16 Best Things To Do in Ballarat with Kids in 2024

As Victoria's third-largest city, Ballarat has an abundance of family-friendly activities and tourist attractions.

Ballarat was at the centre of the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s and many of its best things to see and do are from around that time, including the Ballarat Art Gallery, the majestic Ballarat Botanical Gardens and the picturesque Lake Wendouree. And of course, no guide to Ballarat with kids would be complete without mentioning popular Ballarat attractions, such as Sovereign Hill, an elaborate recreation of gold rush era Ballarat, and Kryal Castle, a medieval-themed tourist attraction.

Once you're inspired to visit Ballarat – then lock in the best family-friendly accommodation in Ballarat for your holiday.

16 Best Things To Do in Ballarat with Kids in 2024

1. Relax by Lake Wendouree

Boat House at Lake Wendouree, Ballarat (Image: Rob Deutscher/Flickr CCBY2.0)

The jewel in Ballarat's crown is Lake Wendouree which was formed by natural wetlands that were dammed during the gold rush to create this popular recreational lake.

Lake Wendouree is surrounded by a 6 km flat path called the Steve Moneghetti Track. This is perfect for a walk, run, stroll, or leisurely bike ride. The level surface is great for prams, wheelchairs, and those with limited mobility. Ballarat BotaniKids have created a map of the Fairyland area of Lake Wendouree with a lovely guided walk/scavenger hunt for kids: the BotaniKids Fairyland Walk. Keep an eye out for swans! You can hire adult and kids' bikes from Welcome Nugget Bike Hire.

Family walking around Lake Wendouree (Image: Visit Victoria)

Swans and Signets on Lake Wendoree, Ballarat (Image: Ed Dunens/Flickr CCBY2.0)

If it is time for a picnic, there are picnic tables and BBQs next to the Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground on the western side of the lake. This large playground has equipment suitable for kids from 18 months all the way to early teens. There is also a nearby Indigenous Playspace which is great for toddlers. See below for our guide to playgrounds in Ballarat.

The castle-like wooden adventure playground with curly slide beside Lake Wendouree, Ballarat (Image: Ed Dunens CCBY2.0)

Alternatively, there is the Pipers By The Lake cafe and restaurant and also the Ballarat Yacht Club Cafe, both of which have great kids' menus for breakfast and lunch.

Having returned in 2022, the Paddle Boat Hire on Lake Wendouree is a great way to use your legs to power the paddles and have fun exploring Lake Wendouree. There are 10 paddle boats for hire and operate from 10 am every day in the warmer months and on weekends and school holidays in the cooler months, weather permitting.

2. Experience the Victorian gold rush at Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill is arguably Ballarat's most famous tourist attraction. Lovingly referred to as an "open-air museum", Sovereign Hill is a loose recreation of Ballarat during the Victorian gold rush in the mid to late 1800s. Sovereign Hill has so many things to do for kids of all ages.

Child with toffee apple and grown up walking along the shops at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (Image: City of Ballarat)

One of Ballarat's claims to fame is that the second-largest gold nugget in the world was found there in Red Hill Mine. The nugget - called the Welcome Nugget - weighed 69 kilograms. At Sovereign Hill, you can learn all about the history of mining in the area, including visiting a replica of the Red Hill Mine and seeing a replica of the Welcome Nugget.

Replica of the Welcome Nugget being carried by two men at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Two of the major attractions at Sovereign Hill are the underground gold mine tours and the opportunity to pan a stream for gold. There are two mine tours:

• Red Hill Mine - walk down approximately 50 steps to enter - this is included in the Sovereign Hill admission price

• Quartz Mine - approximately 20 m underground - book and purchase the additional ticket at the Mine

Everyone loves to try their hand at finding gold by panning for gold. The staff are said to drop in small flakes of gold into the top of the stream each day.

Kids learning how to pan for gold at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (Image: City of Ballarat/Flickr)

Walking through Sovereign Hill gives you a real sense of what life might have been like at the time, with staff and volunteers dressed in historical costumes, and buildings in the style of the era and filled with appropriate antiques and artwork.

You can take a ride on a horse and coach, visit the on-site farm and its cute animals, or make a candle or rope in the traditional manner. Take a look at the Map to Sovereign Hill before you go.

