Ballarat is one among Victoria’s main regional centres within the coronary heart of the Goldfields area and a powerful regional city for households. The 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne means it’s doable in a day – however with so many issues to do and locations to eat it’s worthwhile having fun with an extended keep.
Listed below are our concepts for youths actions together with family-friendly suggestions for a weekend away to Ballarat.
**For the winter faculty holidays make Ballarat your loved ones getaway vacation spot – discover out what’s on for the annual Ballarat Winter Competition.**
Issues to do in Ballarat
1. Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill is the largest vacationer attraction on the town and value visiting with both beneath 5s (who’re free) or older youngsters who will admire the historical past on show.
Cease on the playground with a gold rush theme or plan a visit in winter for a Christmas in July expertise ‘Winter Wonderlights‘.
Sovereign Hill, 3 Bradshaw Road, Ballarat (03) 5337 1199
2. Livvi’s Place Ballarat – Victoria Park Inclusive Playspace
This big playground is inside Victoria Park and close to Lake Wendouree. It spans about 10,000 fenced, sq. metres, options a number of play zones. The accessible tools designed for all skills, a double flying fox, a number of swings, slides, a carousel and a water play space, makes for a beautiful household pit-stop.
It additionally consists of shade sails, picnic shelters, barbecues, picnic tables, bogs and alter amenities, making it among the finest playgrounds in Ballarat.
Livvi’s Place Ballarat – Victoria Park Inclusive Playspace, Sturt St, Newington
3. Sebastopol Water Play Park
The water splash park at Victoria Park Sebastopol options an thrilling number of tools together with tipping buckets, bathe sprays, run-through water tunnel and 4 water cannons.
There may be additionally a small plastic playground subsequent to the water play appropriate for youthful youngsters.
The water jets are operated by a button which runs for quarter-hour at a time. The Sebastapol splash park operates between 9am – 9pm through the hotter months of the 12 months.
Sebastopol Water Play Park, Victory Park, 243 Vickers Road, Sebastopol
Associated put up: Greatest Free Water Parks in Melbourne & Victoria
4. Eureka Aquatic Centre
Briefly Closed. The Eureka Aquatic Centre is a public pool facility with outside swimming pools in addition to numerous different water play options!
There’s a shaded toddler’s pool, small playground, a 25m pool with a brief water slide into one finish and a splash pad.
Eureka Aquatic Centre, 102 Stawell St S, Eureka Briefly Closed.
5. Artwork Gallery of Ballarat
The Artwork Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest and largest gallery in regional Australia. Throughout faculty holidays they run youngsters actions and workshops, and typically there are periods for households throughout faculty time period too.
We beloved our go to to Eliza-Jane Gilchrist’s Unusual Backyard (not displaying) and her intricate cardboard-based sculptures. Right here, we participated in an unfacilitated expertise to make our personal cardboard backyard creations.
Artwork Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
6. Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard
Each time we go to Ballarat we drop into this stunning bookshop in a historic constructing belonging to the Outdated Colonists’ Affiliation of Ballarat.
A complete third of the shop is devoted to youngsters’s/Younger Grownup literature, with cozy benches and a heat cosy environment all through.
Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard, 22 Lydiard Road, Ballarat
Discover Lodging in Ballarat Victoria
7. Lake Wendouree Journey Playground
Lake Wendouree Journey Playground affords a vibrant and interesting area the place youngsters can immerse themselves in imaginative play amidst the picturesque environment of Lake Wendouree.
The massive picket playground is appropriate for all ages. Full overview.
Lake Wendouree Journey Playground, Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree, Ballarat
8. Eureka Gardens playground
After all, the house of the Eureka stockade would have a Eureka stockade/gold rush themed playground! It’s quite a lot of enjoyable for little explorers and situated throughout the street from Eureka Aquatic Centre. Full overview.
Eureka Gardens playground, 102 Stawell St South, Ballarat
9. Yorkdale Property Central Park
Yorkdale Property Central Park has a considerable playground by Journey+.
The playground’s most evident function is a 6 metre tower with an enclosed slide. There are many play alternatives for youthful and older youngsters, with monkey bars, further slides, rock seesaws and a sandpit with digger.
Picnic tables make it an ideal spot for household gatherings, and bushes have now grown to supply pure shade. There are additionally grassy areas to kick a ball or throw a frisbee.
Greatest to go to the bathroom and fill water bottles earlier than visiting, as there are none out there on the park.
