval times while exploring the grounds. Watch the thrilling joust battle between knights and get up close to the beautiful performance horses! Extend your stay and book a room in the onsite accommodation or book your next event, including birthday parties and weddings. Did you know we they host our very popular Murder Mystery Nights? If you like Game of Thrones, you'll love this gripping tale about the struggle for power, the lust for blood, and the fear of the blade. Includes a 3-course meal.

Leigh Creek VIC

12 km away

Ballarat Old Cemetery 2 — Image credit: Ballarat Cemeteries

Natural Attractions

Ballarat Cemeteries

Step back in time and explore Ballarat's rich heritage at Ballarat Old Cemetery, home to over 30,000 interments telling the story of the city's gold rush beginnings. Wander through peaceful gardens and admire a range of striking heritage features, including the impressive front gates, the graves and monuments of the soldiers and diggers involved in the 1854 Eureka uprising, a decorative fountain, a ceremonial oven in the Chinese section, and a beautifully restored historic rotunda. Visit the Information Centre at the Old Cemetery, your gateway to Ballarat's past. Discover a wealth of stories, records, and historical insights, or use the touch screen computer to research your family history. Learn about the enduring legacy of the city's early European and Chinese settlers. All resources are free to explore, with donations welcomed to help preserve the cemetery and its services. Continue the journey just two kilometres away at the Ballarat New Cemetery, where history meets natural beauty. Stroll among monuments encompassing historic examples from the High Victorian era to current, contemporary designs. Take in sweeping, elevated views of the surrounding countryside, and admire heritage features set within the cemetery's magnificent botanic gardens, featuring more than 2,000 roses in bloom from November to June.

Invermay Park VIC

13 km away

Mountain biking at Black Hill

Natural Attractions

Black Hill Reserve and Mountain Bike Trails

The Black Hill Reserve includes the Black Hill lookout, offering sweeping views of Ballarat and the surrounding district to the south. The reserve has also become a focal point for downhill mountain bike riding in Ballarat. It is ideally located only minutes from the centre of Ballarat, and offers excellent views of the city from the trail. There are six cross-country trails, four downhill trails, two pump tracks, skills area and advanced jump park open for use. Trails range in difficulty to suit all biker levels, including Blue, Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond options. The tracks wind throughout the surrounding forest and down the steep drops into the impressive open cut gorge, a reminder of the site's long history of mining operations. Features: six mountain bike trails, lookout , picnic tables, rubbish bins, walking tracks, historic mine site.

Black Hill VIC

13 km away

Pools — Image credit: State of Being

Spas and Retreats

State of Being

State of Being is a dedicated recovery and well-being experience in Ballarat, designed to help people slow down reset and feel better. Guest can move through a range of recovery experiences including hot and cold immersion pools, a magnesium mineral pool, finish sauna, aromatherapy steam room compression therapy sensory pods PEMF mats, breathwork and relaxation spaces. Unlike a traditional day spa, State of Being is centered on intentional recovery. Visitors can create their own experience or be guided through different recovery practices depending on how they want to feel, whether that's calmer, more energised, physically recovered or simply switched off from the demands of everyday life. Designed for everyday people, athletes, travellers, couples and groups. State of Being offers a uniquely Australian approach to modern recovery: evidence informed, welcoming and accessible. Whether you're visiting for adventure, a special event or a moment of escape, State of Being offers the perfect complement to your trip. Book a casual visit and upgrade your stay with an experience. Come as you are. Leave in a better state.