Horse Coach Ride at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Baby goats at the animal nursery at Soveregin Hill, Ballarat (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Sovereign Hill Education has some fun ideas of other activities to do while at Sovereign Hill, including the Sovereign Hill scavenger hunt (print it out before you go), while older kids might prefer to take their own photos on a theme (eg, "gold-coloured") or to support or refute an argument (such as "fashion in the 1850s was more stylish" or "Sovereign Hill is fake").

A nice touch is the Playspace which is a mini recreation of the Main Street of Sovereign Hill. Kids can play shop in the same shops they have just walked past!

Playground at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Next to the Main St, Sovereign Hill-themed playground is a cafe, drinking fountains and toilets (including a baby change room). There are three other restaurants/cafes at Sovereign Hill - including the delicious beef pies at the Hope Bakery near the Stables - so lots of options for food.

Pies and cakes at the Hope Bakery, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

There is also an old-style lolly shop with handmade boiled sweets - including the famous raspberry drops - and toffee apples for sale. If you visited Sovereign Hill yourself as a child, these might be what you're the most nostalgic for!

Sovereign Hill is open from 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Sunday. A family ticket for two adults and up to four children is $99.

Raspberry drops being made by hand at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (Image: City of Ballarat)

Jars of lollies for sale at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

3. Get close to wildlife at Ballarat Wildlife Park

Ballarat Wildlife Park - colloquially known as Ballarat Zoo - is just 8 mins from the centre of Ballarat and homes a wide range of Australian native animals and also exotic animals from other countries, such as meerkats and giant tortoises. Some of the star attractions which are rarely found in other wildlife parks in Victoria are the fresh and saltwater crocodiles and alligators. It's a wonderful day out for the whole family.

Alligator at Ballarat Wildlife Park (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Kangaroo at Ballarat Wildlife Park (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Free guided tours of the Ballarat Wildlife Park happen every day at 11 am. There are also keeper talks at different times throughout the day: meerkats, penguins, dingos, reptiles, tigers, Tasmanian devils and crocodiles (on the weekend only).

Meerkat at Ballarat Wildlife Park (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

The Ballarat Wildlife Park is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day (closed on Christmas Day). A family ticket is $95 which includes 2 adults and up to 4 children.

You can also have your family's photo taken next to or holding an animal. The optional "close-up" encounters with kangaroos, koalas, meerkats, giant tortoises, snakes or wombats range from $50 to $80 for 2 to 4 people depending on the animal.

Family on an animal encounter with a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park (Image: City of Ballarat)

4. Pick your own sunflowers

Sunflower at Pick Your Own Sunflowers, Dunnstown near Ballarat (Image: Jopopz Tallorin/Unsplash )

One of the best family things to do in Ballarat in February and March is to wander through the cheerful sunflower fields at Pick Your Own Sunflowers at Dunnstown. Just a short 15 min drive from the centre of Ballarat, entry to the sunflower farm is $5 for adults and children over 5 (children under 5 can visit for free). Picked sunflowers are $2 per stem. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Thursday and 10 am to 6 pm Friday to Sunday.

Sunflower fields at Pick Your Own Sunflowers, Dunnstown near Ballarat (Image: City of Ballarat)

5. A feast for your eyes at the Art Gallery of Ballarat

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is well worth a visit. It is full of a wonderful range of paintings, sculptures and other forms of art and is the perfect size to take kids without them being overwhelmed. The Art Gallery of Ballarat has a children's gallery/art play space and also art trails with things for kids to do on the themes of the artworks. The Art Gallery of Ballarat's AGB Kids website also has many fun kids' activities that are inspired by the works in the Gallery. Check it out before you visit.

You can do the whole permanent collection in about an hour if you walk slowly with some pauses. It is free to visit the permanent exhibitions (and most temporary ones too) and is a great place to hide out if the weather outside is too hot, cold or rainy.

Inside the Art Gallery of Ballarat (Image: City of Ballarat)

The Gallery was established during the gold rush which – due to the wealth of the town at the time – means that it has some really impressive works on site, including by Fred Williams, Sidney Nolan, Clarice Beckett, Tom Roberts and Arthur Boyd. The Gallery offers free guided tours every day at 11 am.

