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Jess Wootten and Krystina Menegazzo — Image credit: The Design Files

Shopping and Markets

Wootten

Wootten was founded in Adelaide's iconic Jam Factory arts collective in the mid 1970s surrounded by Australia’s leading craft practitioners. The generational tradition of handcrafting boots and leather goods continues from their repurposed World War 2 munitions workshop in the historic city of Ballarat. Ballarat has a long and proud history of bootmaking. James Oliver established Oliver and Steven’s Boot Factory in 1887. Their boots were engineered to withstand harsh conditions and became popular among miners and farmers. Cycle forward and the now iconic large retailer River’s began as Paddle Bros, making high quality shoes for routine Ballarat shoppers throughout the 20th century. Generations of Ballarat locals have since been employed in the industry. Wootten carries on this tradition. Operating out of the Gun Cotton Warehouse district, the small team of highly skilled and expert leather craftspeople produce handmade boots, shoes, belts, leather aprons and bags by the batch. Visit the Wootten workshop and showroom for a view into a working boot factory, and let the makers assist you with selecting a pair of boots to be worn for generations. In a nod to the site’s former history as a General Store, Wootten have curated a selection high quality crafts and wares. The range focuses on local makers with expertise in apparel, woven textiles, ceramics and decorative arts.

Delacombe VIC

0.9 km away

The Crafty Squirrel — Image credit: Morgan Wills

Shopping and Markets

The Crafty Squirrel

The Crafty Squirrel is a colourful and inspiring destination for craft lovers visiting Ballarat. Located in a charming heritage shopfront, this much-loved creative space is the working shop and studio of designer and maker Morgan Wills. The shop is filled with an ever-changing collection of beautiful and unusual haberdashery, textiles, craft supplies, gifts, homewares and vintage treasures sourced from Australia and around the world, with a particular love of finds from Japan and France. Visitors can discover Japanese fabrics and craft supplies, vintage haberdashery, ribbons and trims, handmade pieces and carefully selected treasures celebrating creativity, craftsmanship and traditional making. More than simply a shop, The Crafty Squirrel reflects Morgan's lifelong passion for making and creative travel. Morgan also hosts small-group craft tours and retreats in Australia and overseas, connecting craft lovers with makers, workshops and creative traditions. For visitors exploring Ballarat's creative side, The Crafty Squirrel is a delightful place to fossick for something special, find inspiration for a new project or discover an unusual treasure to take home.

Ballarat Central VIC

1.2 km away

Hattie and the Wolf caters for all members of the family. — Image credit: Visit Ballarat

Shopping and Markets

Hattie and the Wolf

Hattie and the Wolf is Ballarat's go-to destination for those who love eco-friendly, Australian-made, and locally handmade treasures. Nestled in a gorgeous light-filled 1890s building, their store offers a thoughtfully curated selection of giftware, clothing, and accessories—sourced from both Australia and abroad. Their earth-friendly ethos runs through everything they do. Many of their products are eco-conscious, fair trade, or part of inspiring social enterprises. The makers and businesses they partner with are transparent in their supply chains, pay fair wages, and in many cases, support education and community programs. They are passionate about handmade and proudly support local artists and makers. Nothing brings them more joy than celebrating their creativity and watching their businesses grow. At their heart, they are brave, bold, and fearless—and they invite you to be part of this story too.

Ballarat Central VIC

1.4 km away

The inground trampolines next to a covered picnic table and benches

Parks and Gardens

Inclusive Play-Space

The concept for an Inclusive Play-Space in Ballarat came from the community in 2012 and was driven through the City of Ballarat’s Disability Advisory Committee. The aim of the project was to create an environment where all children and adults, regardless of ability could play. An inclusive playground enables children, parents, grandparents, and carers of all abilities and ages to socialise and play side-by-side on the same equipment, in the same environment. It is not a dedicated playground for people with disabilities but a play space designed for the use and benefit of all community members, ensuring full integration of children and families and improved community connections. In 2016 the Inclusive Play-Space was opened. It is an environment of accessible play, and facilities (including an Adult Changing Place) and the amenities have been created with the additional benefit and reassurance of being enclosed in a fenced space, yet a design outcome that provides the freedom and feeling of not feeling fenced. The Inclusive Play-Space has become a great hub of socializing, playing, and is an example of what can be achieved in a community. The play-space was an LGPRO Award winner in 2017.

