From panning for gold at Sovereign Hill to creating magic potions at Kryal Castle and seeing a tiger at Ballarat Wildlife Park, a world of family fun awaits in this historic inland city.
Historic Ballarat is an easy hour’s drive from Melbourne and a great place for families to explore Australian history, appreciate art, challenge their sense of fair play, frolic in the outdoors and get up close to Aussie wildlife.
Then there’s the fun of the art gallery, observatory and theatre… in other words, it’s all happening in Ballarat! And you can experience it all during an easy weekend trip from Melbourne.
14 fun family activities in Ballarat, VIC
Here are some fun ideas for your Ballarat itinerary:
1. Experience Ballarat's gold rush at Sovereign Hill
Step back in time and discover the story of Ballarat’s history as a gold rush boomtown at this living museum. The precious metal was discovered here in 1851, triggering the greatest alluvial gold rush the world has ever known. A former mining site, Sovereign Hill brings the era to life with diggings, underground mines, costumed characters, coach rides, 1850s shops, schools and other dwellings.
Sovereign Hill lets you step back in time from the moment you enter the original Main Street, with costumed ladies and gents of yesteryear parading, and soldiers marching along with great theatre. Pan for gold at the Red Hill Gully Diggings where it’s finders, keepers! Ride stagecoach, visit the original schoolhouse or watch old-fashioned boiled lollies being made, candle making, wheel craftsmanship and so much more.
Bring your own lunch for a picnic or buy a tasty treat from the original-style shops, including the bakery and café. Make sure you stay for AURA — a spectacularly evening sound-and-light show illustrating the history and importance of gold in the region. You can even book to stay at a hotel on-site.
2. Discover medieval magic at Kryal Castle
Get ready for a spellbinding adventure at Kryal Castle! Create magic potions, learn to sword fight, and be amazed by knights and horses as they battle in the championship joust! A range of special events, festivals and school holiday programs that bring medieval history to life are held throughout the year.
Kryal Castle caters to all ages – from children discovering the myths, legends and fairy tales in the Dragon Garden and Labyrinth to teenagers being entertained and thrilled in the Torture Museum. To truly immerse yourself in the experience, stay overnight in one of the Castle Suites.
3. Feed the animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park
From adorable meerkats to rare golden wombats and even a majestic Sumatran-Siberian tiger, there are more than 300 animals on display at Ballarat Wildlife Park. Kids can also get up close to native animals including giant tortoises, koalas, wombats, various birdlife, crocodiles, and Tasmanian Devils. Over 100 friendly kangaroos roam free around the park; they can be hand fed and love having their necks scratched!
For curious older kids, plan your time around the regular keeper talks where they will learn all about the animals. There are lots of daily presentations, but if you really want some excitement, make sure you time your visit around Crunch the Super Croc’s feeding on Sundays at 3pm. Grab lunch in the licensed café, or pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the outdoor tables.
4. Ride the trams at Ballarat Tramway Museum
Kids will have a ball climbing aboard trams at Ballarat Tramway Museum. The Display Hall was renovated in 2022 and features a fleet of trams crying out to be explored. Tram rides are also available along a track between the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Lake Wendouree. Run by volunteers, the Museum is open every weekend and most Victorian school and public holidays.
5. Catch and dine at Tuki Trout Farm
Catch your own lunch at Tuki Trout Farm and have it prepared at the property’s licensed restaurant in the ultimate ‘from the pond to the pan’ experience. Around half an hour’s drive north of Ballarat, the farm’s ponds are regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Tuki is open to the public every day during the Victorian school holidays from 11am to 5pm. Outside school holidays, the restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday. You can also stay overnight in one of three stone cottages on the property.
6. Lilly’s at Eureka Goldmine Pancakes
With a menu curated by a lolly maker, you are guaranteed a colourful and quirky meal at Lilly’s at Eureka, a café within the Eureka Centre at the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, where the 1854 Eureka Stockade rebellion is believed to have taken place.
The Goldmine Pancakes are a must-try – they’re covered in ‘gold’ flakes and come with chocolate ‘dirt’ for kids to search for hidden candy gems. The café is next to Eureka Stockade Gardens, where there’s a playground, pool, and splash park (open when it’s warm).
7. Cycle the Lake Wendouree Loop Ride
See the highlights of central Ballarat on two wheels as you cycle along the bike trail around Lake Wendouree. The 10km return loop has a gentle grade suitable for all levels of riding experience. Starting opposite Ballarat Railway Station, the route passes Victoria Park, Robert Clark Conservatory, Ballarat Tramway Museum and picture-perfect boatsheds and jetties.
