From vibrant arts and crafts to a cutting-edge drinks and gastronomy scene, Ballarat’s artists, makers and entrepreneurs are busy drawing inspiration from the city’s rich history and their own unique experiences to offer something fresh and unexpected.
For those arriving by train, Itinerant Spirits is found just metres away from Ballarat’s neo classical station.
Housed in a restored bluestone goods shed, Itinerant is luxe – with a capital L – with its copper distillery proudly on display behind an impressive cocktail bar.
Itinerant isn’t just about looks; its cocktails are fab too, many inspired by local people and producers.
A Fruit Toast Sour pays homage to Ballarat’s Turret Bakehouse, while Salt Kitchen Charcuterie is honoured with a Pistachio & Thyme Collins.
Whoever thought cured meat and sweet treats deserved a cocktail should, er, be honoured!
A five-minute walk away is Renard, a cocktail bar and social club blending bistro vibes with a touch of disco.
Boujee drinks, small plates and late-night fun are the signature offerings here.
Or step back in time to the prohibition-era Grainery Lane.
Hidden behind a secret wall (no, I won’t tell you where – it wouldn’t be a secret otherwise) lies a speakeasy with chandeliers, glitz and an original saloon-style bar.
Beer lovers should check out Aunty Jacks or Hop Temple, located 200 metres apart.
Aunty Jacks is an eclectic brewpub with award-winning beers and a focus on brewing craft, while Hop Temple, set in a converted stable, offers over 200 craft beers in a lively atmosphere.
Hop Temple is also at the end of Hop Lane, Insta-famous for its striking display of umbrellas and murals by artists Travis Price and Bacondrum.
Speaking of which, Ballarat has the largest collection of outdoor artworks in regional Australia, with over 120 pieces scattered across the city.
Take one of four self-guided art walks or simply keep an eye out for local and international works throughout your travels.
Recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2019, Ballarat’s craft scene thrives.
The region’s diverse heritage underpins a rich tapestry of crafts telling the stories of First Peoples and a modern city with a diverse population.
As Ballarat grows, it’s preserving the crafts of the past while embracing the artisanal skills and experience of its current citizens.
Leathercrafters Jess Cameron-Wootten and Krystina Menegazzo were drawn to Ballarat’s creative light, relocating their Wootten leather business from Melbourne in 2017 and now operating out of the historic Gun Cotton Factory.
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach to craft, the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades (AKA the Rare Trades Centre) is dedicated to preserving rare skills and practices.
There are many workshops available to enjoy, but some of the most popular are run by jeweller Rachel Grose, who offers hands-on silversmithing classes, teaching everything from ring-making to moonstone setting.
Anyone hungry? From pushing the boundaries of gastronomic excellence to championing local produce, Ballarat’s food scene is utterly deserving of an article of its own.
Meanwhile, here are five favourites among visitors, critics, and locals alike…
For a high-end culinary experience, check out degustation-only Underbar, where chef Derek Boath – who honed his skills at New York’s three-Michelin-starred Per Se – sources, prepares and serves every dish on the eight-course tasting menu.
If sustainability and local produce are important to you, visit The Shared Table.
Located just 10 minutes from the city in Buninyong, The Shared Table is an intimate and elegant restaurant where community dining and sustainability take centre stage.
One restaurateur who’s travelled further than most is Jose Fernandez, whose hit eatery Meigas is inspired by his Spanish roots.
At Meigas, the prices are reasonable, the food is exceptional and the atmosphere feels authentically Latin – with live flamenco dancing on some nights.
Lastly, and definitely not leastly, Hotel Vera’s in-house restaurant Babae delivers provenance-driven dining with a homely take on luxury.
Its seasonal menu, with a focus on local suppliers, is served in an elegant dining room – with the bonus of seven luxury suites for diners to retire to.
From luxe distilleries and quirky brewpubs to contemporary dining at its finest, Ballarat always manages to surprise at every turn.
