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Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ross Creek Gallery

Ross Creek Gallery is nestled in the serene bushland just a short 10-minute drive from Ballarat, Wadawurrung Country. The contemporary gallery is seamlessly integrated next to Ruby Pilven's mudbrick studio, creating a peaceful and inspiring environment. With its abundant natural light streaming through three expansive windows, along with 15 spotlights, a versatile hanging system spanning three walls with 20 hanging wires, and 10 pristine white plinths, the gallery offers an ideal setting for artistic expression. The gallery hosts recent ceramic and 2D artworks by Ruby Pilven and Janine Ronaldson as well as rotating exhibitions by local artists. The gallery is also open by appointment.

Smythes Creek VIC

0.0 km away

Wide range of desert art — Image credit: raintree art

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Raintree Art

Raintree Art is an Aboriginal Art Gallery just outside Ballarat. They sell ethically sourced giftware and original paintings. Known internationally for their video of Aboriginal Artist Louise Numina Napananka painting her bush medicine leaves which worldwide has received over 100 million views. Raintree Art is a member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia. They purchase directly from many of their artists and also purchase from Aboriginal Art Centres and fair trade organisations. You can rest assured that all of Raintree Art's paintings and giftware features real art by real artists who receive royalties for their work. Their paintings range in size from small, through to extra-large, which is large enough to create a feature wall in your home or office. Raintree Art also have a large range of ethically sourced giftware for sale, including apparel, bags, wallets, books, cards and gift wrapping, cushion covers, decorations, drink coolers, kitchen items, Christmas items, house numbers and much more. If their opening hours don't suit you, please get in touch and Raintree Art can arrange another time.

Cambrian Hill VIC

5.9 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

6.9 km away

Cycling the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail — Image credit: City of Ballarat

Natural Attractions

Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail

The 53 kilometre Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail runs along the former railway to Skipton, from western Ballarat, Haddon, Smythesdale and Pittong to Skipton. Upgraded in 2008, this trail goes through native grasslands, historical gold mining sites and over an impressive trestle bridge near Newtown is open for trail users. History boards with trail information are sited at various points along the trail.

Smythesdale VIC

7.0 km away

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

8.0 km away

Arch of Victory and Garden of the Grieving Mother

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Arch of Victory and Garden of the Grieving Mother

The Arch of Victory was built to commemorate the Allied victory in World War I and to provide a sense of comfort and meaning to a community emerging from four years of grief and anxiety. The foundation stone was laid by General Sir William Birdwood on February 7th, 1920.  Thirteen local tradesmen undertook the four-month construction and utilised 70,000 bricks donated by the Selkirk company. Standing 17.5 metres high and 19.7 metres wide, the Arch is crowned with the emblem of the AIF - the Rising Sun. Opened by HRH Prince Edward, the Prince of Wales, on June 2nd, 1920.  His connection to Ballarat endured, and on the Arch's 50th anniversary, now as the Duke of Windsor, the Duke of Windsor responded to an invitation from the President of the Arch of Victory / Avenue of Honour Committee, Keith Price. The Garden of the Grieving Mother provides a place for contemplation and reflection. Inspired by the experiences of those who remained at home during wartime, it honours the grief and anxiety and resilience of mothers, fathers, families and friends waiting for news of loved ones serving overseas. While rooted in the World War I experience the garden pays tribute to the mothers and families of all Australian servicemen and women. At its centre stands a life-sized bronze statue by acclaimed Australian artist Peter Corlett OAM.

Alfredton VIC

8.9 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

9.0 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

9.4 km away

Ballarat Tram No 26 — Image credit: No

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ballarat Tramway Museum

Travel back in time through the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens alongside Lake Wendouree. By riding one of the 100 year old trams which provided Ballarat's public transport until 1971. The recently opened Display Hall, is where you can learn the story of the Ballarat trams and its people is told through photographs, historic films and tramway memorabilia. Representatives of the Ballarat tramcar fleet are on display alongside a wonderfully restored former Geelong tram. On loan is a restored tram which until 1959 the Victorian Railways ran from St Kilda Station to Brighton. Included in the display is Ballarat Horse Drawn Tram No. 1. This was the first tram to operate in Ballarat in 1887. Under restoration is one of the first electric trams to be operated in 1905 by the original Electric Supply Company of Victoria fleet. The running fleet includes nine tramcars which initially ran in Melbourne and arrived in Ballarat between 1930 and 1951, and four acquired directly from Melbourne by the Museum. Run by volunteers, the Museum is open every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. We are open on most Victorian public holidays. During Victoria school holidays we open on Thursdays. Guided tours and group visits can be arranged. Souvenir items may be purchased from the shop.

