Arrive in Ballarat and check into your swanky digs
Hotel Vera is set in an almost obsessively-restored heritage building that once served as a surgeon’s quarters. Modern luxury blends with elegant historical charm, with the distinct style of each of the hotel’s seven suites inspired by nearby goldfields’ townships.
Get into the good stuff with a gin tasting at Itinerant Spirits
Dedicated to the craft of distilling, Itinerant Spirits perfects its recipes to share with you during masterclasses right in the heart of Ballarat.
Dinner at Mr Jones
Chef hatted Mr Jones is quality relaxed Asian dining by chef Damien Jones and brings together his experience from Michelinstarred Nahm in London and his former hatted Ballarat restaurant, Catfish Thai.
Breakfast at Hotel Vera
Breakfast at Hotel Vera is a hyperlocal continental affair and includes offerings from some of Ballarat’s brilliant producers.
Luxuriate at the internationally acclaimed Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa
Make your way to Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa for some serious pampering. From high performance facials to massages and body treatments, you’ll soon emerge ready to take on the world.
Lunch at Drive Cafe
Grab a seat outside the supercool Drive Cafe, which started out as a service station and still has nods to this past life. Drive offers a hearty breakfast menu plus more substantial offerings for lunch like fried chicken burgers and pastrami bagels.
Un-wine-d with a tasting at Eastern Peake
Just 25 minutes north-west of Ballarat, young gun winemaker Owen Latta continues in his parent’s footsteps making quality wines under the Eastern Peake and, more recently, LATTA Vino labels. Taste from the current range or opt for a selection from the cellar with a museum tasting.
Dinner at hatted restaurant Babae
There’s nothing better than dining in a cracking restaurant without leaving your hotel. Intimate fine diner Babae at Hotel Vera delivers with an everchanging seasonal menu, creatively celebrating place, produce, flavour and technique in contemporary Australian cuisine.
Brunch at Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes
Just a short drive from Ballarat, this truffière and on-site restaurant has the distinction of being one of Australia’s few truffle farms to enjoy both a summer and winter harvest. Savour brunch in the garden and, if you’re in the mood, add a mimosa to make it a little more special.
Browse luxe leather goods made right here in Ballarat
Discover Ballarat’s proud boot making heritage at Wootten, where tradition meets craftsmanship. In the historic Gun Cotton Warehouse, skilled artisans handcraft boots, bags, belts and more with precision and passion. Tour the working factory, soak in the leather-rich atmosphere and find a pair of stylish boots made to be worn for generations.
Grab some goodies before heading home
Stop by Campana’s for top local drops, brews and produce. For authentic fresh pasta, Italian pantry items and smallgoods, head to Carboni’s Next Door Deli. For pastries, pies and more, swing past 1816 Bakehouse.
All done!
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