There’s plenty to warm your heart, soul and belly in Ballarat in winter 2024.
Only a 75-minute drive from Melbourne, Victoria's largest inland city is buzzing with family fun and foodie experiences at this time of year.
So rug up and explore Ballarat in its signature season...
Ballarat Winter Festival
The Ballarat Winter Festival rolls out the family fun from 29 June-21 July 2024.
Now in its 10th year, the ever-popular Winter Wonderlights is returning to Sovereign Hill, bringing light projections and ‘snow’ falls to the famous streetscape.
At Kryal Castle, watch knights joust on horseback to save their frozen kingdom.
You can also skate to some cool beats at the ice rink outside the Ballarat Town Hall.
And while you're here, stop by the Ballarat Wildlife Park to check out the penguins or even have breakfast with a tiger.
For the big kids, there's The Design Exchange Market, Candlelight Concerts featuring Queen and Hans Zimmer, and the inaugural Obsidian Dark Beer Festival.
Convenient stays for festivalgoers include Sovereign Park Motor Inn, NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park and Kryal Castle’s medieval-themed suites.
The centrally-located Quest Ballarat Station also features interconnecting rooms for larger families or friends travelling together.
Foodie favourites
Pack your gumboots because Black Cat Truffles is in harvest mode. Forage for the aromatic fungi on a winter truffle hunt or stop by the restaurant for a seasonal lunch by award-winning chef Liam Downes.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s burgeoning drinks scene, there’s a host of tours and masterclasses on offer. Check out G&Tea at Grainery Lane, Gin School at Kilderkin Distillery, Spirits Masterclass at Itinerant Spirits or Taste the Taps at Aunty Jacks.
Pastry fans should plan to hit the road in August. There will be dozens of different pies to try throughout the month as venues across the city vie for top honours in Ballarat’s Best Pie competition. From bakery classics to gourmet flavour bombs, there’s something for everyone on the menu. Stay tuned to our social channels for more details.
Take the road to red
For a wine route a little less travelled, head to the Pyrenees Ranges, west of Ballarat. The region is known for its full-flavoured reds, particularly shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. The scenic circuit includes the Dalwhinnie, Taltarni, Summerfield and Wayward wineries, just to name a few.
And why not book yourself a cosy weekender at an Unyoked cabin at Peerick Vineyard.
To sample a full range of Pyrenees wines under the one roof, don’t miss the Red Series at the Ballarat Mining Exchange on 26 & 27 July 2024.
For more winter events, check out our What's On calendar.