Art Gallery of Ballarat is on Lydiard St in the centre of the city and is open 10 am - 5 pm every day of the year (other than Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

Art Gallery of Ballarat (Image: denisbin/Flickr CCBYND2.0)

6. Enjoy the beautiful flora at Ballarat Botanical Gardens

The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are on the western side of Lake Wendouree. The Gardens were established in the late 1850s and have some lovely specimens of mature trees to picnic underneath and gorgeous flower gardens to stroll past. You might like to start your visit at the historic Statutory Pavilion near the northern entrance of the Gardens (across the road from Pipers By The Lake cafe).

Alternatively at 11 am on Sundays in Autumn and Spring, there is a free 1-hour guided tour of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens by the Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens. The volunteer guides are very knowledgeable and tell really interesting stories about the history of Ballarat and the Botanical Gardens. Importantly, the tour is relatively informal and kids are very welcome. The Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens also run Ballarat BotaniKids activities and events for kids. Visit them at the Gatekeepers Cottage.

Pavilion at the Ballarat Botanic Gardens (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

As you make your way through the botanical gardens and observe the sculptures around you, you may end up pondering the question: what on earth does the Greek myth of Hercules have in common with former Prime Minister John Howard? (There are statues of both at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens!)

Marble statue of The Flight of Pompeii in the Statutory Pavillion at the Ballarat Botanic Gardens (Image: denisbin/Flickr CCBYND2.0)

Let's start with Hercules. He is one of the twelve stunning white marble figures that were donated by Thomas Stoddart in 1884. This amazing collection is on display in the Statutory Pavilion - it is lovely to hear kids of all ages say "woah" as they enter.

Beyond the Pavilion is the Prime Ministers' Walk. Dotted along the path are busts of former Prime Ministers, while this may be amusing for the grown-ups, the kids can use the distance between each statue as a race track.

Prime Ministers Walk at Ballarat Botanical Gardens (Image: City of Ballarat)

Just past the start of the Prime Ministers' Walk is the Robert Clark Conservatory which has stunning floral displays.

Robert Clark Conservatory, Ballarat Botanical Gardens (Image: Visit Victoria)

The conservatory is a worthwhile destination several times per year as the floral arrangements change each season:

• Summer - Hydrangeas, Fuchsias and Pelargoniums

• Autumn - Tuberous Begonia

• May - Chrysanthemum

• Winter - Cyclamen, Cineraria, and Primula

• Spring - Schizanthus and spring bulbs

Chrysanthemums and begonias at the Ballarat Botanic Gardens Conservatory (Image: denisbin/Flickr CCBYND2.0)

The Conservatory at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is free to visit and is open from 9 am to 4.30 pm each day (except Christmas Day).

North of the Botanical Gardens is the wetlands, which give a sense of what the Lake Wendouree area might have been like before the man-made lake was formed.

The Wetlands at Ballarat Botanical Gardens

The Mullawallah Wetlands Nature Conservation Reserve - also known as Winter Swamp - 10 mins drive north-west from the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is also worth a visit for any bird watchers.

Brolgas at Mullawallah Wetlands - Winter Swamp - Ballarat (Image: Ed Dunens/Flickr CCBY2.0)

7. Have fun at Kryal Castle

A 15-minute drive from Ballarat is Kryal Castle, a medieval-themed attraction set in a large castle. Where Sovereign Hill is an attempt to recreate a specific historical time and place in Australia, Kryal Castle takes a much looser approach to history and is more in the style of the medieval fiction of kings and legends of Great Britain - think King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The attraction was built in the 1970s and was most recently renovated and revamped in 2013.

Kryal Castle, Ballarat (Image: Roderick Eime/Flickr CCBYND2.0)

The highlight of Kryal Castle is the medieval-style jousting, where two knights in armour attempt to knock each other off their horses using a long pole called a lance. Younger kids may also enjoy watching the jesters perform pantomimes in the 100-seater medieval theatre.

Kids (and adults) can also try their hand range of activities, including archery and axe-throwing, and dress up in medieval-style clothes. You can visit and pat horses at The Stables.

Medieval Jousting at Kryal Castle, Ballarat (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Kid in dress ups patting a horse at Kryal Castle, Ballarat (Image: Sorontar/Flickr CCBYND2.0)

If you're after some lunch or a snack, the Ale House serves pub-style food. There is also Tooth Fairy's Lollyshop, an old-fashioned style lolly shop with traditional lollies, homemade chocolates and ice cream.