Yorkdale Property Central Park, Greenhalghs Highway, Winter Valley, Ballarat
10. Ballarat Wildlife Park
From penguins to koalas, wombats to penguins, crocodiles to Sumatran tigers, the family-owned Ballarat Wildlife Park an unimaginable interactive expertise with a few of Australia’s most original animals.
Learn our overview of Ballarat Wildlife Park.
Ballarat Wildlife Park, 250 Fussell Road Ballarat East, 03 5333 5933
Click on right here to ebook tickets.
11. Ballarat Botanic Gardens
Wander by means of the attractive Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the western aspect of Lake Wendouree. That is regional Victoria’s oldest inland botanic gardens and affords a medley of mature bushes and marble statues set inside vibrant flowerbeds.
Protecting 40 hectares, it’s additionally residence to the Robert Clark Conservatory, a hanging fashionable construct harbouring an oasis of seasonal shows. It’s additionally a hub for the Ballarat Begonia Competition held every March.
Ballarat Botanic Gardens, Wendouree Parade Lake Wendouree
12. Kryal Fort
Knights in shining armour, damsels in misery, wizards and witches – Kryal Fort has all of it all!
Widespread characters equivalent to King Arthur are launched throughout performances, and in between there are different points of interest like a playground and stone maze to discover. A recent program has been developed so each customer will see one thing new. Kryal Fort overview
Kryal Fort, 121 Forbes Highway Leigh Creek, 03 5334 8500
13. Timezone Ballarat
Dive right into a world of enjoyable and pleasure on the newly opened Timezone in Ballarat, properly beloved as the last word leisure centre for all ages.
With quite a lot of video games, points of interest, and prizes to take pleasure in, there’s no scarcity of thrills and laughter. Let the indoor enjoyable start!
Timezone Ballarat, 2 Bridge Mall, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
14. Gold Rush Mini Golf
Proper subsequent door to the Mill Market, Gold Rush Mini Golf has two fun-filled 18 gap programs.
Households can select from the outside course celebrating Ballarat’s gold rush historical past or the indoor Misplaced Worlds course crammed with dinosaurs, medieval characters and Caribbean pirate hideouts.
When you’re coming to Ballarat from Melbourne, preserve a watch out for the eight-metre-tall Massive Miner guarding the entrance of the Western Freeway venue. Open Thursday – Sunday.
Gold Rush Mini Golf, 4/9367 Western Freeway Warrenheip, 03 5334 8150
15. Xtreme Bounce
Tire your youngsters out at Ballarat trampoline centre, Xtreme Bounce. They will love the large enviornment of excessive efficiency trampolines plus the Slam Dunk, Battle Beam, Efficiency Wall, Dodgeball, Wipeout, and Air Baggage.
Ebook on-line to safe your one-hour soar time.
Xtreme Bounce, 48-50 Heinz Highway Delacombe, 0468764394
*Bonus* Sanctuary Day Spa
Ballarat’s Sanctuary day spa is *not* a family-friendly location however I’ve added it right here as a bonus addition in case you end up in Ballarat with out youngsters.
It’s one of many finest day spas in Regional Victoria which you could go to in a day journey from Melbourne and has gained quite a few awards on the World Spa Awards.
The Ballarat day spa is situated throughout the gardens of the Mercure Lodge and Conference Centre and options six luxurious remedy rooms together with two twin suites, non-public bathing, a floating pedicure lounge, a leisure lounge with an open hearth and The Sanctuary with a sauna and heated hydrotherapy pool.
You possibly can go to simply The Sanctuary casually relying on capability (although friends having therapies are given precedence).
Sanctuary Day Spa, 613 Primary Rd, Ballarat Australia 03 5327 1296
The place to eat in Ballarat with youngsters
16. The Forge Pizzeria
The Forge Pizzeria serves the perfect pizza on the town and the restaurant even has a separate youngsters’s space to play. Full overview.
The Forge Pizzeria, 14 Armstrong St North, Ballarat
17. The Mallow
The Mallow is a relaxed pub with a courtyard, colouring-in and youngsters menu. Learn my full overview.
The Mallow Lodge, 20 Skipton St, Ballarat, 03 5331 1073
18. L’Espresso
L’Espresso serves the perfect espresso in Ballarat (so I’m instructed, I don’t drink espresso!) and the meals was fairly good. However observe whereas I see loads of households brunching, the venue might be too squishy and darkish with younger youngsters who wish to transfer round!