Wendouree VIC

14 km away

Karts — Image credit: Jake Plumridge

Amusement and Theme Parks

Ballarat Indoor Go Karts, Laserforce and Entertainment Centre

Ballarat Indoor Go Karts and Laserforce delivers high-energy indoor go-karting, laser tag missions and engaging arcade games, offering all-weather fun for families, groups and travellers. As one of Ballarat's top indoor attractions, it provides unforgettable entertainment and an action-packed option for visitors seeking the best things to do in the Ballarat region. Its standout features include top-performing karts designed for comfort and safety, adult and junior-friendly sessions, and the indoor track that lets guests enjoy the thrill of racing in any weather. The Laserforce arena delivers energetic, mission-based gameplay with dynamic lighting and interactive targets that draw players into the action, while the arcade area offers classic favorites and modern skill-based games that keep the fun going between sessions. With a welcoming team, dedicated party spaces and a strong reputation as one of Ballarat's most engaging family entertainment centres, the venue creates excitement and inclusivity for all. Located close to popular attractions such as Sovereign Hill, the Ballarat Wildlife Park and the many experiences of central Ballarat, the venue offers free parking and is an ideal addition to a day of local exploring. As a long-running, family-owned business with a proud local presence, it is known for delivering safe, fun and energetic experiences. Visitors are invited to explore what the venue offers and start planning their next action-packed experience.

Ballarat North VIC

14 km away

Mineral Spring

Natural Attractions

Spargo Creek Mineral Springs

Spargo Creek Mineral Reserve offers access to free-flowing water directly from the mineral spring. The water emerges from an outlet in a built retaining wall. The mineral spring is located in a lovely setting with native vegetation and local wildlife in abundance. The indigenous sculpture Brim Brim (the Wadawurrung word for spring waters), reconnects the two mineral springs sites at Spargo Creek and Ballan with the Moorabool River and broader landscapes of the area, and acknowledges the Indigenous connection to the sites. The sculptural installations consist of two interconnected works made from 120 year old locally sourced red gum, that reflect the ecological and cultural values of the mineral springs and the Moorabool River. Facilities include vehicle access and a small paved area surrounding the spring.

Spargo Creek VIC

14 km away

The Eureka Flag at the Eureka Centre Ballarat — Image credit: Paul Lambeth

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Eureka Centre Ballarat

Each year the Eureka Centre welcomes people from around the world who seek a meaningful connection to one of Australia’s most significant foundation stories – the Eureka Rebellion. Eureka Centre is located at the National Heritage-listed Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, considered to be the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade where the rebellion took place. It is home to one of Australia’s most compelling historic artefacts and textile treasures – the Eureka Flag. The Eureka Stockade resonates profoundly in Australia's national story. It was a transformative social movement that informed the development of democracy in Australia. At the Eureka Centre we explore the social history and cultural impact of the Victorian gold rush and honour the stories of the men and women who risked their lives in the ﬁght for miners’ rights. The Eureka Stockade Memorial Park is a place to contemplate the events of Eureka. The many layers of Eureka commemoration are reflected through its significant trees, interpretive plaques and monuments that honour those involved in the Eureka Stockade.

Eureka VIC

14 km away

Koalas — Image credit: Ballarat Wildlife Park

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Winner of Victoria's Best Attraction at the 2023 Victorian Tourism Awards and silver in Major Attractions 2024. Ballarat Wildlife Park is set amongst the beautiful gum trees on the outskirts of Ballarat, just four kilometres from Sovereign Hill. Founded by Greg Parker in February 1985 through a passion for the conservation of wildlife and the environment. The Parker family have long realised the value of allowing people and animals to come together in a relaxing, friendly and educational environment. Visitors can hand feed the friendly free-roaming kangaroos and see koalas, wombats ‘Crunch’ the five-metre Super Croc, and Kai and Akasha the Sumatran/Siberian tigers in the state-of-the-art tiger sanctuary. Animal and conservation presentations will further immerse you into the animal world, with the incredible keepers. Around the park, you will see Southern cassowaries, giant tortoises, dingoes and emus. Visit the reptile house and find snakes, frogs and lizards. A colony of Little Penguins call the park home, the world’s smallest penguin species. Marvel at the cheeky meerkats as they dig and explore. Spend time one-on-one with an animal with an Animal Encounter. Pat a koala, meet a giant tortoise, feed a tree kangaroo, have a snake wrapped over your shoulders or even feed a tiger. Encounters include a professional photo as a memento of the experience.

Ballarat VIC

14 km away

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