Lake Wendouree VIC

9.5 km away

Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre

The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, or BALC, is here for you. Located in the heart of Ballarat, the centre provides a welcoming environment for members and visitors of all ages and stages with plenty of options to keep you moving. The centre's aquatic facilities include a heated 50 metres pool, heated 25 metres pool, heated rehabilitation and multipurpose pool, spa, steam room, and Learn to Swim pool with frog slide. Their Health Club is equipped with the latest machines and weight training equipment, and their fully qualified trainers are always on hand to guide you through your fitness journey Over 80 weekly group fitness classes are held in our modern studios, including their cycle studio with 30 of the latest Technogym bikes to give you the best indoor cycling experience in town. Creche services, café and retail shop are also available onsite. The team can't wait to welcome you.

Lake Gardens VIC

9.6 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

9.9 km away

The Robert Clark Conservatory — Image credit: City of Ballarat

Landmarks and Buildings

The Robert Clark Conservatory

Take a wander inside amongst the seasonal floral displays at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. The Robert Clark Conservatory opened in 1995 and was built as part of the two million dollar bequest of Bob Clark in honour of his grandfather Robert Clark co-founder of The Ballarat Courier newspaper. The third conservatory on the site, this is the first to allow visitors to stroll amongst the year-round floral displays, including the Begonia collection on show each year from the second weekend in March (for approximately four weeks). The other displays featured: May - Chrysanthemums, Winter - Cyclamen, Cineraria and Primula, Spring - Schizanthus, Summer - Fuchsias, Hydrangeas and Pelargoniums.

Lake Wendouree VIC

10 km away

Adam Lindsay Gordon Craft Cottage in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens — Image credit: Crafts Council Ballarat

Shopping and Markets

Adam Lindsay Gordon Craft Cottage

Adam Lindsay Gordon Craft Cottage is a heritage wooden cottage nestled within the Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the shores of Lake Wendouree. Associated with the life and times of poet Adam Lindsay Gordon, the cottage is one of Ballarat's most charming historic attractions. Today it operates as a welcoming retail and exhibition space celebrating Australian handmade craft and local art. Visitors can discover an ever-changing collection of ceramics, textiles, woodwork, glass, jewellery and fine art created by skilled makers from Ballarat and surrounding regions. The focus is on quality craftsmanship, sustainability and thoughtfully designed handmade gifts. Operated by Crafts Council Ballarat, the cottage is supported by knowledgeable volunteers who are also practising makers. They share insights into both the cottage's history and the creative processes behind the work on display. The intimate setting offers a relaxed and personal shopping experience within a significant heritage building. Seasonal displays and curated exhibitions ensure there is always something new to see. Whether exploring the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, visiting Lake Wendouree or seeking unique handmade gifts in Ballarat, the Adam Lindsay Gordon Craft Cottage offers a memorable cultural experience that connects history, creativity and community.

Lake Wendouree VIC

10 km away

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Located on the western shore of Lake Wendouree, approximately four kilometres from Ballarat's city centre, the Gardens are a popular and invaluable heritage and recreational location for residents and visitors. Established in 1858 it is one of Victoria's oldest Botanical Gardens. The gardens are home to an extensive array of flowering plants, exotic trees, floral bedding displays and an extensive collection of Italian marble statues throughout. Experience the stunning Robert Clark Conservatory and walk in amongst the changing seasonal displays of the celebrated collections of hydrangeas, fuchsias, and chrysanthemums throughout the year, and their world renown tuberous Begonia Collection mid-March to mid-April. The Ballarat Botanical Gardens welcomes thousands of visitors each year to City of Ballarat's much-loved Summer Sundays picnic and live music events during January. It also attracts more than 60,000 for the three-day annual Ballarat Begonia Festival over the Labour Day weekend in March. Robert Clark Conservatory is open 9.00am to 6.00pm daily, excluding Christmas Day. The Statue Pavilion is open from 9.00am to 4.30pm daily, excluding Christmas Day.

