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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

0.2 km away

Goldfields Track — Image credit: Visit Victoria

Natural Attractions

Goldfields Track

Goldfields Track is a point-to-point 210 kilometre track for hikers and cyclists that links the 1850s gold rush era towns of Ballarat, Creswick, Daylesford and Castlemaine to Bendigo in the longest shared use track in Victoria. Originally known as the Great Dividing Trail, this is some of the most beautiful mountain biking and hiking in Victoria. A region steeped in history, you'll encounter forests, both natural and man-made, pastoral countryside and single track that in some places flow on grippy loam and in others jump and jag across roots, rock ledges and coarse sandstone. For an experience you will never forget, come and visit the Goldfields Track.

Ballarat East VIC

0.8 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

0.9 km away

Open Monument

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Open Monument

Open Monument is a contemporary artwork acknowledging the history of Chinese people in Ballarat. The Chinese diaspora was global and many Chinese people came to Ballarat and the Victorian Goldfields. The work details some of the personal Chinese family memories of Ballarat from the gold rush forward. The 33 marble laser-etched panels include found images and texts mounted on a modernist metal architectural feature holding back a grassed hill landscape. Within the side walkway of gravel and composite stone is an etched of local activities relating to the Chinese community achievements that can be added to by the community.

Ballarat Central VIC

1.6 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

1.9 km away

Casual Canvas at The Art Club Hub — Image credit: The Art Club Hub

Amusement and Theme Parks

The Art Club Hub

The Art Club Hub is a venue for creative minds to come together and express themselves through art. Led by qualified artists, they run weekly art classes for all ages -kids, teens and adults. They provide everything you need to explore different mediums and art styles. They offer kids art classes, adult art classes, art workshops, casual painting sessions, school holiday art workshops, kids party venue, corporate functions, Christmas functions and work break-ups. Please visit their website for more information on the Casual Canvas Paint Sessions, which is offered every Saturday, and everyday during school holidays.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.0 km away

The Pottage - Pottery and Ceramics Studio

Entertainment Venues

The Pottage - Pottery and Ceramics Studio

The Pottage is a community pottery and craft studio in Ballarat that offers relaxed, hands-on creative experiences. People can choose ceramic pieces to paint, attend wheel throwing workshops, or book group sessions such as parties and team events. They also offer studio hire for the artist who wants to tinker on a project in their own time. The studio provides all materials, guidance, glazing, and kiln firing, so visitors can focus on enjoying the creative process. It is designed to be welcoming to beginners while still engaging for experienced makers. The space encourages creativity, connection, and slowing down through making something by hand, combining art, leisure, and social experience in a friendly studio environment.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.0 km away

Darrell Lea Ballarat Chocolate Experience Store — Image credit: Darrell Lea Ballarat

Shopping and Markets

Ballarat Chocolate Experience Store

Welcome to the Ballarat Chocolate Experience Store, where every visit promises a sweet adventure. Indulge your senses in a world of decadent chocolates, delightful lollies and irresistible treats that will make your taste buds dance with joy. All day lunch is available, choose from loaded waffles, toasties, pizza subs and much more. Every corner is filled with the magic of confectionery delights. From scrumptious chocolates to mouth-watering sweets and desserts, they've got something to satisfy every craving, including creamy gelato, indulgent cakes and slices, rich coffee, and a variety of gourmet foods. And that's not all – brace yourself for a taste sensation like no other with their monster shakes, towering sundaes and velvety hot chocolates that will warm your soul. But wait, there's more. Discover the Sweet Owl Hampers, a beautifully curated selection of goodies that make the perfect gift for any occasion. Whether you're treating yourself or someone special, these hampers are guaranteed to spread sweetness wherever they go locally and across Australia using local Australian products. So why wait? Join the team at Ballarat Chocolate Experience Store, your ultimate destination for all things delicious. Come hungry, leave happy – and with a heart full of dessert-induced joy for the young and young at heart.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.0 km away

