Thanks to Ballarat's history, the Australian gold rush is an important point of interest for most visitors. Explore the Gold Museum, illuminating the town's mining industry and showcasing various artefacts, including golden nuggets. The Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka offers interactive digital displays, while works from the colonial era to the present are on display at the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Other highlights include the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, honouring 36,000 POWs as well as the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Kids will love the Ballarat Tramway Museum and the Ballarat Wildlife Park.
Sovereign Hill is arguably the main draw of Ballarat. Serving as a replica of an 1850s mining town, visitors are transported back in time, thanks to the colonial-era architecture, staff adorned in period attire and interactive activities, including the chance to pan for real gold. Outside of Sovereign Hill, you'll also find plenty of shops and antique markets. There are also plenty of annual festivals, including the Begonia Festival each March and Ballarat Heritage Weekend each May. Head to Lydiard Street for even more colonial architecture, as well as plenty of charming cafes, restaurants and wine bars.
While southern Australia is known for its temperate climate, the region around Ballarat brings a bit of a chill in the winter months. It's still a worthy stop in the off-peak season, and as long as you pack a few extra layers, you get to enjoy your holiday at lower prices and with smaller crowds. Summers are warm, dry and sunny, and festival season is a popular draw. Consider a trip around the Ballarat Beer Festival in January, or the Begonia festival in March, and browse Ballarat vacation rentals that are an easy walking distance to town.
Ballarat has an array of exciting attractions for kids of all ages. Holiday homes are available near places like Sovereign Hill, a living museum and replica of a gold-mining town with costumed actors and mine tours, and Kryal Castle, a medieval theme park with Gothic rooms and activities. Kids will also like Ballarat Bird World, a bird sanctuary with colourful and exotic species.
Couples looking for romance can enjoy plenty of activities in Ballarat. Holiday rentals can be found near places like Lake Wendouree, an artificial lake and wetland bird haven, and Art Gallery of Ballarat, a museum with Australian and international art. You’ll also like Mount Buninyong, an extinct volcano with native forests and hiking trails to the summit for sweeping views.
Our 2021 accommodation listings offer a large selection of 144 holiday rentals near Ballarat. From 20 Cottages to 108 Houses, find unique holiday homes for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best place to stay near Ballarat for a long holiday or a weekend break is on HomeAway.