Across from the lolly shop is Bravehearts Playground which is castle themed and suitable for kids aged 18 months to 12 years.

Castle themed playground at Kryal Castle, Ballarat (Image: Sorontar/Flickr CCBYND2.0)

At the entrance to Kryal Castle is a large castle-style circular maze. Lots of families do the maze at the start of their visit, which means it is a great activity to do at the end of your visit if you would like to have more time and space to run around.

"The Quest of the Toothfairy" is Kryal Castle's official free treasure hunt (search for "Kyral Castle" on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store). While a virtual reality scavenger hunt is a fantastic idea, we found the app to be a bit too temperamental to recommend.

Kryal Castle is open on weekends and school holidays from 10 am to 4 pm (with the last entry at 3 pm). A general admission ticket for a family (2 adults and 2 children aged 3-15 years old) is $99.

Circular shaped maze at Kryal Castle, Ballarat (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

8. All aboard! Trams, boats and planes in Ballarat

Historic tram at Lake Wendouree near the Ballarat Tramway Museum (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

A great way to enjoy Ballarat with kids is to take a vintage tram ride around Lake Wendouree. Trams run along Wendouree Parade from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm on weekends and a trip costs $5 for adults and $2 for children. The trams are run by the Ballarat Tramway Museum.

Golden City Paddle Steamer at Lake Wendouree, Ballarat (Image: Chris Fithall CCBY2.0)

Lake Wendouree also hosts a replica heritage paddle steamer - the Golden City Paddle Steamer - with 45-minute sightseeing tours. The boat tour runs around the lake to view various bird habitats, the Lake Wendouree Rowing Club boat sheds, and the 1956 Olympic Rowing Course. Boarding takes place on the western side of the lake behind Pipers By The Lake. The paddle steamer runs on Sundays from October until the end of April each year and a family ticket is $40 (2 adults and up to 3 children).

As a freebie, you can also visit the Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum (aka the Lake Wendouree Museum) which includes a working replica of the original paddle steamer which operated from the mid-1880s. The Museum is open each Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm from November to the end of April each year.

Aircraft at Ballarat Aviation Museum (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another transport museum worth a visit is the Ballarat Aviation Museum at Ballarat Airport. In addition to historical aircraft, you can learn about the use of Ballarat aerodrome as a RAAF based in World War II. Open on Saturdays and Public Holidays 11 am to 4 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day). Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are $20.

9. Learn about the gold miners' rebellion at the Eureka Gardens and Eureka Centre

The Eureka Gardens and Eureka Centre Ballarat are located at the site of an important event in Australia's development as an independent democracy - the Eureka Stockade rebellion.

View of the Eureka Centre Ballarat from the playground fort (Image: John Englart/Flickr CCBYSA2.0)

The Eureka Stockade themed playground in Eureka Gardens, with a large fort with slides and wooden soldiers in bright red uniforms, is great for kids 18 months through to young teens. It is a lovely place to picnic and watch the ducks on Lake Penhalluriack, with picnic shelters, BBQs and toilets located near the playground. There is also a level path around the lake, perfect for prams and strollers, or for kids to ride their bike or scooter.

Lake Penhalluriack at the Eureka Gardens near the Eureka Centre, Ballarat (Image: John Enlart/Flickr CCBYSA2.0)

Ballarat's Eureka Centre provides a detailed history of the events leading up to the Eureka Stockade rebellion which occurred in Ballarat in 1854. The gold miners built a fort - the Eureka Stockade - as part of the escalating resentment at the lack of due process on the part of the police in running "license hunts" to track down and punish miners that had not paid their license fees.

As part of the rebellion, the miners swore an alliance to the Southern Cross Flag - now known as the Eureka Flag - instead of the British Union Jack. The Eureka Centre is the home of the iconic Eureka Flag, which is on display in the Centre.

Eureka flag and sculpture at Ballarat's Eureka Centre (Image: John Englart/Flickr CCBYSA2.0)

In response to the rebellion, the government soldiers attacked the miners at the Eureka Stockade, resulting in the deaths of at least twenty-two miners and six soldiers, and directly contributed to the development of Australia's modern democracy.

