Ballarat boasts a highly active food scene with a range of trendy cafes, bakeries and fine dining options showcasing the best local produce. 

For our morning coffee, we always head to Cobb’s Coffee. It’s one of those spots where the roasting is taken seriously but the atmosphere stays warm and unpretentious. Their flat whites are consistently excellent, and if we’re lingering a little longer, the toasties and pastries make for an easy start before a day exploring the region.

When lunchtime rolls around, Golden Nugget Bakery is our go-to for something hearty and reliably good. The pies are proper country bakery quality, but the real standout is the award-winning vanilla slice. There's three locations to choose from (north, central and south)

If the mood calls for a classic pub atmosphere, we head to the Golden City Hotel. This iconic Ballarat pub is made for relaxed nights out, with generous counter meals, a family friendly feel and plenty of history woven into the building itself.

For a brilliant sample of Ballarat’s fine dining richness, Restaurant Lola is our favourite. Set within The Provincial Hotel, it blends European inspiration with local produce, and the space has a stylish, old-world charm that suits Ballarat perfectly. The menu changes with the seasons, but the handmade pastas and slow-cooked mains are always exceptional. It’s well worth booking if you’re visiting on a weekend. 

Prefer to cook for yourself? The Camp Kitchen and BBQ spaces are perfect for easy, relaxed meals back at the park.

A visit to Ballarat isn’t complete without a day at Sovereign Hill, and staying at the park puts you only minutes away. We love wandering through the recreated gold rush township, chatting to costumed characters and watching the demonstrations that bring the 1850s to life. Whether you’re panning for gold or exploring the mines, it’s one of those places that manages to be memorable no matter your age.

For something completely different, Ballarat Wildlife Park is a fantastic way to get up close to native animals. We’ve hand-fed kangaroos, watched keepers work with the reptiles and stood just metres from the park’s famous Tasmanian devils. It’s easy to spend a few hours here, especially with kids in tow.

If you’d prefer a slower pace, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the western shore of Lake Wendouree are ideal. We often stroll through the stately tree-lined avenues, heritage plantings and quiet garden pockets that make this space so special. The gardens are beautiful year-round and offer plenty of shaded spots for a relaxed picnic.

Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australia’s oldest regional gallery. Its collection blends local stories with national works, and the rotating exhibitions mean there’s always something surprising to see. We like to combine a gallery visit with a coffee in town and a wander through Ballarat’s historic streets.

If you’re keen to stretch the legs, Mount Buninyong is a great nearby hike. The trail winds through bushland to an exposed summit with views across the region, and it’s a refreshing contrast to the heritage-heavy attractions closer to town. It’s an easy half-day outing and well worth the short drive.

Ballarat is known for crisp mornings and chilly evenings, even outside winter. Pack layers, especially if you’re planning early starts at Sovereign Hill or hiking around Mount Buninyong.