Lakeside dining options include Pipers by the Lake (which has a kids’ menu and offers pre-ordered picnic packs), Ballarat Yacht Club, The Lake View Hotel and the Boatshed Restaurant. The iconic Tramcar Ice Cream Co. — a kiosk opposite the Botanical Gardens — is also a must visit with kids.
8. Rainbow pancakes at Hydrant Food Hall
Without a doubt, Ballarat’s most popular dish for kids would have to be Hydrant Food Hall‘s rainbow pancakes with fresh fruit, mini marshmallows and maple syrup! There’s also a kids’ breakfast board, complete with ham and cheese mini croissant, yoghurt, fresh fruit and orange juice. The café is located in a restored 1950s warehouse in a heritage laneway in the CBD. The large, open space is suitable for every season, with air-conditioning and a wood fire. With easy access for prams and wheelchairs, everyone can enjoy the relaxed vibe, great coffee and delicious food.
9. Take in the Ballarat Begonia Festival
Plan your trip to coincide with the Ballarat Begonia Festival to marvel at the vibrant floral displays and experience market stalls, live music, family activities and roving entertainment. The Ballarat Botanical Gardens plays host to the spectacular sight of hundreds of rare begonias at the Robert Clarke Conservatory in March each year. Colourful installations will fill the garden, with the event’s main stage and floral clock returning. But if you can’t make it that weekend, never fear —the begonia display will remain until late April.
10. Dine at the gourmet The Forge Pizzeria
End your day at Ballarat with a tasty dinner at The Forge Pizzeria! They’re known for creating mouth-watering Italian food using fresh local produce and high-quality deli ingredients. You can even watch the pizza makers in action as they toss the dough and cook the pizzas in the restaurant’s wood fire oven.
The fun, laid-back atmosphere is a hit with kids, as are the junior-sized spaghetti Bolognese and Hawaiian pizzas. Just don’t forget to save room for dessert – if you can choose between the mouth-watering zeppole (mini donuts) or Nutella and strawberry pizza.
11. Be inspired at the Eureka Centre
Be sure to visit the Eureka Centre in the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, thought to be where the rebellion happened back in 1854. Learn all about what happened during Victoria’s gold rush, how it affected the local people, and the meaning of the Eureka Flag – which represents a fight for fair treatment for miners in Australia. The exhibition space is full of interesting things to see and do, and it’s an inspiring look at the brave men and women who stood up for what they believed in and fought for miners’ rights.
12. Browse the Art Gallery of Ballarat
The Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest and largest regional art gallery in Australia. There is art from the earliest period of European settlement to the present day, and regular new exhibits to keep you coming back. There is also a fine and growing collection of Australia Indigenous art.
The Gallery is committed to supporting the making of, and appreciation for, the visual arts in the Ballarat region. A large selection of children’s activities and learning experiences are on offer suitable for all ages, from toddlers to teens.
13. Play at Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Head for the outdoors and explore Ballarat Botanical Gardens, overlooking picturesque Lake Wendouree. The beautiful gardens are spread over 409ha and feature sculptures and a dedicated lakeside walk. Kids will love the cool adventure playground with its timber fort, slides and swings, a tee pee, monkey rings and balance beams, sandpit and a wooden train. Get ready to watch your kids turn this playground break into hours of play and imagination.
14. Meet the alpacas at Creswick Woollen Mills
For that perfect dose of cuteness, meet the miniature goats and feed the alpacas at Creswick Woollen Mills, where you can feel their luxurious fleece. See all the beautiful alpaca products made at the last coloured spinning mill of its kind in Australia.
Where to stay in Ballarat with kids
Quest Ballarat Station at Soldiers Hill makes an ideal base to explore Ballarat with kids. Located opposite the trailhead for the Lake Wendouree Loop Ride, it offers large, modern self-contained apartments right in the centre of town. Choose from one, two and three-bedroom apartments to suit families of all sizes.
Top tips for visiting Ballarat with kids
Plan your family visit to Ballarat and enjoy the beauty of regional Victoria. Here’s what you need to know:
How to get there
Ballarat is around an hour and 30 minutes’ drive north-west of Melbourne. A shuttle bus operates from Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine, or you can catch the V/Line train from Southern Cross Station to the historic Ballarat Railway Station in the centre of town and arrive in 90 minutes.
Save money with a Ballarat Pass
Select from five packages to explore some of the incredible fun-filled activities that Ballarat has to offer. Note that tickets to AURA are not included in any of the Ballarat Pass packages but can be booked directly through Sovereign Hill.
Make it a family road trip
Ballarat’s location makes it the perfect pit stop on many road trips such as ROLLiN’s Melbourne to Adelaide road trip. Why not stretch your Ballarat road trip into days of fun?
More Information
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In partnership with Visit Ballarat