The Eureka Centre was formerly known as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka and has a range of displays on the topic and also activities for older children. Take a look at the Eureka Centre Ballarat's Eureka Kids website before your visit for some additional Eureka Flag and Eureka Stockade themed activities.

Eureka Centre Ballarat is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and a family ticket is $18. City of Ballarat residents can visit for free.

Family learning about the Eureka Stockade at the Eureka Centre, Ballarat (Image: Visit Victoria)

10. Learn more about our night sky at Ballarat Observatory

Ballarat Observatory (Image: Gareth Little-Hales/Wikimedia CCBYSA4.0)

The Ballarat Observatory (as known as the Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum) is the oldest municipal observatory in Australia. A visit to the Ballarat Observatory is a great way for your and your kids to learn about the stars in the night sky.

There are special activities for children on Saturday afternoons around 4 pm in Autumn (times vary due to sunset). Evening sessions at the Observatory include viewing the night sky at the telescopes, a tour of the observatory and Astrotour 3D astronomy movies. Evening sessions are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Ballarat Observatory is located at Mount Pleasant, 5 mins from Ballarat's city centre. Bookings in advance are required, with adult tickets at $30 and kids (under 18) tickets at $12.

11. View the beautiful Lal Lal Falls waterfalls

Another great place near Ballarat for things to do with kids is Lal Lal Falls. In addition to viewing the beautiful waterfalls, the picnic area near the car park is a lovely spot for a break, with a playground, picnic tables, toilets and a sheltered area with seats and BBQs.

Visit the waterfall at Lal Lal Falls just outside Ballarat (Image: Rexness/Flickr CCBYSA2.0)

Lal Lal Falls is a 20 mins drive from Ballarat and the waterfall viewing point is only 200m from the car park, or you can venture along the Von Guerand View Track to see the waterfall from a further distance.

12. Buy delicious locally-made food at Ballarat Central

The heart of Ballarat's city is Ballarat Central, which has Ballarat's main shopping area. You can admire the lovely architecture - such as on Sturt St - while visiting some of Ballarat's best cafes and fresh food stores.

Make sure to visit the fun street art and public artwork on Hops Lane. The decorations on this colourful laneway change from time to time and are a perfect photo spot.

A very pleasant way to see Ballarat is with an ice cream in hand. Il Piccolo Gelato on Sturt St makes fresh gelato daily on-site and is open from noon until late evening every day.

Sturt St, Ballarat (Image: Visit Victoria)

Il Piccolo Gelato (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another local sweet treat is the honey from Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat. They manage beehives on their own property and in the backyards of volunteers living in Ballarat.

Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat's honey from the hives is shared with the volunteers, but you can purchase it too! It's available at a range of local stores in Ballarat - including Cafe Europa on Sturt St - and also the Sovereign Hill Gift Shop.

Jars of honey from Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat (Image: Ballarat City Council)

Visit the Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat store on Thursdays from 5 pm to 7 pm and Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm to purchase seasonal honey, beeswax, and your very own beekeeping supplies. You might also be able to catch them at Ballarat Market, Lake Wendouree on the 2nd and 4th Sundays.

13. See wildlife in the wild at Woowookarung Regional Park

The Storybook Adventure Trail is a treasure hunt/scavenger hunt along the Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail at Woowookarung Regional Park. Along with the new Grass Tree Nature Trail, both perfect for families, with lots of things to do with kids.

Woowookarung Regional Park is home to a wide variety of native animals and birds, including koalas, kangaroos, tawny frogmouths, wedge-tail eagles, rosellas and honeyeaters.

Two kangaroos at Woowookarung Regional Park, Ballarat (Image: Parks Victoria)

. Look out for the hidden carved sculptures of Australian animals and birds along the trail and scan the nearby QR codes to hear the story of Nana Kookaburra. This 1.1 km smooth gravel trail is pram friendly and the first 450 m is also wheelchair accessible. Find the Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail at the car park on Katy Ryans Road near the corner of Bakers Road.

If you drive a little further along Bakers Road you'll find the beautiful scenic lookout (the first car park with the "lookout" sign has an approx 500 m uphill and downhill walk, but the second car park with the "lookout" sign is right at the lookout).

