11 things to do at Lake Wendouree

Who needs the beach when you can eat, drink and play by – or on – the water at Ballarat's Lake Wendouree this summer?

• Enjoy a cruise on the Golden City Paddle Steamer, a replica of its namesake which operated on the lake from the mid-1880s
• Explore the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, one of Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens
• Hit the water with Lake Wendouree Pedal Boat Hire
• Let the kids run wild at the Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground
• Eat out at one of the lake's five foreshore cafes and restaurants – Ballarat Yacht Club, Pipers By The Lake, Boatshed Restaurant, Lake View Hotel, and Racers Bar & Cafe
• In January, kick back at free concert series Summer Sundays at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens

• Go for a ride on a vintage tram at the Ballarat Tramway Museum and explore the collection of historic tramcars in the new Display Hall
• Watch the night sky light up at the Ballarat's annual Fireworks Spectacular
• Soak up the sunshine with a spot of fishing, sailing or rowing
• Hire a Neuron scooter and test out the Lake Wendouree Loop Ride
• Visit the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, which honours the Australian men and women who have fought for our country