Things to do

Hidden Lanes

119A Sturt St,
Ballarat Central VIC 3350

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Discover the fascinating layers of Ballarat's rich culture and past with Hidden Lanes tours.

Explore hidden stories, secret laneways, and forgotten histories that bring places to life. From grand Goldfields architecture to hidden laneways, vintage fashion houses, and gin distilleries, Hidden Lanes reveals Ballarat through spaces most visitors never see.

Hidden Lanes is a locally owned business in Ballarat, on Wadawurrung Country. The tours focus on slow travel with small groups and easy pacing. Passionate local guides share expert knowledge of grand Goldfields architecture, forgotten histories, and quirky tales.

Visitors on the Ballarat City Tales tour discover mysterious laneways, historic landmarks, and untold stories of the city, with a coffee stop along the way. The Ballarat Foodie and Gin tour takes participants on a delicious wander through local makers, flavours, and gin distilleries. The Ballarat Vintage Fashion tour explores vintage fashion houses and the sartorial heritage of Ballarat.

A two day package combines a stay at the historic Craig's Royal Hotel, a visit to Sovereign Hill, and the Ballarat City Tales tour for a deeper immersion in the region.

Hidden Lanes provides authentic, immersive experiences that connect visitors to the true heart of Ballarat. The business also creates slow travel inspired merchandise that celebrates the stories and heritage of the area.

Content: Hidden Lanes

Available tours

Thumbnail for Ballarat Foodie and Gin Distillery Walking Tour

Ballarat Foodie and Gin Distillery Walking Tour

Discover local produce, intriguing local foodie history, gin distilleries, and unique dishes. A progressive slow food degustation including…

Thumbnail for Ballarat Slow Travel Self-Guided Tour

Ballarat Slow Travel Self-Guided Tour

Embark on a whimsical journey in the Ballarat with the Slow Travel Self-Guided Tour. Explore laneways, soak up…

Thumbnail for Ballarat Vintage Fashion Tour

Ballarat Vintage Fashion Tour

Discover vintage fashion, intriguing local fashion history, stylish hidden gems, and the remarkable women who shaped Ballarat’s fashion…

Thumbnail for City Tales Guided Walking Tour

City Tales Guided Walking Tour

Step into Ballarat’s exciting hidden Goldrush stories – on the Ballarat City Tales walking tour. With a local…

Thumbnail for Full Day Ballarat Heritage Experience

Full Day Ballarat Heritage Experience

Experience Ballarat slowly and beautifully on this full-day heritage experience combining hidden laneways, Gold Rush storytelling, elegant gardens,…

Visitor Information Centres

Ballarat Town Hall
225 Sturt Street
Ballarat VIC 3350

Ballarat Botanical Gardens
401-405 Wendouree Parade
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350

Acknowledgement of Country

Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities. These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.

We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years. As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.


©️ 2026 Visit Ballarat. This initiative is funded by the City of Ballarat and Tourism Midwest Victoria.