Philip's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Sovereign Hill
World renowned for experiencing the goldrush
great swimming spot, picnic area and small bush hike around the lake
10 locals recommend
St Georges Lake
Saint Georges Lake Roadgreat swimming spot, picnic area and small bush hike around the lake
Lake Wendouree
6km walking track around the entire lake. Central to Ballarat.
Lake Esmond
Nice walk around the lake with nature on your doorstep.
Excellent mountain bikes trails, all sign posted and for all levels of riders from developing skill zones for children to double black diamond downhill trails.
13 locals recommend
Black Hill Reserve
Excellent mountain bikes trails, all sign posted and for all levels of riders from developing skill zones for children to double black diamond downhill trails.
Excellent hiking trail from Mt Buninyong to Bendigo. You can walk sections of the trail on and off throughout Ballarat or you can walk the full distance 210km.
Goldfields Track start
313 Peel St NExcellent hiking trail from Mt Buninyong to Bendigo. You can walk sections of the trail on and off throughout Ballarat or you can walk the full distance 210km.
rail trail
Ring RoadGreat walking trail that is on the old railway line
Chasing waterfalls at Lal Lal Falls. picnic area
Best on a less windy day
7 locals recommend
Lal Lal Falls
Von Guerard View TrackChasing waterfalls at Lal Lal Falls. picnic area
Best on a less windy day
Ballarat Mining Exchange
12 Lydiard Street NorthArchitecture of Ballarat's gold rush era.
Cinema One is a must when booking a film to see. The architecture of this building is very impressive
51 locals recommend
Regent Cinemas
49 Lydiard St NCinema One is a must when booking a film to see. The architecture of this building is very impressive
Walking trail through the suburbs of Ballarat. Generally flat gravel trail with few small hills, great for running and riding your bikes with your family
Yarrowee River Trail
Walking trail through the suburbs of Ballarat. Generally flat gravel trail with few small hills, great for running and riding your bikes with your family
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Great affordable day out with families and on a date.
Ballarat Bird World
408 Eddy AveGreat for days outing with your family and friends
Food Scene
Yellow Espresso
13 Sturt StDelicious breakfast and coffees located within a 10 minute walk
Eclectic Tastes cafe & pantry
2 Burnbank StExcellent cafe, one of our favorites!
Quality, delicious, fresh food served beautifully and great atmosphere inside the restaurant
26 locals recommend
Moon & Mountain
220 Mair StQuality, delicious, fresh food served beautifully and great atmosphere inside the restaurant
Aunty Jacks
315-317 Mair StGreat range of craft beer with small plates of food.
Saigon Allee
30 Armstrong St NTasty, fresh Vietnamese style plates
Ragazzone
319 Mair StreetFine dining Italian - food, wine and cocktails are supurb
1816 Bakehouse
18 Armstrong St NAll your bakery needs in one spot. Fresh and delicious
Pancho
213 Armstrong St NGreat atmosphere, quality fresh Mexican food.
Quality Italian food, excellent to dine in with a family or even a take away.
11 locals recommend
Carboni's Italian Kitchen
152 Eureka StQuality Italian food, excellent to dine in with a family or even a take away.
Higher Society Eatery
413 Sturt StBusy cafe with great food and coffee
Underbar
3 Doveton St NFancy, high end restaurant. Must have a booking
The Shared Table
317 Learmonth StreetQuality food, great service and warm inviting atmosphere.
World class profiteroles, fresh salad roles and your general bakery goods.
King's Hot Bread And Bakery
5 Sturt StWorld class profiteroles, fresh salad roles and your general bakery goods.
Restaurant in one of Ballarat's original architecture gold rush buildings. Quality food and beverages
10 locals recommend
Craig's Royal Hotel
10 Lydiard St SRestaurant in one of Ballarat's original architecture gold rush buildings. Quality food and beverages
Webster's Market And Cafe
61 Webster StExcellent cafe with great food and coffee
Delicious food and drinks. Will be very difficult to only have one treat!
10 locals recommend
Le Peche Gourmand
73 Albert StDelicious food and drinks. Will be very difficult to only have one treat!
Neighbourhoods
Small country town with nice restaurants, botanical gardens, golf course, MTB trails and hiking trails up Mt Buninyong
11 locals recommend
Buninyong
Small country town with nice restaurants, botanical gardens, golf course, MTB trails and hiking trails up Mt Buninyong
Neighbourhoods
Small country town with restaurants, cafes, markets, MTB trails, bush walks, swimming holes.
18 locals recommend
Creswick
Small country town with restaurants, cafes, markets, MTB trails, bush walks, swimming holes.
Traveler advice
Book before you go
Call and book ahead
Best to call up and book Restaurants and Cafes to ensure you get a booking
Don't miss
Markets
There are some excellent markets that are worth a visit.
Daylesford Market - every Sunday mornings (Just next door to the market entrance is a cute hot chocolate store)
Creswick Market - first and third Saturday of every month
Ballarat Farmers Market - On Zoo Drive near the Botanical Gardens. On every second and fourth Saturday each month