{"id":2691,"date":"2021-07-30T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-30T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=2691"},"modified":"2023-11-28T20:42:33","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T20:42:33","slug":"things-to-do-in-ballarat-and-surrounds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/road-trips\/things-to-do-in-ballarat-and-surrounds\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in Ballarat and surrounds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"car<\/figure>\n\n\n

Located 120 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, in the central highlands of Victoria<\/a>, Ballarat is most commonly known for its rich history known as the Eureka Rebellion.<\/p>\n

Although the historical roots remain strong, these days, it\u2019s a thriving town with plenty to offer. Wondering what to do in Ballarat? We\u2019ve put together a list of the best Ballarat attractions to check out if you\u2019re passing through. After you\u2019ve picked up your Ballarat hire car<\/a>, check out these must-sees:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 Lake Wendouree<\/h2>\n

This beautiful lake put Ballarat back on the map in 1956, as the stage for the Olympics Rowing competition. Overlooking the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the lake is home to a variety of birds including black swans who, on any given day, are happy to join anyone\u2019s picnic. Walk, cycle or drive around the lake and take in the sights of pretty historic boathouses and array of homes once belonging to those who got to the gold rush early.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 Red Wine and a Warm Fire<\/h2>\n

Rarely do two things go so well together. Red Wine and a Warm Fire<\/a><\/u> is an indulgent wine tour taking you through the Pyrenees region with a delicious lunch to match. From 30 June to 29 July, tours will depart at 9.30am from the Gold Monument, Cnr Sturt and Albert Street, Ballarat. Tickets are $173 per person.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 Ballarat Municipal Observatory<\/h2>\n

Opened more than a century ago, the Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum is one of the oldest observatories in Australia. But in no way is it any less fascinating. In fact, the range of both modern and vintage telescopes is quite bewildering and visitors can immerse themselves in all the stargazing they wish (weather permitting of course). Bookings are essential for viewing at the telescopes Tuesday to Saturday. Private bookings are also available Monday to Thursday.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 Plate Up Ballarat – The Pie Competition<\/h2>\n

Who ate all the pies? Judging by the quality coming out of Ballarat, it could be anyone who\u2019s dined in any of the city\u2019s twenty famed restaurants and cafes. From 30 May to 23 July, the top pie producers compete for the crown of best pie<\/a><\/u>. The focus is on local produce and each venue\u2019s pie must include at least three local ingredients. Pie enthusiasts can vote for their favourites and hashtag their choice.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 Sovereign Hill<\/h2>\n

Step back in time to the days of the Australian gold-rush. Sovereign Hill<\/a><\/u> is a unique outdoor folklore museum recreating an era when the city was a flush with thousands of fortune-seeking gold-diggers from all over the world hoping to strike it hot and find riches. The 25-hectare park is full of recreated shops, hotels, theatres, factories, schools and underground mines as well as spectacular shows re-enacting the Eureka Rebellion<\/em> on the Ballarat goldfields. A full day is needed here to soak in the Victorian history and perhaps even snare yourself some bling.<\/p>\n

Even more of a reason to visit Sovereign Hill this Winter for the Winter Wonderlights: Christmas in July. Decorated Christmas trees will line the Main Street with activities for the whole family including faux snow falls, theatre shows and festive treats! <\/u><\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 High Tea at Craig\u2019s Royal<\/h2>\n

High Tea at Craig\u2019s Royal<\/a><\/u> is a longstanding Ballarat tradition spanning more than a century. One look at the venue, and it\u2019s easy to see why. The Grand Dining Room is a feast for the eyes, and the treats are everything you\u2019d expect for a $59.90 price tag. Once you\u2019ve eaten your weights worth in scones, take a guided tour of the lavish hotel and experience the Royal Suites, historical banquet rooms, and bluestone cellar, and be transported to a time of opulence in one of Australia\u2019s truly grand hotels.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s certainly not where the fun stops in Ballarat. The attractions are all throughout the town and its surrounding areas \u2013 even exploring the town by foot is a highlight in itself. Sturt, Camp and Lydiard Streets all have an incredible charm to them, lined with heritage architecture and streetscapes. The old Trades Hall on Camp is our top pick, but really, there\u2019s so many that catches the eye!<\/p>\n

Hire a car in Ballarat<\/h2>\n

So, now that you know the best things to do in Ballarat, let\u2019s talk logistics. Conveniently, there\u2019s a SIXT car hire located in town with a range of vehicles perfect for exploring all that Ballarat and its surrounding regions have to offer.<\/p>\n

For Ballarat accommodation, there\u2019s no shortage of that either. Visit Ballarat <\/a><\/u>has got you sorted in that department, as well as the best Ballarat pubs for that matter and for auto club members you can get a discount at NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So there\u2019s no time to lose \u2013 Eureka!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Located 120 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, in the central highlands of Victoria, Ballarat is most commonly known for its rich history known as the Eureka Rebellion. Although the historical roots remain strong, these days, it\u2019s a thriving town with plenty to offer. Wondering what to do in Ballarat? We\u2019ve put together a list of the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":108,"featured_media":4411,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[182,59],"class_list":{"0":"post-2691","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-road-trips","8":"tag-ballarat","9":"tag-victoria","10":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\nThings to do in Ballarat and surrounds - SIXT Car Rental Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Located 120 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, in the central highlands of Victoria, Ballarat is a great place to drive with a rental car.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/road-trips\/things-to-do-in-ballarat-and-surrounds\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Things to do in Ballarat and surrounds - 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