Get a taste of farm life and soak up the Ballarat region's fresh air, fertile land and wide open spaces.
Black Cat Truffles
The Ballarat region is perfectly suited for growing truffles thanks to its cold winters and warm summers – all requirements to kick off the fruiting bodies and maturation process in the truffle.
Black Cat Truffles is located just 15 minutes outside of Ballarat in Wattle Flat.
Visit the 20-acre property to find out more about this earthy, aromatic delicacy.
See the truffle dogs in action on a summer or winter truffle hunt and then head to the on-site restaurant for a range of delicious truffle-infused dishes prepared by award-winning chef and truffiere owner Liam Downes.
Tuki Trout Farm
Enjoy the unique pond to plate experience at Smeaton's Tuki Trout Farm, where you're guaranteed to catch a rainbow trout in one of the aerated spring water ponds.
Once you've hooked your catch of the day, have it cooked for you in the restaurant for lunch or, alternatively, get it cleaned and packaged to take home.
Located on traditional grazing property Stoney Rises, the farm's cows and sheep graze on natural herbage and native pasture, which gives their meat greater nutritional benefits and a unique flavour.
Stretch out your visit with a night or two in one of Tuki's six guest cottages with panoramic views of the region's rolling hills.
Pick your own
We all know fresh is best and you can't get any fresher than straight from the source.
So, pick your own:
- sunflowers at Dunnstown's Pick Your Own Sunflowers
- tomatoes and strawberries at Yendon Gourmet Tomatoes
- blueberries at Buninyong Blueberry Farm and Scotsburn's Thistleberry Farm
- cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums and apples at Payne's Orchards in Bacchus Marsh
- strawberries at Eganstown's Morningswood Farm
Visit each farm's website or social media pages for upcoming picking dates.
Creswick Woollen Mills
Founded in 1947 by Polish migrant Paul Ryzowy, Creswick Woollen Mills is Australia's last remaining coloured woollen spinning mill.
A leader in the nation’s natural fibre industry, the mill specialises in luxurious, high quality, natural and sustainable fibres including alpaca, cashmere, merino wool and possum apparel, accessories and homewares.
Visit Creswick Woollen Mills and experience a window into Australian history with A Very Fine Yarn – a interactive exhibition that showcases the journey of natural fibres.
And from Thursday to Monday each week, meet the mill's adorable baby lambs and alpacas.
Farmers' markets
Let the farmers bring their produce straight to you at one of the Ballarat region's farmers' markets.
Our top picks include:
- the Ballarat Farmers Market at Lake Wendouree (second and fourth Saturday of each month)
- The Bridge Market in the Bridge Mall (first Saturday of each month)
- Creswick Market (the third Saturday of each month)
- Talbot Farmers' Market (the third Sunday of each month)