Nature Trail through Grass Trees at Woowookarung Regional Park, Ballarat (Image: Parks Victoria)

The Grass Tree Nature Trail is a 1.8 km long trail that starts at the scenic lookout on Bakers Road and runs through Woowookarung Park to Katy Ryans Road. Look out for echidnas, kangaroos, and other wildlife on this nature walk lined by grass trees and gorgeous wildflowers. The Nature Trail is suitable for walking, cycling, or horse riding. Woowookarung

Tawny frogmouths on the outskirts of Woowookarung Regional Park, Ballarat (Image: Ed Dunens/Flickr CCBY2.0)

14. Cycle along the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail

The Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail is a recently revamped cycle trail along the old rail trail from Ballarat to Skipton, 52 kilometres to the west. The first section from Ballarat to the nearest town Haddon and back again is a good distance to do with teenagers or older kids. It is about a 45-minute ride from Wendouree Station to the In The Sticks Cafe at Avalon Nursery just before Haddon. Look out for the bridge on the Rail Trail which leads to their back door. You can hire adult and kids' bikes from Welcome Nugget Bike Hire.

Taking in the view walking bikes along the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail (Image: City of Ballarat)

15. Discover more about Ballarat at one of the many festivals

Ballarat is a city of festivals. It seems like nearly every month there is a set of family events to attend. Here is a brief selection of some of them that you might like to keep in mind if you are planning a visit to Ballarat.

Ballarat Winter Festival and Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill

A special time to visit Sovereign Hill is during the winter school holidays when it lights up during Winter Wonderlights. Part of the Ballarat Winter Festival, the Winter Wonderlights is a massive Christmas in July celebration with Christmas decorations, fake snow, Christmas carols played by a brass band, local musicians, and nighttime mine tours. Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights 2024 will be held from 28th June until 21st July 2024, during the Victorian school holidays.

Buildings lit up in bright lights at Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Christmas in July as part of Winter Wonderlights as Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Ballarat Begonia Festival

The Ballarat Begonia Festival runs for most of March each year and coincides with the Begonia Display in the Conservatory at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens (we cover the Gardens in more detail below). This free family event has a range of things to see and do with kids, including live entertainment, a parade, and lots of food and drink options. Ballarat BotaniKids runs nature-based arts and crafts activities during the festival which are perfect for the under 5s.

Begonias at Robert Clark Conservatory, Ballarat Botanical Gardens (Image: denisbin/Flickr CCBYND2.0)

Ballarat Heritage Festival

The Ballarat Heritage Festival in mid-to-late May each year celebrates Ballarat's vibrant heritage. There are activities for the whole family to enjoy: taking a ride along Sturt St on a horse and coach, riding on a steam train, and seeing the vintage cars and vintage clothing. Look out for the Ballarat Tweed Ride!

Steam train rides as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Men and women dressed from previous eras riding bicycles as part of the Ballarat Tweed Ride at the Ballarat Heritage Festival (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Ballarat Show

Held in October or November each year, the Ballarat Show (also known as the Ballarat Spring Show) is a long-running and much-loved event in Ballarat. Locals have the Friday which falls during the Ballarat Show off as a public holiday - Show Day.

Like the Royal Melbourne Show, the Ballarat Show has a carnival atmosphere and offers a mix of livestock judging, equestrian events, food tasting, a variety of rides, dodgem cars, games of skill, and the forever popular show bag stalls. Saturday is traditionally known as "family day" with discounts on show bags and rides.

Carnival ride at Ballarat Show (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

Dodgem cars at Ballarat Show (Image: Chris Fithall/Flickr CCBY2.0)

The Ballarat Show also has live entertainment suitable for the whole family. In 2023, the Ballarat Show was held from 10 to 12 November 2023 – sign up to their mailing list to get notified when the dates for 2024 are announced.

16. Visit the alpacas and lambs at Creswick Woollen Mills

Creswick Woollen Mills is located in the cute town of Creswick, a 20-minute drive from Ballarat. The Wollen Mills provide the full "sheep's wool to cardigan" journey. Depending on the season and the weather, you can visit and pet young lambs, alpacas and goats outside at the farm. Indoors you can follow the journey raw wool takes through a variety of processes to become textiles and clothing. There is also a large shop full of luxury woollen clothes and accessories which make perfect gifts.