Lake Wendouree VIC

10 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

10 km away

Murrup Laar — Image credit: City of Ballarat

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Murrup Laarr Ancestral Stones

Murrup Laarr translates as 'Ancestral Stones' in Wadawurrung. This artwork by Deanne Gilson is located in the North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park. The park is a significant project for the City of Ballarat and will feature works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, celebrating the richness and diversity of culture and telling important cultural stories. Dr Deanne Gilson is a Wadawarrung Traditional Custodian and established artist. She installed the first artwork commissioned by the City of Ballarat for the Sculpture Park in early 2019. Murrup Laarr is a contemporary artwork consisting of a traditionally-built stone hut in the middle of a circle of basalt standing stones, marked with ceramic plates reflecting the stories and symbols of dreaming, memory, ceremony.

Lake Wendouree VIC

10 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

11 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

11 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

11 km away

Ballarat Bird World

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Ballarat Bird World

Take a stroll along the raised walkway past the landscaped waterfall and gardens to view the birds on display. Some of the varieties on display include Major Mitchell and Red Tailed Black cockatoos. An added attraction is the full-sized adult animatronic Triceratops dinosaur and baby Triceratops and T-Rex dinosaurs. Children will enjoy the fossil dig table and the timber maze. Find the three stamps in the maze to win a small prize. There is also an outdoor picnic area next to the maze. The nine hole outdoor mini golf course is now open and provides lots of fun for all ages. The café serves all-day cake and coffee. Ice creams, hot chips and nuggets, wedges, pies and sausage rolls and cold drinks are also available. The outdoor deck provides an opportunity to get up close to the native birds in the area and listen to the waterfall in the background. The gift shop stocks a variety of bird souvenirs to choose from.

Mount Helen VIC

11 km away

Ballarat Real Tennis Club — Image credit: Maggie Henderson-Tew

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Ballarat Real Tennis Club

The Ballarat Real Tennis Club proudly celebrates its Goldrush heritage. Real Tennis, Australia's first racquet sport, began in the 1860s on Main Road, predating modern tennis. Today, Real Tennis is a niche sport, with only five venues nationwide, three in Victoria. Walk-in visitors and pre-booked players are welcome daily. Watch a match or book an introduction by contacting the operator via phone or email. Members of the club can book using the website. Non-members pay guest fees, while member subscriptions support full-time club professionals who welcome, coach, find opponents, maintain the court and equipment and make every ball used. Community engagement events include classes for school groups, collaborative events with local tennis and squash clubs, workshops in ball-making and racquet-stringing, and tailored programs for juniors, women and older adults to maximize inclusion. With origins stretching back around 800 years into medieval Europe, Real Tennis is the oldest racquet sport. The sport's complex rules focus on strategy and experience rather than power or speed. Its unique handicapping system lets players of all ages and abilities compete equally, encouraging intergenerational activity. The club welcomes participants regardless of gender, age or skill level.

Golden Point VIC

11 km away

Ballarat's Sanctuary Day Spa

Spas and Retreats

Ballarat's Sanctuary Day Spa

At Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa, the ultimate goal is to guide you towards a lasting sense of wellbeing through holistic healing and nurturing treatments. A 75 minute drive from Melbourne is their award winning Day Spa, located within the serene gardens of the Mercure Hotel and Convention Centre. Purpose built in 2018 and having recently undergone a new extension, Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa features eight treatment rooms including two dual suites, one with a private bath, two relaxation lounges with fireplace, a pedicure lounge and The Sanctuary – heated hydrotherapy spa and traditional stone sauna. You are invited to take a few deep breaths as you step inside the grand entrance. Leave life’s stresses at the door and allow the attentive team of skilled therapists to take you on a decadent journey to promote wellbeing, vitality and radiance from within.

Golden Point VIC

11 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

11 km away

Sovereign Hill

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill is a living museum presenting the story of Ballarat as a gold rush boomtown. Gold was discovered here in 1851, triggering the greatest alluvial gold rush the world has ever known. But this isn't the history lesson you got at school. Sovereign Hill puts you at the heart of the action. Explore underground on a mine tour, cosplay as a gold rush character inside their 1850s photography studio, pan for gold on the diggings, hop onto a coach ride, see live rare trades demonstrations, try the iconic Raspberry Drops handcrafted only at Sovereign Hill, browse the shops, and meet some colourful costumed characters.

Ballarat VIC

11 km away

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