Let’s face it, some of the best memories in life are made with our mates.
So, when the opportunity pops up to get together and head out on a road trip, most of us jump at the chance.
From unwinding at a day spa and wandering boutique shops to chatting over a wine or two, Ballarat provides the perfect backdrop for an indulgent weekend of relaxation with friends.
Let someone else cook for you
Start your day off right with a good solid breaky or brunch at one of the city’s cafe hotspots.
Some of our favourites include Fika, Higher Society, Johnny Alloo, Drive Cafe and Hydrant Food Hall.
Be pampered at Ballarat's Sanctuary Day Spa
Relax and unwind at Ballarat's Sanctuary Day Spa – the winner of Australia’s Best Luxury Day Spa at the 2019 World Luxury Spa Awards.
Leave life's stresses at the door and allow the attentive team of skilled therapists to take you on a decadent journey to promote wellbeing, vitality and radiance from within.
Check out the region’s best cellar doors
Take a short 20-minute scenic drive out to Coghill's Creek and you'll discover Eastern Peake Winery.
Visit the cellar to enjoy top drops, including some of the best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah in the state.
You'll instantly understand why Owen Latta was named Australia's Young Winemaker of the Year in 2018.
Situated just off Ballarat’s beautiful Avenue of Honour, Michael Unwin Wines' cellar door has become a popular weekend destination for local wine lovers.
With the wine processed and bottled on-site, you’ll likely find yourself right in the middle of the wine-making process.
Take part in a hands-on workshop
Learn traditional Italian recipes straight from the masters at Carboni's monthly cooking masterclasses, join in a candle-making workshop with The Essential Candle Co, sip and paint with Pinot & Picasso, or uncover the art of gin-making at Kilderkin Distillery.
Or head along to the Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades (Rare Trades Centre for short), which shines a light on contemporary trade and craft practices that derive from historic or artisan trades.
Shop ‘til you drop
Some of our other favourite local shopping experiences include:
- Hattie and the Wolf
- The Crafty Squirrel
- Saltbush Kitchen
- Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market
- Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard
- Wootten
- Ross Creek Gallery