Newington VIC

1.8 km away

Ballarat Public Art Walks

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Ballarat Public Art Walks

Explore Ballarat's Public Art Collection, which holds over 120 artworks and is one of the largest, and most significant regional public art collections in Australia. Discover Ballarat's dynamic history and creative legacy through a series of self-guided public art walks. There are four self-guided walking tours that cover statues along Sturt Street, Contemporary artworks, War History and Lake Wendouree. The Contemporary Walk includes First Nations artist Deanne Gilson's Acknowledgement of Country Mural: Mundi-gurrk and Wurring, wurring Family Gathering by the Biyal. Located within the Ballarat Town Hall's Visitor Information Centre's Bath Lane entrance foyer, it consists of 20 paintings by the Wadawurrung artist which have been printed on 220 metres of vinyl. These self-guided walking tours are available for collection from both the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre located in the Ballarat Town Hall, and at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Visitor information Centre located at the Robert Clark Centre directly opposite the Conservatory. You can also find digital copies available via the website.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.1 km away

Main Court — Image credit: Xtreme Bounce

Amusement and Theme Parks

Xtreme Bounce

Get ready to have fun with your family and friends at the regions only trampoline center, Xtreme Bounce Trampoline Park. There is a Slam Dunk, Battle Beam, Performance Wall, Dodgeball, Wipeout, Air Bags and a huge arena of high performance trampolines. You can even grab a coffee, refuel with a snack or cool refreshment from the cafe.

Delacombe VIC

2.1 km away

Bow seating view of Paddle Boat

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Golden City Paddle Steamer and Museum Society

The Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum and Paddle Boat are operated by the volunteers of the Golden City Paddler Steamer Museum Society Inc. Enjoy a cruise on the Golden City Paddle Boat (a replica of the original Golden City Paddle Steamer). Enjoy the beautiful views, and bird life and listen to the history of the lake and the original paddle steamer, while relaxing to the beat of the paddles. For charter services of the boat, for corporate or private cruises, contact the society by phone. View the history of paddle boats, the digital photographic images and watch new and old videos of activities held on the lake at the Lake Wendouree Museum. View the photographic display of Ballarat Buildings from their past. The Ballarat Society of Artists are showcasing their art of the lake. The Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum and Paddle Boat is located on the foreshore of Lake Wendouree, opposite the Lake View Hotel.

Lake Wendouree VIC

2.1 km away

The Made of: Ballarat Shop

Shopping and Markets

The Made of: Ballarat Shop

Welcome to The Made of: Ballarat Shop, proudly celebrating artisans and producers from the local region. They offer a range of products that showcase the incredible talent of the local artists and producers. From magnets to tote bags, postcards and stickers, candles, prints, jams, and coffee beans, they have it all. Even hand-knitted wombats. There's something here for everyone, big or small. They also offer custom hamper creation, choose your preferred products and they'll create a complimentary hamper just for you. Located inside the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre, a visit to The Made of: Ballarat Shop will ensure you leave with a wonderful and unique souvenir, something to remind you of your travels, or a gift for someone special.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.1 km away

Her Majesty's Theatre lit up at night — Image credit: Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat

Entertainment Venues

Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat

Opened in 1875, Her Majesty's Theatre is the beating cultural heart of Ballarat, holding the title of Australia's oldest continuously operating live theatre venue. This historic building features a stunningly renovated double-balconied auditorium, recently restored to blend comfort with elegance, and equipped with state-of-the-art theatre technology. Each year, Her Majesty's hosts an exciting season of touring productions, showcasing performances from world class theatre companies and musicians. But it's not just for the pros. Her Majesty's is a beloved community hub and is host to a huge variety of local productions. Come and see a show at the most glamorous theatre in regional Victoria. Accessible seating requirements can be discussed with the Box Office.

Ballarat VIC

2.2 km away

Sara Nash exhibition at night — Image credit: Creative City - City of Ballarat

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Unicorn Lane Outdoor Gallery

Unicorn Lane is an outdoor exhibition space that highlights the talents of local, emerging artists from the Ballarat region. Exhibitions change over every six weeks and can be viewed day or night, with the boxes lit in the evenings. A perfect addition to a stroll through the centre of Ballarat.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.2 km away

Hop Queen Mural

Landmarks and Buildings

Hop Queen Mural

The Hop Queen mural was a self-initiated and financed collaborative project between local artist Travis Price and Mass Motion. Much of Price's focus with work had been outside of Ballarat for some time and he wanted to create something that would resonate with local residents. The byline, The past is History, was a tongue in cheek acknowledgment of Ballarat's well-documented history but also a call to action to move on to create their own identity/future. With over 20 years of experience working as a creative, Travis Price has built a reputation as a leader in the commercial illustration industry. A product of the University of Ballarat, Price has worked for some of the most innovative advertising agencies, bands and clothing brands. Respected internationally for his evolution and experimentation in vector illustration Price has presented at numerous design conferences and universities regarding his work including the National Gallery of Victoria. Price continues to work on a variety of commercial and apparel projects from his home studio in Ballarat surrounded by his growing family. The Hop Queen mural was painted over three days in April 2016 with the help of fellow local artists Merda and Cax One.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.3 km away

Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial

With a few words from the poem, For the Fallen, by the English poet and writer Laurence Binyon, you are welcomed to the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial. This unique memorial was opened on 6 February, 2004, to recognise and remember those Australians who became Prisoners of War during the wars of the twentieth century. The Memorial symbolises that all Australian prisoners embarked to serve away from their homeland and acknowledges the hardship, deprivation, brutality, starvation and disease endured by prisoners of war during their capture and the scars many continued to endure upon their repatriation to Australia. In these magnificent botanical gardens, the Memorial is a place of quiet reflection and a place to remember loved ones and to mourn those 8,600 prisoners of war that died in captivity and remain buried on foreign shores.

Lake Wendouree VIC

2.3 km away

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute in all it's glory!

Entertainment Venues

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (BMI), sitting proudly under the watchful eye of Minerva, has welcomed a diverse group of people through its doors, from the founding fathers, to miners and others seeking knowledge through education. Since 1859, the BMI has been used for balls, lectures, markets, cinema, library, concerts and cultural events. Following a magnificent restoration in 2013, the BMI continues its significant role in Ballarat’s rich cultural heritage. All are welcome to visit for tours, cultural events and exhibitions, and to hire our unique function rooms. The BMI is a special venue for holding celebrations, weddings, conferences and performances.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.3 km away

Meditation and Buddhism Classes - Kadampa Meditation Centre

Spas and Retreats

Meditation and Buddhism Classes - Kadampa Meditation Centre

The classes provide practical methods for improving the quality of lives and developing inner peace through meditation and Buddhist teachings. The in-person setting fosters a supportive community and offers real-time interaction with the teacher for personalized guidance. Classes include guided meditations and teachings to help us solve our daily problems and find the lasting happiness we seek. No prior experience needed and you can join anytime. Everyone is welcome. Please see the website for weekly current and upcoming class courses.

Ballarat VIC

2.3 km away

Civic Hall — Image credit: Ballarat Photography

Entertainment Venues

Civic Hall Ballarat

Ballarat's Civic Hall has re-emerged as one of the City's most popular and adaptable event spaces. We've hosted everything from the Ballarat Marathon to legendary rock icons like grammy-winner Jack White, proving that Civic Hall is where music comes to get live and loud. Following a major renovation in 2019, the Ballarat Civic Hall known for live music concerts, also hosts an annual season of diverse, entertaining and world-class events and performances for local, regional, national and international organisations.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.3 km away

Street frontage of Art Space Ballarat — Image credit: City of Ballarat

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Art Space Ballarat

Art Space Ballarat showcases the artworks of creatives and artists from the Ballarat region. The dedicated community art space will change every six and occupied by a new artist, maker or performer. Located in Ballarat's arts precinct and a short walk from the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Art Space Ballarat, is a great location to discover Ballarat's creative community.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.3 km away

Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard

Shopping and Markets

Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard

Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard is a destination bookstore in a beautifully historical and architecturally rich precinct. The bookshop will take you back in time with its pressed tin roof, old-style bookcases, wooden floors, open fireplaces, heritage front counter and the old fashioned signage. The shop features floorboards throughout, unique interiors and detailing, and internal walkways connecting the three parts of the shop, which are dedicated to fiction, non-fiction and children's/YA respectively. The bookstore has warmth and character, and the largest range of books in Ballarat.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.3 km away

Woven Baskets — Image credit: Perridak Arts

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Perridak Arts

Perridak Arts is an Aboriginal owned and operated business in the evolving art and tourist scene of Ballarat on the land of the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation. This is unique art gallery was established in 2023 and couples as a therapeutic program, supporting local First Nations artists and craftspeople to present their art while using their talents to connect to their culture. Once you step inside the door, you will be immersed in the relaxing sounds and smells of “Being on Country”, where a variety of art forms encourages visitors to delve into First Nation's culture. The building has many historical features, including a floor-to-ceiling beam and original brickwork which date back to the early 1800s. Set amongst this beautiful heritage architecture, is a modern and peaceful gallery, which will delight anyone who visits. Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative is proud to present Perridak Arts Gallery to the public and is committed to supporting local artists to continually offer their amazing artworks for viewing and purchase.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.4 km away

The grand facade of the original 1890 purpose-built Gallery building — Image credit: Art Gallery of Ballarat

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Art Gallery of Ballarat Shop