L’Espresso, 417 Sturt St, Ballarat, 03 5333 1789
19. Websters Market and Cafe
This heritage nook retailer has been transformed right into a two-room cafe in a residential road.
The menu focuses on native and seasonal produce with a wholesome bend. There’s a youngsters menu and excessive chairs.
Websters Market and Cafe, 61 Webster St, Ballarat
20. The Hydrant Meals Corridor
Make a journey down a slender laneway to an outdated fireplace hydrant store and end up in a spacious cafe. At Hydrant Meals Corridor the meals is great, with a nod to tendencies whereas staying true to the seasons and native produce.
There’s area for pram entry, numerous excessive chairs, a enjoyable youngsters menu (rainbow pancakes!) and you should buy a youngsters’ exercise pack for $2.50. There may be additionally an accessible rest room with a fold-out change desk.
Sadly, the cubby home and chalkboard that was current a number of years in the past are not out there.
Hydrant Meals Corridor, 3 McKenzie St, Ballarat Central
21. Il Piccolo Gelato
Lick freshly churned gelato within the centre of city, with a number of tables and chairs dotted inside close by of the mounds of vibrant creations.
Il Piccolo Gelato, 217 Sturt St, Ballarat
22. Paper Cranes Ballarat
Paper Cranes Ballarat creates genuine and fusion Japanese meals on the go – assume sushi, katsu burgers, gyoza, hen curry and bubble tea!
There are a number of tables and chairs inside for eating in, although it’s extra focused for takeaway.
It’s the third retailer for this enterprise, becoming a member of their Bairnsdale and Sale shops.
Paper Cranes Ballarat, 8 Armstrong St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
23. Hop Temple
Because the identify suggests, Hop Temple has a really in depth beer menu. However additionally they have a meals menu with loads of snacks, pizzas and mains like fried hen and burgers.
Hop Temple is a household pleasant venue, however as they do maintain trivia nights and different occasions it’s finest to see what’s occurring previous to visiting to keep away from loud crowds.
Hop Temple, rear of 24-28 Armstrong Road North, Ballarat Central, 03 5317 7158
24. 1816 Bakehouse
Artisan bakery with an ideal choice of pies, sandwiches, breads and candy treats, in addition to espresso and different drinks.
1816 Bakehouse, 18 Armstrong Road North, Ballarat, 03 4372 9292
25. Larger Society
Café specialising in breakfast / brunch, and catering for dietary necessities, together with vegan choices. They’ve a few devoted youngsters choices on their menu.
Larger Society, 413 Sturt Road Ballarat, 03 5383 0817
26. Golden Level Lodge
Situated immediately reverse Sovereign Hill, this family-owned pub has a Household Bistro with primary pub meals and the largest indoor playground on the town.
Golden Level Lodge, 639 Primary Highway, Golden Level, 03 5333 5955
27. The Pink Lion
A heat and welcoming family-friendly pub with a enjoyable playground and a substantial youngsters menu. I really like that there’s a more healthy choice of children grilled hen and salad.
My youngsters love that there’s Milo on ice-cream for dessert!
The Pink Lion, 217-229 Primary Highway, Ballarat, 03 5331 3393
28. The Park Lodge
Open seven days every week for lunch and dinner, The Park Lodge has an ideal eating area for households and a big indoor playground.
The Park Lodge, 1615 Sturt Road, Alfredton, (03) 53341470
29. The Pancake Kitchen
A family-favourite restaurant and whereas there isn’t a playground or area for youths, the cubicles are spacious, the meals are enjoyable and there’s exercise sheets and crayons for youths if wanted.
Examine their web site for each day offers. However come on, there’s all the time room for pancakes!
The Pancake Kitchen, 2 Grenville Road, Ballarat 03 5331 6555
Different reader suggestions embrace:
The place to remain in Ballarat
Each time I’m on the lookout for family-friendly lodging I wish to analysis on Stayz and Reserving.com. There are many locations to select from, so listed here are my suggestions for locations to remain in Ballarat that both I’ve stayed at or my trusted associates have booked.
30. Lascelles Terrace
Lascelles Ballarat consists of two grand Victorian terraces with luxe, boutique lodging proper within the coronary heart of the Ballarat.
