Things to do in Ballarat North

Things to do in Ballarat

Ballarat is gold dust and ghost stories. This is Victoria’s grand dame of the 19th-century gold rush, where costumed candlemakers roam a recreated town of that era and black swans glide across Lake Wendouree. You’ll find truffle hunts in misty paddocks, dragons at the drawbridge of Kryal Castle, and eerie ghost tours. In Ballarat, you come for the stories, stay for the surprises.

Unique Ballarat things you can’t do anywhere else

• Sovereign Hill: Step into the 1850s gold rush. Pan for shiny stuff, dodge musket fire and catch costumed villagers doing their thing. A whole township, frozen in time.
• Ballarat Wildlife Park: Hand-feed a mob of kangaroos, stare down a saltwater croc and get cosy with koalas. Aussie wildlife, up close and camera-ready.
• Kryal Castle Adventure Park: Live your medieval fantasies with jousts, mazes and jesters in this Aussie castle replica.
• Spooky ghost or heritage walking tour: Wander ancient streets under lantern-light and hear Ballarat’s creepy ghost tales.
• Pan for gold at Red Hill Mine: Go underground (safely!) and try striking actual gold in a guided mine tour.

Best Ballarat attractions to see

• Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights: Think gold rush vibes meet Christmas in July. Light shows, carols, snow machines. It might be fake snow, but the festive feels are 100% real.
• Art Gallery of Ballarat: Roam Australia’s oldest regional art gallery. Dozens of fine Aussie works, free entry.
• Discover Lake Wendouree gardens: Picture‑perfect fernery and rose pavilion at the Botanic Gardens lakeside edge.
• Gold Museum: Sparkly souvenir alert. Marvel at nuggets, gold artefacts and Ballarat’s history.
• Her Majesty’s Theatre: Catch a jazz night, musical or heritage show in this grand 1875 theatre.

Best Ballarat day trips and tours

• Guided Sovereign Hill experience: All the gold, drama and lolly shop secrets, plus an upgrade with a guide who knows where the hidden mine shafts are. Period costume optional, wide-eyed grins guaranteed.
• Mount Buninyong lookout: Stretch your legs (or coast in gear) to a volcano-turned-viewpoint with sweeping plains below. Bring a beanie.
• Daylesford spa day or winery tour: Steam, soak or sip your way through. Mineral springs, pinot pours, and zen vibes are less than an hour away.
• Maldon day trip: Cobblestones, cottages and old-school charm. Ride the vintage steam train, and rummage for antiques. Definitely don’t miss the scones.
• Castlemaine culture crawl: Quirky, creative and cool. Think indie galleries, gardens, and a sourdough bakery worth the detour.

Free things to do in Ballarat

• Ballarat Botanical Gardens: Stroll 40 hectares of Victorian plantings, sculptures and Courthouse Conservatory.
• Ride the Ballarat Tramway Museum: Climb aboard a vintage tram for a scenic lakeside ride.
• Explore the Eureka Centre: Interactive history and the original Eureka Flag in a neat heritage space.
• Heritage Lydiard Street walk: Self-guided stroll past grand 19th-century shops, theatres and the royal town hall.
• Visit the POW Memorial: A thoughtful stop to honour Aussie prisoners of war amidst tranquil gardens.

Budgeting for things to do in Ballarat

Ballarat’s the type of place where you can splurge on truffle hunts and guided ghost tours, then keep it easy with free lakeside walks and free galleries. Entry to major attractions like Sovereign Hill and Kryal Castle starts around $30–50, while wildlife parks and museums sit just below that. You can feed ‘roos, ride a tram, or even step into a medieval joust without breaking the bank.