Five Things to Do In Ballarat

At only an hour and a half’s drive from Melbourne, the regional city of Ballarat is the perfect place to spend a long weekend or quick getaway. Pulsing with culture and history – not to mention delicious food and wine – the city is also home to some of the most stunning architecture you will find in Victoria. If you’re planning a visit in the future, here are just some of the ways you can choose to spend your time:

1.Catch a show at the Regent Cinema or Her Majesty’s Theatre
A great way to spend a Friday or Saturday evening, both the cinema and the theatre are stunning old buildings that are sure to stop you in your tracks. The Regent Cinema shows all the new release blockbusters and even has Gold Class for added luxury. Her Majesty’s Theatre gets all sorts of shows, from theatrical performances to music concerts.

2.Go wine tasting in the Pyrenees region
If you have a car and a willing driver, we highly recommend spending your Saturday or Sunday afternoon out in the Pyrenees region, sampling all of the delicious wines on offer. Popular vineyards in the area include: Mount Beckworth Wines, Dulcinea Vineyard, Eastern Peake Vineyard and Winery, and Michael Unwin Wines – and they are all under half an hour from Ballarat

3.Attend the Ballarat Begonia Festival at the Botanical Gardens
If visiting one of Australia’s most popular and well-loved community events sounds like something you’re interested in, then this is the ideal weekend activity for you. Held over the Labour Day long weekend (9th to 11th March 2019), the Begonia Festival is a celebration of the City of Ballarat, with an exciting lineup filled with entertainment, activities, market stalls, culinary delights, celebrity guests and of course, begonias. 

4.Spend the day at Sovereign Hill
No long weekend in Ballarat would be complete with a visit to the country’s most famous living museum, Sovereign Hill. Even if you aren’t travelling with children, there are plenty of attractions for you to enjoy. Take a tour of one of the mines, pan for gold, peruse the stores for unique souvenirs to take home, and take in one of the performances.

5.Visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat
The oldest regionally gallery in Australia, the AGB is well worth a visit. Housing a diverse range of touring and temporary exhibitions, from colonial to contemporary, the carefully curated pieces are sure to inspire and impress. Not only that, entry to the heritage-listed gallery is free – consider a coffee at Kittelty’s at the Gallery to refresh and unwind. 

Of course, spending time in Ballarat requires you to find somewhere to stay. We are ready to welcome you at the Ballarat Budget Motel! With a wide range of accommodation options and attractive grounds, we are well placed for your adventure in the city. Or, if you’d prefer to spend the afternoon off, consider a picnic in our very own rose garden. We’re always happy to share our experiences and favourite places, ensuring you can experience Ballarat like a local and see the sights off the beaten track! Call us today on 1300 885 259 to make your reservation.