Ribbon cutting for the newly opened precinct

Shopping and Markets

Bridge Mall Shopping Centre

Experience the eclectic charm of Ballarat's Bridge Mall heritage precinct. There's something for everyone, ranging from unique speciality stores and exclusive boutiques to the big brand stores you know and love. The newly redeveloped Bridge Mall features a vibrant entertainment space perfect for gatherings, a dynamic new playground where the kids can run free, and plenty of seating areas to enjoy afternoon tea at one of the many cafés. Don't miss the monthly Bridge Market on the first Saturday of the month, which delights with its vast range of fresh produce, gourmet items, and locally made design ware. Throughout the year, the mall also hosts seasonal events around Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Ballarat Heritage Weekend. Stroll along the tree-lined boulevard and enjoy the smart lighting that highlights Ballarat's architectural history. Located in central Ballarat with plenty of parking, why not experience regional living for yourself?

Ballarat Central VIC

2.0 km away

Relax in the Traditional Sauna

Spas and Retreats

RE.NU Social Wellness

RE.NU Social Wellness is located in the heart of Ballarat. This modern wellness destination offers a unique blend of relaxation, recovery and reconnection. Guests can enjoy traditional dry saunas, magnesium hot pools, and cold plunge therapy across three distinct temperature zones. Signature experiences combine guided breathwork, yoga-inspired movement, and contrast therapy to energise or unwind the body and mind. The beautifully designed space also features a tranquil lounge, infrared saunas, massage therapy and compression boots. With a focus on holistic wellbeing, re.nu invites visitors to slow down, recharge and experience wellness in a new way. Whether you are seeking post-adventure recovery, mental clarity, or deep rest, re.nu delivers a memorable experience unlike any traditional spa or gym.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.0 km away

Great Outdoors

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Time Lane

Incidents in Time consists of a number of small, whimsical artworks tucked in to the small nooks and crannies that are a feature of Time Lane. This laneway was once a narrow watchmakers shopfront that ran the entire length of the lane and was packed with the accoutrements of a busy 19th Century store. The tiny works are miniature landscapes depicting moments in time, from the banal, to the sublime, to the strange. They spill out onto the laneway and are a treasure hunt for the audience of shoppers and passers-by.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.1 km away

Sovereign Hill

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill is a living museum presenting the story of Ballarat as a gold rush boomtown. Gold was discovered here in 1851, triggering the greatest alluvial gold rush the world has ever known. But this isn't the history lesson you got at school. Sovereign Hill puts you at the heart of the action. Explore underground on a mine tour, cosplay as a gold rush character inside their 1850s photography studio, pan for gold on the diggings, hop onto a coach ride, see live rare trades demonstrations, try the iconic Raspberry Drops handcrafted only at Sovereign Hill, browse the shops, and meet some colourful costumed characters.

Ballarat VIC

2.1 km away

Ballarat's Sanctuary Day Spa

Spas and Retreats

Ballarat's Sanctuary Day Spa

At Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa, the ultimate goal is to guide you towards a lasting sense of wellbeing through holistic healing and nurturing treatments. A 75 minute drive from Melbourne is their award winning Day Spa, located within the serene gardens of the Mercure Hotel and Convention Centre. Purpose built in 2018 and having recently undergone a new extension, Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa features eight treatment rooms including two dual suites, one with a private bath, two relaxation lounges with fireplace, a pedicure lounge and The Sanctuary – heated hydrotherapy spa and traditional stone sauna. You are invited to take a few deep breaths as you step inside the grand entrance. Leave life’s stresses at the door and allow the attentive team of skilled therapists to take you on a decadent journey to promote wellbeing, vitality and radiance from within.

