When a photo is good enough to be posted on Instagram, you just know!

Lucky for us we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the best backdrop for that next Insta-worthy holiday snap.

From lakeside backdrops to colourful murals and picturesque lookouts, your only decision is deciding where to start …

Lake Wendouree

Lake Wendouree at any angle is worthy of capturing, but there’s one iconic jetty that we always head to for that perfect shot. And who needs Brighton’s bathing boxes when you have super cute boat sheds right here in Ballarat? Take a walk around the loop track and take a break at the Ballarat Yacht Club or Pipers by the Lake for a early morning coffee.

Sovereign Hill

The photo opportunities at Sovereign Hill are endless. Snap a selfie on the Cobb & Co coach or capture the moment you find gold. You’ll also discover one of the best views of Ballarat from the top of the poppet head.  

For a snap with a difference, book yourself in to the Red Hill Photographic Room, for your chance to dress up like its 1854.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens 

Whether you’re in town for the colourful display at the annual Ballarat Begonia Festival in March, or just wondering through the ye-olde trees, you can easily spend hours snapping some seriously cool shots at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

There are seasonal displays year-round, so you will find some colour in Robert Clark Conservatory, even in the middle of winter.

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Snap some shots of the roaming kangaroos or get up close with the cuddly koalas, cheeky meerkats and scaly reptiles at the Ballarat Wildlife Park. Private Animal Encounter sessions guided by a ranger can be pre-booked before your visit.

Art Gallery of Ballarat

Step inside this beautiful heritage building and you’ll quickly realise why it’s one of the most photographed locations in Ballarat. Around every corner at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, you’ll discover a new set of perfectly placed portraits just waiting to be snapped.

The Gallery Annexe Wall (outside the gallery between Police Lane and Camp Street) features murals on rotation by local and Victorian artists.

Hop Lane and Hop Queen 

Ballarat is home to many secret and quirky laneways, but there’s one laneway off Armstrong Street North you definitely need to check out while you’re here. 

Walk down here and you’ll also discover the super cool Hop Queen – a huge mural painted by local artist Travis Price. The umbrellas overhead change colours periodically so there’s always a new scheme to snap.

Travis Price Murals – Main Road and Webster’s

It never matters what time of the day it is, the Travis Price mural at the end of Main Street always looks stunning! It’s on the side wall of modern Thai restaurant Mr Jones. Main Road is full of vintage stores too, so worth a wander.

You can also stop for a coffee at Webster’s Market and Cafe, which features another Travis Price mural on the wall.

Ballarat’s historic buildings

Stand by Ballarat’s Burke and Wills fountain in the middle of Sturt Street and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the city’s oldest (and most beautiful) architecture. 

The Ballarat Town Hall, Ballarat Train Station, Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, the Ballarat Mining Exchange, and the Arch of Victory also make beautiful backdrops.

Mount Buninyong 

Whether you plan to climb to the top for the stunning views, or prefer to simply wander through the endless trees with your four-legged friend – Mount Buninyong is the region’s best kept photography secret.
Here’s a local tip – when it’s snowing, this is where you’ll capture the best photos.

Lal Lal Falls 

Who doesn’t love to capture the beauty of waterfalls? Well good news, we’ve got one of those too. Lal Lal Falls is best viewed in winter and spring when heavier rainfall keeps the water flowing.

Newtown’s Nimons Bridge 

Built in 1890, Newtown’s Nimons Bridge forms part of the 53km-long Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail. It is one of the largest timber trestle bridges in Victoria.

Field of sunflowers at Dunnstown 

This is one to mark in your calendars for late summer. Every year in February and March, the gates to the Britt family farm open to thousands of road trippers looking to get that perfect shot amongst the sea of giant yellow sunflowers. The fields are in peak bloom at slightly different times each year, so stay tuned for seasonal updates from the farm.

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