Is there a better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon than enjoying a cold drink, good food and great company in a beer garden? 

From inner CBD gems to lakeside hot spots, we’ve got you sorted with our hit list of Ballarat beer gardens to check out during the warmer months. Image

• The Western Hotel 
  1221 Sturt Street, Ballarat 
  What you get: A modern pub with a sense of humour – plus a beer garden complete with big screen TVs and live music. 
   
• The Sporting Globe 
  201 Mair Street, Ballarat 
  What you get: Premium sports bar and grill with casual dining options and rooftop terrace. 
   
• Freight Bar & Restaurant
  Corner of Mair and Peel streets, Ballarat 
  What you get: Industrial-feel pub with modern bistro style/contemporary Australian menu, large deck and rustic beer garden. 
   
• Hop Temple 
  Hop Lane (the rear of 24-28 Armstrong Street North), Ballarat 
  What you get: Hidden laneway food hall serving up more than 220 craft beer and ciders. 
   
• The Red Lion Hotel 
  217-229 Main Road, Ballarat 
  What you get: Sports bar, TAB, restaurant, cafe, pokies, terrace deck and beer garden all at the one spot. 
   
• The Provincial Hotel/Lola 
  121 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat 
  What you get: Stylish European-style dining in a boutique heritage hotel with summer courtyard. Image

• The Lake View Hotel 
  22 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree 
  What you get: Contemporary venue with expansive deck and pergola overlooking Lake Wendouree. 
   
• The Yacht Club 
  18 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree 
  What you get: Seasonal menu with unbeatable lakeside views from the deck.
   
• The Mallow Hotel 
  20 Skipton Street, Ballarat 
  What you get: Cosy local with evolving selection of Aussie craft beer, premium local wines, quality pub grub and eclectic Yard Bar. 
   
• Black Hill Hotel 
  502 Peel Street North, Black Hill 
  What you get: Friendly neighbourhood bar and bistro with undercover beer garden.
   
• The Lane 
  27 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat 
  What you get: Laneway bar and cafe with modern city-style food and live entertainment.