Golden Point VIC

2.3 km away

Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections

Sovereign Hill's Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections (Gold Rush Collections Centre for short) isn't your usual museum experience. This is a place for history nerds and culture seekers alike. Hidden within a maze of vaults and storerooms lies a treasure trove of over 150,000 meticulously preserved artefacts. From gold nuggets and jewellery to fashion and photography, this remarkable collection offers a glimpse into the rich history of Ballarat and beyond—all housed in the former Gold Museum building. This is the history lesson you never got at school. The collection sheds light on lesser-known, yet equally significant, perspectives that challenge and reframe the traditional Australian narratives of our past. With behind-the-scenes tours, thought-provoking talks, education programs, and ground-breaking research, the Gold Rush Collections Centre is a space to connect curious minds to an incredible collection that has defined Ballarat and the nation.

Ballarat VIC

2.3 km away

Rare Trades Centre Workshop — Image credit: Rare Trades Centre

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Rare Trades Centre

Through hands-on experiential workshops and classes, the Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades (Rare Trades Centre for short) shines a light on contemporary trade and craft practices that derive from historic, or artisan trades. The Rare Trades Centre invites people to build their skill and create a viable practice in artisan crafts. Working with world-leading practitioners and with partnership as key, the Rare Trades Centre protects, conserves and encourages people to learn more about Australia’s rare trades.

Golden Point VIC

2.3 km away

Ballarat Real Tennis Club — Image credit: Maggie Henderson-Tew

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Ballarat Real Tennis Club

The Ballarat Real Tennis Club proudly celebrates its Goldrush heritage. Real Tennis, Australia's first racquet sport, began in the 1860s on Main Road, predating modern tennis. Today, Real Tennis is a niche sport, with only five venues nationwide, three in Victoria. Walk-in visitors and pre-booked players are welcome daily. Watch a match or book an introduction by contacting the operator via phone or email. Members of the club can book using the website. Non-members pay guest fees, while member subscriptions support full-time club professionals who welcome, coach, find opponents, maintain the court and equipment and make every ball used. Community engagement events include classes for school groups, collaborative events with local tennis and squash clubs, workshops in ball-making and racquet-stringing, and tailored programs for juniors, women and older adults to maximize inclusion. With origins stretching back around 800 years into medieval Europe, Real Tennis is the oldest racquet sport. The sport's complex rules focus on strategy and experience rather than power or speed. Its unique handicapping system lets players of all ages and abilities compete equally, encouraging intergenerational activity. The club welcomes participants regardless of gender, age or skill level.

Golden Point VIC

2.3 km away

Art Gallery of Ballarat's Backspace Gallery — Image credit: Art Gallery of Ballarat

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Art Gallery of Ballarat / Backspace Gallery

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia's oldest and most engaging regional gallery. It is currently closed for building upgrades. It's anticipated that the works will be completed in mid-2027. You can still get your art fix at the Art Gallery of Ballarat's Backspace Gallery on Mair Street. This permanent space hosts exhibitions celebrating local and early-career artists. Don't miss the pop-up gallery shop, along with family-focused art activities such as Art Bites and Early Start taking place off-site. To stay up to date with the building works and external program of activities please visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat's website.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.4 km away

Goanna Ground and Camp Site Mural

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Goanna Ground and Camp Site Mural

Goanna Ground and Camp Site Mural are significant public artworks the celebrating the enduring culture, history and presence of Aboriginal Peoples in Ballaarat. Goanna Ground, by Ballaarat-based artist Aunty Diana Nikkelson (Gunditjmara), inspired by the artist's totem, is attributed to the first artists of the region, the Wadawurrung People. Originally installed as an outdoor artwork, the goanna was etched into basalt paving at the back of the Gallery in 2006 as part of the cultural festival of the Commonwealth games As you walk down Police Lane footsteps morph from human footprints to goanna prints. When Federation Olaza was enclosed to create the Gallery's McCain Annexe, part if the original artwork was incorporated into the interior space. The work acknowledges Aboriginal survival and the dynamic regeneration of the Aboriginal art and culture in the region. Campsite is a re-commissioned version of the original Campsite Mural installed in Alfred Deakin Place for the Commonwealth Games in 2006. Campsite mural features Bunjil (wedge-tailed eagle) the creator and spiritual leader for Aboriginal people of this land. The Baarlijan (platypus) is a representation of the local Aboriginal community who have come from different Aboriginal nations and have made Ballaarat their home. The circular motifs represent campsites of different sizes located across Ballaarat, indicating that Ballaarat was and continues to be an important meeting place. Commissioned by the City of Ballarat.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.4 km away

