What’s new in Ballarat

From pimped-up toasties and pies to fields of dahlias and forest therapy, here's the lowdown on what's new in Ballarat this autumn...

New food & drink offerings

• Coming in hot is Ballarat's newest hidden gem courtesy of TV host and MasterChef Australia alum Tim Bone. A long-time favourite at the city's farmers markets, Tim's Toasties is now open at 1 Opportunity Close, Delacombe. You'll find it tucked away among the modern warehouses and factories.
• The former owners of The Provincial Ballarat have worked their magic on the historic Buninyong pub. The Buninyong Hotel has just reopened its doors following an extensive interior renovation by local couple Simon and Gorgi Coghlan. Its new vibe is described as being "where tradition and modern hospitality meet in a location that feels like home". Think nostalgic pub menu showcasing quality local produce, eclectic wine list and extensive range of beers and ales, alfresco dining in the charming beer garden, plus crackling log fires in the cooler months. The circa 1885 building is regional Victoria's oldest continually licensed hotel. It's open for lunch Friday-Sunday from 11.30am, plus dinner Wednesday-Sunday from 5pm. You'll find The Buninyong Hotel at 508 Warrenheip St.
• Boutique Turkish food truck Woodside Food and Co has opened a cafe, Near East Kitchen, in Ballarat's Bridge Mall. Think an ever-changing menu of Middle Eastern-inspired flavors with a modern edge, plus delicious coffee and fresh baked treats. Check it out at 78 Bridge Mall.
• Ballarat chef Lilly Wright is putting her own spin on the classic meat pie. The Flying Chillies founder is the force of nature behind Not Your Grandma’s Pantry. "I love pies but let’s be real – most of the time, we play it safe," Lilly said. "We get lazy, predictable and comfortable with the usual flavours, afraid to shake things up. That’s why NYGP was born – my alter ego that refuses to settle, that demands creativity, brings something new that brings the unexpected." Lilly's opening line-up of bold and tasty pies includes beef rendang pie, Indonesian lamb curry pie, Mum’s curry laksa pie, breakfast pie, Japanese beef curry pie, vegan beef and gravy pie, and Cambodian fish amok pie. Not Your Grandma’s Pantry is open for grab-and-go pies every Friday and Saturday from 9am-2pm at 6 Coliseum Walk in the Bridge Mall.
• Truffles and wine? What a mighty good time! Wattle Flat's Black Cat Truffles just got even better with the addition of Meredith Wines' on-site cellar door. Visitors can now enjoy Meredith Wines' guided tasting flights, wines by the glass and bottle plus – of course – seasonal food offerings from the very talented Liam Downes. You'll find Black Cat Truffles and Meredith Wines at 150 Howards Rd, Wattle Flat.
• The newly-restored Blackwood Pub is ticking all the boxes right now. From the duo behind Melbourne restaurants Cargo and Berth comes this self-proclaimed "haven in the hills". Take the scenic drive to the mountaintop village for quality pub fare, local beers on tap, plenty of gluten-free options plus dog-friendly outdoor dining. You'll find the circa 1868 pub at 1 Golden Point Rd, Blackwood.

New things to see & do

• Afternoon tea in a field of 18,000 dahlias? Sounds like absolute heaven to us! Bungaree flower farm Florelie is the place to be for this unique opportunity on the weekends of 8-9 March and 22-23 March. This VIP experience includes a delicious afternoon tea courtesy of Edible Indulgence, the chance to wander the two-acre dahlia field, a Q&A with owner Lorelie Merton plus a beautiful bunch of dahlias to take home.
• Unearth the benefits of forest therapy at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Originating in Japan, forest therapy (or shinrin-yoku) is a preventative health practice that immerses your senses in nature. Nurtured In Nature's guided wellbeing experience bolsters mental and physical health by reducing stress levels, lowering heart and blood pressure, and lifting your mood.
• Ballarat's Sanctuary Day Spa just got even bigger and better. Its newly-unveiled extension features two dual treatment rooms plus a new lounge area and change rooms. "Every detail has been carefully considered, from the concept to completion, including our luxurious oversized bath which is perfect for a truly indulgent experience," says the day spa team. You'll find this little slice of heaven tucked away within the grounds of Mercure Ballarat at 613 Main Rd.
• Parks Victoria's new Nature Wellness Trails are just what the doctor ordered – and we've got one right here in Ballarat! The state's three trails – including one at Woowookarung Regional Park – are designed to help you embrace the rejuvenating power of nature. Each delivers a tailored experience to support mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Let the NatureFix app guide you along Woowookarung's 1.8km Grass-Tree Nature Trail, with simple nature-awareness activities at designated spots along the trail.

New creative offerings

• While the Art Gallery of Ballarat is closed for building upgrades, peruse the works of local and emerging artists at the attraction's new off-site gallery space. Opening on 15 March, Backspace Gallery is located at 43 Mair St. Its first exhibition – Next Gen 2025 – is a showcase of some very impressive VCE artworks and is on show until 11 May.
• When we say you're going to get your hands dirty, we mean it! Artist Maddison Lauren Trezise has opened the doors of her creative space to launch Studio Ceramics Ballarat. Learn the basics of wheel throwing with a clay play beginners pottery class. Or step things up a notch with the deluxe option, where you'll make a handcrafted ceramic vessel or dish.

New places to stay

• Sleep among the vines at Moonambel's Grape Farm Winery. Nestled within this family-run boutique winery is the one-bedroom Grape Farm Cottage. The stylish country retreat has stunning views over the vineyard and surrounding hills.
• A former gold rush hotel has been brought back to life as a unique Airbnb offering in Clunes. Built in the 1870s, The Fire Brigade Hotel later fell into disrepair and sat vacant in the town's main street from the 1970s until 2021. Enter father and son Shaun and Ethan Grech, who began an extensive renovation of the historic two-storey building. Now known as The Brigade, the three-bedroom, pet-friendly property sleeps up to eight guests.

New TV series

• Ballarat is set to play a starring role in a new Aussie drama series on Stan. The six-part Love Divided by Eleven is described as being "an uplifting journey exploring the preciousness of life". "Struggling to come to terms with the death of her fiancé, Lillian finds comfort in seeking out the recipients of his organs, triggering a tangled chain of connection," the synopsis reads. Love Divided by Eleven was filmed across Ballarat, Melbourne and the Yarra Valley last year. The cast includes the likes of Brooke Satchwell, Eleanor Matsuura, Kerry Armstrong and Ben Lawson. Love Divided by Eleven will premiere on Stan later this year.