The Art Gallery of Ballarat Shop: open while the main gallery is closed for building works. With a focus on Victoria and Ballarat-based gifts and homewares, it's made for the curious. With an ever-changing range of handmade and one-of-a-kind ceramics, jewellery, clothing and more, the Art Gallery of Ballarat Shop delights locals and visitors alike. While the main building is closed, visitors are still able to enter the front door as usual and see the latest range. Can't decide on a gift for yourself, or someone else? Gift cards are also available.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.4 km away

Rare Trades Centre Workshop — Image credit: Rare Trades Centre

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Rare Trades Centre

Through hands-on experiential workshops and classes, the Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades (Rare Trades Centre for short) shines a light on contemporary trade and craft practices that derive from historic, or artisan trades. The Rare Trades Centre invites people to build their skill and create a viable practice in artisan crafts. Working with world-leading practitioners and with partnership as key, the Rare Trades Centre protects, conserves and encourages people to learn more about Australia’s rare trades.

Golden Point VIC

2.4 km away

Goanna Ground and Camp Site Mural

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Goanna Ground and Camp Site Mural

Goanna Ground and Camp Site Mural are significant public artworks the celebrating the enduring culture, history and presence of Aboriginal Peoples in Ballaarat. Goanna Ground, by Ballaarat-based artist Aunty Diana Nikkelson (Gunditjmara), inspired by the artist's totem, is attributed to the first artists of the region, the Wadawurrung People. Originally installed as an outdoor artwork, the goanna was etched into basalt paving at the back of the Gallery in 2006 as part of the cultural festival of the Commonwealth games As you walk down Police Lane footsteps morph from human footprints to goanna prints. When Federation Olaza was enclosed to create the Gallery's McCain Annexe, part if the original artwork was incorporated into the interior space. The work acknowledges Aboriginal survival and the dynamic regeneration of the Aboriginal art and culture in the region. Campsite is a re-commissioned version of the original Campsite Mural installed in Alfred Deakin Place for the Commonwealth Games in 2006. Campsite mural features Bunjil (wedge-tailed eagle) the creator and spiritual leader for Aboriginal people of this land. The Baarlijan (platypus) is a representation of the local Aboriginal community who have come from different Aboriginal nations and have made Ballaarat their home. The circular motifs represent campsites of different sizes located across Ballaarat, indicating that Ballaarat was and continues to be an important meeting place. Commissioned by the City of Ballarat.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.4 km away

Grand Arch — Image credit: City of Ballarat

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Grand Arch

Grand Arch is a five-metre by five-metre steel sculpture by Inge King placed as the centrepiece of Alfred Deakin Place, part of a redevelopment in conjunction with the State Government, City of Ballarat, University of Ballarat and Art Gallery of Ballarat. Grand Arch is representative of King's sophisticated style of abstraction that reflected animal and plant forms through to planets and the cosmos. King was a German-born Australian sculptor who created many significant public commissions including the well-loved Forward Surge (1974) at the Arts Centre, Melbourne. She was at the forefront of the development of non-figurative sculpture in Australia and held more than 26 solo exhibitions and participated in more than 60 group exhibitions in Australia, New Zealand, London and New York over almost 70 years as a practicing artist.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.4 km away

Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections

Sovereign Hill's Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections (Gold Rush Collections Centre for short) isn't your usual museum experience. This is a place for history nerds and culture seekers alike. Hidden within a maze of vaults and storerooms lies a treasure trove of over 150,000 meticulously preserved artefacts. From gold nuggets and jewellery to fashion and photography, this remarkable collection offers a glimpse into the rich history of Ballarat and beyond—all housed in the former Gold Museum building. This is the history lesson you never got at school. The collection sheds light on lesser-known, yet equally significant, perspectives that challenge and reframe the traditional Australian narratives of our past. With behind-the-scenes tours, thought-provoking talks, education programs, and ground-breaking research, the Gold Rush Collections Centre is a space to connect curious minds to an incredible collection that has defined Ballarat and the nation.

Ballarat VIC

2.4 km away

Art Gallery of Ballarat's Backspace Gallery — Image credit: Art Gallery of Ballarat

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Art Gallery of Ballarat / Backspace Gallery

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia's oldest and most engaging regional gallery. It is currently closed for building upgrades. It's anticipated that the works will be completed in mid-2027. You can still get your art fix at the Art Gallery of Ballarat's Backspace Gallery on Mair Street. This permanent space hosts exhibitions celebrating local and early-career artists. Don't miss the pop-up gallery shop, along with family-focused art activities such as Art Bites and Early Start taking place off-site. To stay up to date with the building works and external program of activities please visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat's website.

Ballarat Central VIC

2.5 km away

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