Grand Arch — Image credit: City of Ballarat

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Grand Arch

Grand Arch is a five-metre by five-metre steel sculpture by Inge King placed as the centrepiece of Alfred Deakin Place, part of a redevelopment in conjunction with the State Government, City of Ballarat, University of Ballarat and Art Gallery of Ballarat. Grand Arch is representative of King's sophisticated style of abstraction that reflected animal and plant forms through to planets and the cosmos. King was a German-born Australian sculptor who created many significant public commissions including the well-loved Forward Surge (1974) at the Arts Centre, Melbourne. She was at the forefront of the development of non-figurative sculpture in Australia and held more than 26 solo exhibitions and participated in more than 60 group exhibitions in Australia, New Zealand, London and New York over almost 70 years as a practicing artist.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.4 km away

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute in all it's glory!

Entertainment Venues

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (BMI), sitting proudly under the watchful eye of Minerva, has welcomed a diverse group of people through its doors, from the founding fathers, to miners and others seeking knowledge through education. Since 1859, the BMI has been used for balls, lectures, markets, cinema, library, concerts and cultural events. Following a magnificent restoration in 2013, the BMI continues its significant role in Ballarat’s rich cultural heritage. All are welcome to visit for tours, cultural events and exhibitions, and to hire our unique function rooms. The BMI is a special venue for holding celebrations, weddings, conferences and performances.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.4 km away

Meditation and Buddhism Classes - Kadampa Meditation Centre

Spas and Retreats

Meditation and Buddhism Classes - Kadampa Meditation Centre

The classes provide practical methods for improving the quality of lives and developing inner peace through meditation and Buddhist teachings. The in-person setting fosters a supportive community and offers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance. Classes include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our daily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. No prior experience needed and you can join anytime. Everyone is welcome. Please see the website for weekly current and upcoming class courses.

Ballarat VIC

2.4 km away

Sara Nash exhibition at night — Image credit: Creative City - City of Ballarat

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Unicorn Lane Outdoor Gallery

Unicorn Lane is an outdoor exhibition space that highlights the talents of local, emerging artists from the Ballarat region. Exhibitions change over every six weeks and can be viewed day or night, with the boxes lit in the evenings. A perfect addition to a stroll through the centre of Ballarat.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.5 km away

The grand facade of the original 1890 purpose-built Gallery building — Image credit: Art Gallery of Ballarat

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Art Gallery of Ballarat Shop

The Art Gallery of Ballarat Shop: open while the main gallery is closed for building works. With a focus on Victoria and Ballarat-based gifts and homewares, it's made for the curious. With an ever-changing range of handmade and one-of-a-kind ceramics, jewellery, clothing and more, the Art Gallery of Ballarat Shop delights locals and visitors alike. While the main building is closed, visitors are still able to enter the front door as usual and see the latest range. Can't decide on a gift for yourself, or someone else? Gift cards are also available.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.5 km away

Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard

Shopping and Markets

Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard

Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard is a destination bookstore in a beautifully historical and architecturally rich precinct. The bookshop will take you back in time with its pressed tin roof, old-style bookcases, wooden floors, open fireplaces, heritage front counter and the old fashioned signage. The shop features floorboards throughout, unique interiors and detailing, and internal walkways connecting the three parts of the shop, which are dedicated to fiction, non-fiction and children's/YA respectively. The bookstore has warmth and character, and the largest range of books in Ballarat.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.5 km away

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