Want to stay somewhere unique on your next trip to Ballarat?

From historic churches and charming cottages to off-the-grid cabins and boutique hotels, here are some of the coolest and quirkiest places to stay around the region.

Steeped in history and charm, Lexton’s Grayling’s Gift is a 19th-century church which has been lovingly transformed into short-term boutique accommodation.

The former 1860s Baptist church on Dawson Street which underwent a major renovation on ABC Australia’s ‘Restoration Australia’ last year can now be rented on Airbnb. It’s now a grand home with a one-bedroom apartment.

Stay in the heart of the action at the Sovereign Hill Hotel, with all of the gold rush excitement right on your doorstep.

Built in 1901 by a local surgeon, the heritage-listed Ballarat Premier Apartments was once a base for returned servicemen and women before being transformed into luxury accommodation in 2013.

Steeped in history, the 167-year-old Craig’s Royal Hotel has played host to everyone from Dame Nellie Melba to Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh.

Errard Street’s boutique Lascelles Ballarat consists of two grand 1870 Victorian terraces which have been lovingly restored with a modern overlay by Melbourne-based creatives David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew. Their new luxurious holiday home, Lyon House, has also opened in the picturesque Sturt Street.

A boutique hotel in the heart of the CBD originally built in 1909, The Provincial Ballarat of today features 23 suites that have been uniquely styled with a mix of bespoke antique, modern and custom pieces.

Explore Kryal Castle by day and sleep like a king or queen at night in one of the castle’s 22 on-site medieval suites.

Enjoy a unique and luxurious stay like no other at Bishops Palace, a heritage listed Gothic masterpiece built in 1877 and set on four stunning acres of botanical gardens

Heritage on Lydiard Ballarat is part of the former Bank of NSW building and dates back to 1862, the height of the Australian Gold Rush period. 

Previously the gold rush era Criterion Hotel, Oscars Hotel & Cafe Bar features 13 contemporary guest rooms with the bonus of an in-house restaurant.

There’s no shortage of quirky accommodation in Bunyinyong. Sleep in an old railway carriage which has been fittingly filled with 1920s-inspired furniture, or wander seven acres of historic gardens at a 19^th Century heritage homestead.

Head bush to Beaufort’s Cave Hill Creek for a group glamping adventure. Or stay in a tiny house on Captain’s Creek Organic Farm in Blampied.

Escape to the country at Tuki Retreat Trout Farm and soak up the views of the Loddon-Campaspe Valley from the Smeaton property’s three cottages.

Willow & Stone Estate is a self-contained luxury cottage built with a faithful tribute to goldrush architecture, and features a huge bathroom and separate dressing room with standalone bath.

Once a school, the heritage-listed Quest Ballarat offers a range of accommodation options from studio apartments to three-bedroom serviced apartments.

If you’re looking to live like a local, you’re spoilt for choice. Stay in a historic three-bedroom cottage at Woodhouse Ballarat, former lolly house-turn-cheery-home Bunting Cottage or in a 1960s hilltop bungalow with stunning views of Ballarat.

Why not make the most of the beautiful Pyrenees scenery and book a night in an Unyoked cabin. Facing the remote mountain range, these cabins make for the perfect off-the-grid stay. Maybe a luxury mountainside farmstay sounds more your style? Then check out The Glut Farm.