Family activities in Ballarat and surrounds

Family activities in Ballarat and surrounds

Ballarat is a great place to visit with the family during the summer holidays. There are so many activities from panning for gold to roaming one of regional Victoria’s best art galleries.

All you need to do is grab a cheap hire car from Melbourne. Drive just over an hour north west of the city and you’ll find yourself in the beautiful city of Ballarat. When you arrive take up one of these family activities.

Sovereign Hill (pictured)

Ballarat is most famous for Sovereign Hill. Step back in time to the 1850s when the Gold Rush swept the world, luring travellers in search of fortune. Today Sovereign Hill teaches visitors stories about the past and the fascinating people who risked everything for gold. Go panning for gold and witness the multi-million dollar ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’ show about the 1854 Eureka Uprising.

Kryal Castle (below)

Just outside Ballarat is a land of medieval adventure waiting to be explored. Kryal Castle is Australia’s only medieval theme park. It brings kings, queens, knights and magical creatures such as fairies and dragons to life. Watch knights battle it out in the arena and explore the torture techniques once used on criminals. You can also immerse yourself in the history by staying the night. Kryal Castle is full of interesting activities that’ll entertain the family.

Ballarat Art Gallery

The city boasts a rich arts and culture scene. It’s home to Australia’s oldest regional art gallery. Within these walls you can explore an incredible permanent collection of Australian art. You’ll come across paintings and other creations from the colonial period through to today. There’s always something new to see, with temporary exhibitions constantly coming and going. If you’re feeling creative then feel free to sign up to one of the gallery’s workshops.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Pack a picnic and take the family on an outing to the botanical gardens. They cover 40 hectares which are divided into garden areas and open parkland. You’ll encounter remarkable marble statues surrounded by colourful garden beds. The Botanical Gardens is only a 4km walk from the CBD and set next to Lake Wendouree. It’s a picturesque sitting that you won’t forget. A beautiful site for a family get-together.

Also try A day out in Daylesford

BRIANNA PIAZZA

Brianna Piazza

Brianna Piazza

Brianna Piazza is an Australian television reporter and part-time travel blogger. Originally from Melbourne, she's currently living in Cairns where she works for WIN News and spends her weekends exploring the outdoors Far North Queensland.

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