The Ballarat Winter Long Weekend Getaway Guide

Want to get the kids out of the house over the school holidays? Looking for the ideal location for that romantic rendezvous? No matter the reason for your stay, Ballarat Winterlude is just what you’ve been searching for. From enjoying deliciously heart local fare to watching delicate snowflakes fall, visitors will have plenty of options for making their weekend a long one.

 

There are more than 50 events being held throughout Ballarat Winterlude for 2016, which runs from the 25th of June to the 24th of July. Some of this years highlights include:

• Pop Up Ice Skating Rink (25th June – 10th July)

The pop up skating rink can be found on Armstrong Street South. Sessions run for an hour. Adults are $10, children are $5 and families are $20 – bookings are essential.

• ‘Winter Wonderlights’ Christmas in July (25th June – 24th July)

Located at the iconic Sovereign Hill, the Main Street is bathed in snow during the day and lit up in spectacular style of an evening. Normal entry fees apply to this attraction.

• Tangled Maze Winter Warm Up (25th June – 24th July)

• Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle (25th June – 10th July)

Located in the main arena at the popular Kryal Castle. Be witness to the ‘Joust of The Flame’ in which Sir Hector meets the Dark Knight. Normal entry fees apply to this attraction.

• Winter at Wildlife Park (25th June – 10th July)

Located at the popular Ballarat Wildlife Park, visitors can meet the resident alpine dingoes, roast marshmallows in the fire pits, or join a damper cooking session.

• Ballarat’s Best Pie Competition (25th June – 24th July)

• Ballarat Laneways (1st July – 17th July)

Beginning at dusk and held in Police Lane, Alfred Deakin Place and the Camp Street CBD Arts Precinct. See light installations, live music performances and street performance art.

• Movie Garden (3rd July – 10th July)

An indoor/outdoor cinema experience at Housey Housey. Enjoy the soft grass, comfy beanbags and hot pizzas. Family friendly flicks in the afternoon and cult classics of an evening.

• Art Gallery of Ballarat: Winter School Holiday Program (27th June – 8th July)

• Winterlude Beer Festival (23rd July – 24th July)

The festival wraps up the festivities and is held at the Ballarat Mining Exchange and allows visitors to sample local ales. Ticket prices depend on what part of the event you’d like to attend.

 

There are plenty more events and activities to enjoy – to view the program in its entirety, check out the Visit Ballarat website (http://www.visitballarat.com.au). At an hour and 15 minutes west of Melbourne, Ballarat is perfect for a long weekend getaway. When choosing to stay at the Ballarat Budget Motel, you’ll only be 10 minutes from the centre of town!