Visit the alpacas at Creswick Woollen Mills (Image: anne beaumont/Flickr CCBYSA2.0)

10 Best Free Things to Do in Ballarat with Kids

1. Go on a scavenger hunt around Fairyland at Lake Wendouree on the BotaniKids Fairyland Walk.

2. Have a picnic near the waterfall at Lal Lal Falls.

3. Visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Bring pencils or crayons and together with your kids make drawings inspired by the paintings in the Gallery. See the AGB Kids website for suggested activities.

4. Find the carved animal sculptures and listen to the story of Nanna Kookaburra on the Storybook Adventure Trail at the Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail at Woowookarung Regional Park.

5. Play Disc Golf at Victoria Park, Ballarat. Throw a flying disc (a small frisbee) into the baskets at Victoria's first public 18-hole course. You can bring your own disc or hire discs for free from the City of Ballarat's Click and Collect service. Find the Disc Golf in Victoria Park, Ballarat, at the corner of Plane Avenue and Cedar Drive.

6. Visit the Eureka Stockade Gardens. Kids can play on the Eureka Stockade themed playground and see the replica Eureka Flag outside the Eureka Centre.

7. Visit Ballarat Library. Younger children can learn about the Eureka Stockade in the picture book The Night We Made the Flag by Carol Wilkinson. This tells a fictionalised story of the night that the Eureka Flag was sewen by women at the goldfields. Slightly older children might like to read a chapter (or more) of the award-winning Fly A Rebel Flag by Robyn Annear. If you have preschoolers, check out the Storytimes at the Library on weekday mornings during school terms.

8. See the alpacas, lambs and commercial wool-spinning machinery at Creswick Woollen Mills.

9. Try fresh produce direct from the farmers at the Ballarat Farmers Markets on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at Zoo Drive on Lake Wendouree.

10. In the summer months until the Easter school holidays, visit Ballarat's free Water Play Parks: Midlands Reserve Splash Park and Sebastopol Water Play Park. (There is also an outside splash park at the Eureka Aquatic Centre, along with a 50 m outdoor heated pool. Entry is $15 for families.)

6 best things to do in Ballarat with kids when it's raining

Ballarat weather is on the whole fairly temperate which is perfect for tourists, however, it does get its fair share of rain and can be rather chilly, particularly in the winter months. Once you've checked the Ballarat forecast on the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), here are our best things to see and do on those rainy or frosty days.

1. Get cosy at the Ballarat Art Gallery. No need to carry your wet umbrellas around while you view the collection - check these into the free cloakroom.

2. The Ballarat Gold Museum at Sovereign Hill is a great place to take shelter if it rains. It is a social history museum for the region and contains historical artifacts which cover topics such as what life was like in Ballarat during the First and Second World Wars. The Gold Museum is included as part of the Sovereign Hill ticket price.

Teenager looking at gold displays at the Gold Museum at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (Image: Visit Victoria)

3. See a movie at one of Ballarat's cinemas. Ballarat Showbiz Cinema located in Delacombe Town Centre is a modern 6-screen cinema with luxury seating. It shows a wide range of family movies perfect for both kids and adults to enjoy. The Regent Cinemas in the centre of Ballarat on Lydiard St are gorgeous 1930s theatre-style cinemas complete with red velvet curtains. They also show a wide range of family-friendly films. If you have a baby or young toddler, look out for the "Cry Baby" sessions on Wednesday mornings. These sessions have the lights on dim so little ones can be easily fed and no one minds if they cry, winge or run around.

Regent Cinemas, Ballarat, Victoria (Image: Visit Victoria)

4. Jump, jump, jump if you feel you want to ... on the trampolines at Xtreme Bounce. Located in Delacombe 8 mins drive south of Ballarat, this is a huge indoor space filled with interconnected trampolines. A great energetic day out on a rainy day. Kids 6 years and older can bounce on their own and younger children can bounce with you. General admission is $16 for the first hour and a pair of the required jump socks are $3 (which you can use next time). There are also special sessions for pre-schoolers (under 5s) on weekdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (outside of school holidays) for $12.

5. For an adrenaline-filled adventure on a rainy day, try the Ballarat Indoor Go-Karts & Laserforce Entertainment Centre. Laserforce is suitable for older primary school and teenagers (ages 7+) and it costs $10 per game of laser force. The indoor go-karts can be driven by children over 1.30 m tall (kids tend to be that height around 8-10 years old) and cost $30 for 10 mins or $40 for 15 mins.

