If you're looking for some summer fun, here’s some of our favourite ways to experience Ballarat over the warmer months.
Enjoy cocktails in the sun
From French martinis at Clara – a cocktail caravan in The Provincial Hotel's charming courtyard – to laneway ciders at Johnny Alloo, your options are endless.
More of our top picks for delicious summer cocktails include Ellington's Wine Bar, Grainery Lane, Itinerant Spirits, Roy Hammond and Renard.
Sit back and listen to live music
Order a cold brew and relax to the sounds of local musicians at local brewpub Aunty Jacks and beer hall Hop Temple.
If you prefer your music with a side of wine and cheese, you can’t go past RJM’s Wine Bar.
Sign up for a workshop
Blend your own signature gin at Mrs Baker's Still House, join a truffle hunt at Black Cat Truffles, harvest honey straight from the hive at Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat, or learn about the art of brewing at Aunty Jacks.
You can also try your hand at artisan trades like weaving, armouring and lino printing at Sovereign Hill's Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.
Take advantage of the balmy weather and dine outdoors
Ballarat’s outdoor dining game is strong, so why opt for eating indoors when you can soak up some fresh air over a plate of fresh seasonal produce
You’re not short of options in Armstrong Street, with Meigas, Saigon Allee and The Forge Pizzeria all great options.
By Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Yacht Club and Lake View Hotel are always popular and, in Buninyong, you can’t go past The Shared Table.
For brunch, there’s Drive, Hydrant Food Hall, Higher Society and Yellow Espresso just to name a few.
Wander the Art Gallery of Ballarat
Art lovers, get ready to explore Australia's oldest regional art gallery, the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
With sweet, sweet air conditioning on those hot, hot days, check out the gallery's summer exhibition program and treat yourself to a day out far from the hectic beach crowds.
And, of course, we can't forget ice cream
It's hot, you’re bothered and all you want is something cold and delicious.
It’s at this point you need to head on over to Il Piccolo for the best artisan gelato in town.
