Ballarat: A perfect place for little explorers
A perfect destination to spend a weekend with kids, Ballarat is a short drive from Melbourne and with some incredible enriching attractions for the whole family. Learn about history when Ballarat was the centre of the gold rush era in the 1850s by exploring Sovereign Hill, riding the vintage tram or strolling through the manicured botanical gardens. Check out the guide below on the best things to do in Ballarat with Kids.
Getting to Ballarat
Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Ballarat is easily accessible by car and by regional train from the centre of Melbourne. V-Line trains depart every hour from Southern Cross station and take 1.5 hours to reach Ballarat Station. It’s the perfect close enough destination from Melbourne to spend a weekend with kids!
Why choose Ballarat for a family weekend trip
- Short easy drive from Melbourne or an easy commute via regional train
- A town steeped in history, with interesting historical attractions like the Ballarat Tramway Museum & Sovereign Hill to learn about the gold rush era in Australia
- A stunning lake with manicured gardens for a picnic and plenty of fun activities for the little ones
Top 5 Attractions to see when in Ballarat with Kids
Sovereign Hill
For everyone that comes to visit Ballarat, especially from interstate and overseas, Sovereign Hill is THE MUST see attraction in Ballarat. Experience a fully living museum showing what life was like in the 1850s during the gold rush era in the Ballarat area.
Walk the streets of the old town (where everyone who works there is also dressed in traditional clothing), pan for gold in the river or check out the mines to look for some gold. There is so much more too! A place where you can easily spend the whole day. During the winter school holidays in June / July, Sovereign Hill comes alive for its Winter Wonderlights.
You can read my full review of Sovereign Hill coming soon HERE. Entry to Sovereign Hill is 49.50 AUD for Adults and 31 AUD for kids ages 5 and above. Open daily 10 am to 5 pm, except for mondays outside holidays.
Ballarat Wildlife Park
The Ballarat Wildlife Park is a must for animal lovers and beaming with native Australian animals! You can hand-feed the free-roaming kangaroos and see many other animals like koalas, wombats, meerkats, reptiles, crocodiles and even tigers.
Presentation and talks run throughout the day so check ahead the schedule so you don’t miss out! Close-up encounters with the animals are also available at an additional cost. Entry to the Ballarat Wildlife Park is 40 AUD per adults and 20 AUD for kids 5 yrs and above. Family tickets are available at a discounted rate for 95 AUD for 2 adults and up to 4 children.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
These beautiful gardens located opposite Lake Wenduree are a wonderful spot for a walk-through or picnic! The shaded grassed areas are plentiful and there is heaps of space to run around for the kids. The 40-hectare garden also has lots of fountains, gazebos and a beautiful conservatory to explore.
The gardens come alive in March for the Ballarat Begonia Festival which is when floral displays and the festival take over the gardens and parts of the city. More information at the Ballarat Begonia Festival Website. The Festival is set to run from 8 to 10 March 2025.
Ballarat Tramway Museum
A fun and affordable outing for a family is the Ballarat Tram Museum. The museum has a large collection of beautifully restored late 1800s’ trams and play areas for children. The tram ride is run by volunteers who beautifully explain the history of the tramways in Ballarat and how the trams used to operate.
The entry includes access to the museum as well as a tram ride on the historic trams along the 3.2 km track from the museum along Lake Wenduree and back. A real hit with the kids! Entry to the museum and 1 tram ride is 40 AUD for 2 adults and 2 children. Open most days 11 am to 4 pm, check website as some days they have closures.
Lake Wenduree Apex Adventure Playground & Paddle Boats
This is a must-see when visiting Ballarat with Kids and is guaranteed to be lots of fun for the little ones. Lake Wenduree Adventure playground is huge and in a great location facing Lake Weduree and is surrounded by grassed areas, which makes for a perfect spot for a picnic too. A Tram ice cream van is also on-site during the holidays.
Another fun thing to do over on the lake too not far from the playground (walking towards the Botanical Gardens just before Pipers by the Lake), families can also hire pedal boats for a paddle on Lake Wenduree. Note the pedal boats operate subject to weather conditions, 22 AUD for 20 minutes, cash or PayID only.
Family friendly dining in Ballarat
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating in Ballarat, these are some family favourite places to eat in Ballarat:
- 1816 Bakehouse: A sourdough artisanal bakery, it’s must try stop for all deliciously freshly baked goods, think croissants, pastries, pies, bread, pizza and more. Perfect to pick up some yummy treats for a picnic! 1806.com.au
- The Forge Pizzeria: A longstanding traditional italian pizzeria dishing out amazing thin-crust pizza from the woodfire oven. They also recently added a second location in Ballarat! theforgepizzeria.com
- Hideaway Coffee Bar: Perfect for a tasty breakfast & brunch, 10 AUD Kids menu options available. hideawayballarat.com
- Eclectic Tastes Cafe & Pantry: Not far from the lake and another great spot for breakfast/brunch, an extensive kids menu is available. eclecticstastes.com.au
- Golden Point Hotel: Located close to Sovereign Hill, this family-friendly bistro offers pub classics, as well as pizza and some international options. Kids menu available and a huge indoor Kids Planet playground! goldenpointhotel.com.au
Where to stay in Ballarat with Kids
Best Budget Accommodation in Ballarat – Sovereign Park Motor Inn
Check Prices and Availability for Sovereign Park Motor Inn on Expedia HERE
Conveniently located close to Sovereign Hill (10 minute walk), the Sovereign Park Motor Inn is perfect for families looking for good value and great facilities in one place.
The Motor Inn has an indoor pool as well as an indoor pickleball court, table tennis and pool tables available for guests to use. The rooms have all the amenities you need for a short stay and family rooms as well as larger 2 bedroom suites are available. It’s a great option if you need a place to stay in Ballarat with Kids!
Check Prices and Availability for Sovereign Park Motor Inn on Expedia HERE
Mid Range, Spacious Accommodation in Ballarat – Quest Ballarat Station
Check Prices and Availability for Quest Ballarat Station on Expedia HERE
This recent addition by Quest Apartments offers modern accommodations in studios and larger apartments equipped with all the best amenities. The location is central to the city just a short walk from Ballarat Station.
Check Prices and Availability for Quest Ballarat Station on Expedia HERE
Trendy Accommodation in Ballarat – The Provincial Ballarat
Check Prices and Availability for The Provincial Boutique Hotel Ballarat on Expedia HERE
This beautifully restored, historic pub now has individually decorated rooms and suites. 1 & 2 Bedroom stylish apartments are available for families. The property also has a trendy onsite restaurant and bar called Lola, that serves up modern European dishes with locally sourced produce. A kids menu is also available.
Check Prices and Availability for The Provincial Boutique Hotel Ballarat on Expedia HERE
Want to read more about Ballarat?
You can read more about Ballarat in my other post on Sovereign Hill coming soon.