Situated in Errard Road North, Ballarat Central, it’s inside simple strolling distance to the Ballarat CBD, cafes, eating places and even the lake and heritage precincts. Sovereign Hill is a 7 minute drive and Kryal Fort is 14 minutes away.
Each homes have been lovingly restored with a contemporary and up to date overlay. All of the townhouses function luxurious bedding with electrical blankets, in depth zoned heating all through, totally geared up kitchens, fashionable fixtures, giant display screen good televisions with Netflix and blu-ray DVD gamers.
I stayed within the 6-bedroom home with some associates and located the rooms to be very snug, with glorious facilities within the dwelling areas – and it fulfilled our standards of getting a hearth for quiet studying!
The Grand Terrace features a master bedroom, eating room seating for 12, up to date kitchen, two bogs and rear sunroom overlooking a non-public outside entertaining space with an attractive backyard and firepit.
Take pleasure in free Wi-Fi and free off-street parking too.
This keep welcomes home educated pets (ideally hypoallergenic) of most sizes and breeds. Most of two pets allowed per reserving and are solely permitted on prior association.
31. Home at No.10 Ballarat
Home at No. 10 is a centrally situated Ballarat lodging with free WiFi, air con, a patio with backyard views and barbecue amenities. We don’t use the outside space a lot as we go to in winter, however it’s nice to have the choice.
The vacation residence has 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, an geared up kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washer, and a couple of bogs with a bathe. The beds are *tremendous* snug, you may simply not wish to depart.
The home is mild and spacious and spreading out over three bedrooms means the 2 youngsters don’t need to share a bed room (which they don’t usually), thus avoiding arguments!
You’ll additionally discover video games for the children and even a piano!
Ebook Home at No. 10 now
32. Ballarat Premier Residences
Simply across the nook from Home at No. 10 is Ballarat Premier Residences in central Ballarat. Initially in-built 1901, the property affords lodging that includes Victorian-era décor that’s been renovated to fashionable requirements.
This restored lodge affords self-contained 1, 2 and 3-bedroom flats and deluxe rooms.
The rooms have a fridge and a settee. Most lodging incorporates a kitchen or kitchenette. Some suites additionally boast a hearth, a spa tub or a balcony. The Heritage rooms are simply gorgeous and every incorporates a grand chandelier.
Ebook Ballarat Premier Residences now
33. Gordon Bush Retreat
Woman AB wished to remain in a caravan so I discovered Gordon Bush Retreat on Airbnb. It affords not only one, however two caravans on the identical bush block – which implies no sharing with noisy youngsters!
Because it’s a household’s vacation ‘home’ there’s a swing, trampoline and a full camp kitchen. Be aware the bathroom and tub are outside so the lodging might not go well with very younger youngsters.
34. High quality Inn Heritage on Lydiard
Nestled on Ballarat’s historic Lydiard Road within the metropolis centre, High quality Inn Heritage on Lydiard incorporates a health centre. All rooms embrace a 40-inch LCD TV with free cable channels and free Wi-Fi.
High quality Inn Heritage on Lydiard is a 2-minute stroll from Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat and seven minutes’ drive from Sovereign Hill.
Amenities embrace a enterprise centre and a solar terrace. Free safe coated automobile parking is offered.
Every room at High quality Inn Heritage on Lydiard Lodge consists of an in-room protected, government desk and ironing amenities. There may be additionally a mini fridge, microwave and toaster in each room.
Ebook High quality Inn Heritage on Lydiard now!
35. High quality Inn The George Lodge Ballarat
Established in 1854, High quality Inn The George Lodge Ballarat is located on the historic Lydiard Road North and incorporates a bar and restaurant. It’s a 1 minute stroll from Her Majesty’s Theatre. Visitors take pleasure in free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking.
Situated within the coronary heart of Ballarat’s central enterprise district, the lodge is simply metres from the Artwork Gallery of Ballarat and a 6-minute drive from Sovereign Hill Historic Park. Cafes, golf equipment and buying are all inside a 10-minute stroll. All lodging features a flat-screen TV with free cable channels. Every has a fridge, microwave and a work-desk. Some are self-contained and situated on the second storey, providing entry to a balcony.
The Heritage Bar and Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner each day, The bar affords a choice of beer, wine and spirits.
Ebook High quality Inn The George Lodge Ballarat now!
This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. When you ebook utilizing the hyperlinks there isn’t a further price to you and I earn a small fee that helps me to supply helpful and helpful info free for you! Thanks upfront – Joyce