From pasta pop-ups and magnificent mountain bike trails to charming country cottages, here's the lowdown on what's new in Ballarat this summer...
New food & drink offerings
- Goodbye Mitchell Harris Wine Bar, hello Eleanora! The new kid on the block at 38 Doveton St Nth is the sister restaurant of Eclectic Tastes Café & Pantry. Open just in time for the silly season, the city's newest restaurant is all about beautiful, modern, seasonal food matched with a selection of the very best Australian wines.
- Guess who's back, back again? Pencilmark Wine Room's back, tell a friend! Every Wednesday night throughout daylight savings, Pencilmark Pasta Pop-Up is dishing up an ever-changing bowl of pasta paired with a glass of wine or beer for just $35. Sides are also on offer if you’re feeling extra peckish. The CBD pop-up is in Pencilmark's former Ballarat base (now the home of fine dining destination Underbar), with Michelin-trained chef Derek Boath on the tools. So ditch Mum's spaghetti and head on down to 3 Doveton St Nth pronto!
- There's a new girl in town and she's already got people talking! Super cute coffee house Naomi & i is the latest venture from the folks behind the Yarra Valley's beloved Harrow and Harvest Cafe. On the menu at this takeaway-only pit stop is A+ Coffee Roasters seasonal blends, Tea Co brewed teas and specialty drinks including strawberry matcha, Turkish delight spiders and lavender lemonade spiders. And just wait until you see the dessert cabinet decked out with scrumptious scrolls, giant meringues, loaded cookies and more. Topping it all off are gorgeous blooms from Elaine's Florabool Flower Farm plus soy candles from Down Evelyn Lane. Open 6am-4pm daily, you'll find Naomi & i at 449 Doveton St Nth.
- Ballarat cafe Higher Society has a fancy new roommate – degustation diner Peasant. The Sturt St space is now a cafe by day and restaurant by night, with Peasant's award-winning chef Douglas Kerr and manager Dan Tesoriero at the reins. Think reimagined breakfast and lunch offerings with inventive flavour fusions, plus European peasant-style dinners topped off by a captivating wine list.
- I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Timboon Fine Ice Cream is giving us all something to scream about with the unveiling of its new Ballarat scooperie at 615 Sturt St. Think farm-fresh, artisan ice cream in almost 30 flavours.
New things to see & do
- Roll into summer at the region's newest cycling attraction, Djuwang Baring. AKA Creswick Trails, this 60km network of mountain bike trails winds its way through state forests, regional parks and timber plantations. Take your pick from a range of skill-rated riding experiences along 70 trail segments.
- Take a walk down memory lane with the launch of Ballarat's newest guided walking tour. Uncover the city's best secondhand clothing boutiques and antique stores on Hidden Lanes' Ballarat Vintage Fashion Tour. And just wait until you hear the captivating tales about our fascinating fashion history!
- Ballarat's iconic Her Majesty's Theatre has returned to the stage after an almost two-year glow up. Upcoming performances include the likes of Cosentino (14 January), Sarah Blasko (22 March), the Sydney Dance Company (3 May) and Wil Anderson (2 August).
- A new accessible gold panning zone at Sovereign Hill is helping visitors of all abilities to access one of the attraction's most iconic experiences. This freshly-revealed space features an elevated gold panning water channel and an accessible pathway. It comes off the back of Sovereign Hill being awarded the Excellence in Accessible Tourism Award at the 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards.
New creative offerings
- A former Ballarat hotel is now home to a curated collection of high-end artworks by regional Victorian creatives. The Unicorn Collection functions as both a retail space and exhibition venue. Browse collectible works crafted by seasoned artisans and artists and admire the exceptional talents and craftsmanship on show. Take a peek for yourself in the old Unicorn Hotel at 131 Sturt St.
- Ballarat's newest street mural pays tribute to the city's bustling live music scene. Local artist Joel Hammonds' handiwork was unveiled in late November on the Annexe Wall in Alfred Deakin Place (next to the Art Gallery of Ballarat). Entwined within the mural are nods to:
- Ballarat live music venues Volta and Civic Hall
- local melodic metal and progressive rock band ØTRERA
- music store Crossroads Music
- the gallery's Australian-exclusive exhibition Medieval to Metal: The Art and Evolution of the Guitar (on now until 2 February)
New places to stay
- Escape to the country at Carranballac's Mooramong Estate. Set amidst golden plains, the historic property unveiled three tiny houses earlier this year in collaboration with Into The Wild Escapes. Now you can also stay at one of Mooramong's beautifully-restored cottages, each blending historic charm with modern comforts.
