Want some fun without the funds? We've got your back!
Read on to find out how you can soak up the best of Ballarat without spending a single cent this autumn and winter.
And don't forget that no matter where you live in Victoria, you can catch a free V/Line train to and from Ballarat throughout May (and half price after that until the end of the year!).
Unearth the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
What's not to love about the Ballarat Botanical Gardens?
Established in 1858, the gorgeous gardens are home to an extensive array of flowering plants, exotic trees and floral displays.
While you're there, check out the stunning Robert Clark Conservatory and its changing seasonal displays, the Statue Pavilion and the 19th century-inspired Fernery.
Located next to Lake Wendouree, the gardens are open 9am-6pm every day of the year (well, except Christmas Day!).
Free markets
Step back in time at the Ballarat Heritage Festival
21-24 May
Uncover lesser-known stories and overlooked voices at the 2026 Ballarat Heritage Festival.
The four-day celebration is renowned for bringing the past to life in unexpected ways, with free events like:
- the Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition and the super cute Dog Beard and Stache Competition, both at Hop Temple
- the Hidden Histories: Shared Together exhibition at the Ballarat Mining Exchange
- guided tours of the Ballarat Old Gaol
- fascinating talks on everything from Mothers, Minors and Madness: The Hidden Lives of Women and Children on the Goldfields to How to Tell Your Family Story with Jonathan Butler
More free festival events
World Press Photo exhibition
8 August - 20 September
For the first time in a decade, the World Press Photo exhibition is coming to Victoria – and it's all thanks to the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
The gallery will host the globally acclaimed exhibition at the Ballarat Mining Exchange from 8 August until 20 September.
Each year, the World Press Photo contest highlights the outstanding work of photojournalists and documentary photographers from around the globe.
It offers broad perspectives and intimate insider views on conflicts, crisis, resistance, resilience, tradition and more.
Galleries galore to explore
While the Art Gallery of Ballarat is temporarily closed for building upgrades, you can still get your art fix at the region's impressive portfolio of boutique galleries.
Backspace Gallery is the gallery's new off-site exhibition space which hosts a rotating line-up of local and early-career artists.
And then there's:
- Perridak Arts, which supports local First Nations artists and craftspeople to present their art while using their talents to connect to their culture
- The Unicorn Collection, a pop-up space for makers, artists and creative dreamers
- Ross Creek Gallery, a contemporary exhibition space featuring ceramic and 2D artworks by renowned ceramicist Ruby and her mum, Janine Ronaldson, along with rotating exhibitions by local artists
- The Old Butchers Shop Gallery, a neighbourhood gem which shines a spotlight on the diversity and talent of Ballarat creatives
- Art Space Ballarat, a dedicated community art space in historic Lydiard St Nth
- Flying Goolie Gallery, which features the recycled/reclaimed works of sculptor Annie Younger
- Avoca's Gallery 127 at the heritage-listed Avoca Railway Station
- Beaufort's Art Trax Gallery, which displays artworks by visual artists, sculptors and photographers from within the Pyrenees region and beyond
- Blampied's Overwrought Sculpture Garden and Gallery, which is set on five acres of lush farmland
