Even though we’ve been to Ballarat before, this visit completely surprised us.
We already knew about its Gold Rush past, but we hadn’t realised just how cultural and creative the city has become — especially around the Botanical Gardens, where classic marble statues and lakeside paths earn Ballarat its nickname “The City of Statues.”
Located just about 90 minutes west of Melbourne, Ballarat is an easy getaway and a great base for exploring more of the Victorian Goldfields region, with towns like Daylesford, Clunes, and Bendigo all within reach.
Ballarat is one of those places that gets under your skin — rich in history, wrapped in charm, and full of discoveries that make you want to linger. Here are our top four favourite spots, plus one we’ll be saving for next time.
1. Eureka Stockade Memorial Park
The Eureka Stockade Memorial Park
You can’t visit Ballarat without stopping at the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, the site of Australia’s most famous miners’ rebellion in 1854. It’s beautifully maintained and surprisingly peaceful — a fitting tribute to the courage of those who stood up for their rights.
The park is also home to the Eureka Centre, a museum that tells the story of the uprising through engaging exhibits and artefacts.
We may not have got to visit the centre on this trip, but we’d definitely try to add it next time. There’s still so much more to learn about this defining moment in Australian history.
2. Ballarat Botanical Gardens
The Flight from Pompeii
This was one of the biggest surprises of our trip. We honestly didn’t expect such a mix of beauty, history, and creativity in one place. The Statuary Pavilion — filled with classical sculptures gifted to the city in the 1880s — is stunning, and the gardens themselves are perfectly manicured with vibrant seasonal displays.
Don’t miss the Prime Ministers’ Avenue, which features bronze busts of every Australian Prime Minister in a long, shaded walkway. It’s fascinating to see them all lined up through history.
3. Lake Wendouree
Lake Wendouree
Right beside the gardens, Lake Wendouree is the heartbeat of Ballarat. Locals walk, jog, and row here every day, and the vibe is wonderfully relaxed.
There’s a 6 km walking track that circles the lake, perfect for a scenic stroll or a morning walk with a coffee in hand. The café opposite the Botanical Gardens looked so inviting — we wish we’d had time to stop there.
Fun fact: Lake Wendouree hosted rowing and canoeing events during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics! It’s a beautiful place to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the simple things.
4. Sovereign Hill
Main Street
This was our second visit, and even though we’d been before, we still absolutely loved it. There’s something magical about stepping back into the 1850s — the clatter of horses on cobblestones, the smell of fresh bread from the bakery, and the hum of the blacksmith’s forge.
This visit was also extra special for us, we celebrated finally being monetised on YouTube! We paid for the entrance fee with our earnings. It felt like a small but meaningful milestone, a reminder that all the hours of filming and editing are starting to pay off, quite literally! So even though Sovereign Hill is wonderful in its own right, this visit carried an extra layer of joy and gratitude.
If you love history that feels alive, Sovereign Hill is the perfect place to experience it. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover.
5. Ballarat Tramway Museum (Bonus for Next Time!)
We didn’t quite make it to the Ballarat Tramway Museum this time. It’s right near Lake Wendouree and looks like great fun. You can hop aboard restored trams and experience a slice of Ballarat’s transport history on actual working tracks.
As I always say — leave room in your itinerary to rest, and if that means dropping something, put it on your list for next time. This museum is definitely on our list.
Why We Loved Ballarat
Surprised in Ballarat
What we love most about Ballarat is how it blends heritage with creativity. One moment you’re standing in a Gold Rush-era street, and the next you’re surrounded by marble statues that feel like they belong in Europe.
It’s the kind of city that rewards slow travel, taking your time, wandering a little, and soaking in the details. And honestly, for a return visit, we found even more to love than before.
We stayed at the Eureka Stockade Holiday Park, which is conveniently right next door to the Memorial Park, making it a perfect base for exploring the city.
It was the perfect spot to pause, reflect, and enjoy a few quiet moments after a busy few weeks on the road. Poor Connie did get her first ding here:(.
Travel brilliantly,
Phil & Kerryn 💙
Planning a visit?
🎥 Don’t miss our travel vlog: Ballarat’s Hidden Gem — The City of Statues We Never Expected! 📺 Watch it on YouTube