6. Take shelter while learning about Australia's modern history at the Ballarat Eureka Centre. Or read about it at Ballarat Library (see our book recommendations above).

How to get from Melbourne to Ballarat?

Ballarat is approximately 90 mins from Melbourne by car or via V/Line trains from Southern Cross Station. Other great city break destinations within 2 hours of Melbourne are Bendigo, Geelong and Warrnambool.

How to drive from Melbourne to Ballarat?

Driving is going to be the most comfortable and practical way to get from Melbourne to Ballarat with kids. The drive is about 120km, and with a pit-stop takes about 2 hours depending on where in Melbourne you begin. The service station at Ballan is about halfway and has a golden arches fast-food restaurant just in case.

How to take a train trip from Melbourne to Ballarat?

Alternatively, there are regular V/Line trains that operate from Southern Cross, Melbourne to Ballarat Station; taking 1 hour 23 minutes. Tickets do not need to – and in fact, cannot – be pre-booked.

This journey is within the Myki travel area, so you just need to have your cards with you and topped up. Kids under 5 travel free. Kids between 5 and 18 travel at concessional rates $3.60 to $5 each way depending on the time of the day, day of the week, and public holidays. Adults are $10 each way.

Before you travel, it's worth checking whether there are any planned works on the Ballarat line. If so, this may result in the rail service being replaced with a coach, which, while reasonably speedy (only 10 minutes slower than the train), may not be the train experience the kids and you are hoping for.

Frequently asked about Ballarat

Is Ballarat worth visiting with kids?

Ballarat is a fantastic family-friendly destination for a day trip or holiday. Ballarat's location at the centre of the Victorian gold rush provides the inspiration for two great family attractions, Sovereign Hill and the Eureka Centre Ballarat. The prosperity in Ballarat at that time makes Ballarat a cultural hub enjoyed by families more than a century later: Lake Wendouree, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and the Ballarat Observatory. Melbourne to Ballarat is only a 1.5-hour drive which makes it a great destination to travel to with kids of any age.

See our lists of the best distinctly Ballarat things to do for inspiration.

What are the best playgrounds near Ballarat?

The City of Ballarat has over 50 playgrounds suitable for a range of ages and abilities. Here is a short selection of some of our favourites.

1. Lucas Central Park Playground

Lucas Central Park Playground, Ballarat (Image: City of Ballarat)

2. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground

The castle-like wooden adventure playground with curly slide beside Lake Wendouree, Ballarat (Image: Ed Dunens CCBY2.0)

3. The Indigenous Playspace at Lake Wendouree

4. Durham Point Playground at Lake Wendouree

Durham Point Playground at Lake Wendouree, Ballarat (Image: Ed Dunens/Flickr CCBY2.0)

5. Midlands Reserve And Water Park

6. Inclusive Play Space, Victoria Park

7. Djila-tjarriu Playground, Ballymanus

Djila-Tjarriu Park Playground at Ballymanus Estate, Ballarat (Image: City of Ballarat)

8. Albert H Graham Reserve Playground

9. Sebastapol Water Park

Where's the main shopping centre in Ballarat?

Being Victoria's third-largest city means that Ballarat has a number of shopping centres. In Ballarat Central in the heart of Ballarat, there is the Central Square Ballarat shopping centre with the Myer department store and a range of other popular chain clothing stores. Check out the nearby Bridge Mall, which has a playground in the centre. There is also Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre to the north near Lake Wendouree and Delacombe Town Centre to the south.

What Parks & Botanical Gardens are there in Ballarat?

• Ballarat Botanical Gardens

• Victoria Park

• The Wetlands

• Lake Wendouree Swan Pool and Fairylands

• Eureka Stockade Gardens

What are the best Art Galleries & Tourist Attractions in Ballarat?

• Art Gallery of Ballarat

• Ballarat Tramway Museum

• Prime Ministers Walk at Ballarat Botanical Gardens

• Sovereign Hill

• Ballarat Wildlife Park

What are popular Cafes & Restaurants in Ballarat?

• The Local

• Pancho

Things to Do and See in Ballarat