Who says you need a hefty budget to enjoy a getaway?
With a little creativity, Ballarat offers a whole lot of fun without putting a dent in your wallet.
Here’s how to enjoy all the best bits of this charming city for less...
Getting here and around
With public transport free across Victoria this April, ditching the car and catching a train to Ballarat has never looked so good!
Once you're at Ballarat Station, getting around is a breeze, with public buses ready to whisk you off to popular spots: Sovereign Hill (Route 21), the Ballarat Wildlife Park (Route 20), Eureka Centre (Route 15) and the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens (Route 10). For the gardens and lake precinct, you can also stay on the train and disembark at Wendouree Train Station; from there it is a flat 12-minute walk (900m) via Gillies Street.
Ballarat on a budget
- Stroll through the stunning Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Robert Clark Conservatory – free entry!
- Check out the free exhibitions at Backspace Gallery featuring local and up-and-coming artists.
- Dive into the gold rush history at the Eureka Centre (free for Ballarat locals with ID).
- Go on a nature adventure to Lal Lal Falls, Mount Buninyong, Woowookarung Regional Park or the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail.
- Take a ride on a vintage tram at the Ballarat Tramway Museum.
- Let loose and bounce around at Xtreme Bounce indoor play centre.
- Discover Ballarat like never before on the Brilliantly Ballarat Walking Tour or go with a self-guided option.
- Knock down some pins at Oz Tenpin Ballarat.
- Take a free tour of the Ballarat Town Hall (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2pm) or check out the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (Tuesdays, 2pm).
- Visit during the Ballarat Winter Festival and get your skates on at the pop-up ice rink.
- Cruise around Lake Wendouree on the Golden City Paddle Steamer (Sundays, November–April) or rent a pedal boat for some fun.
- Try your hand at mini golf at Gold Rush Mini Golf.
- Get up close with native birds at Ballarat Bird World.
- Check out top playgrounds like Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground and Victoria Park's Inclusive Play Space.
- At Aunty Jacks, snap up a burger and pot for just $20 (Fridays, midday–4pm).
- Grab a local ingredient driven G&T, vodka soda, spritz or cocktail at Itinerant Spirits – conveniently located in The Goods Shed right beside the Ballarat Train Station.
- Make the most of the School’s Out happy hour at the Lake View Hotel (weekdays 3.30pm–5pm).
- Get in on $20 pizza Thursdays at The North Star Hotel or enjoy weekday happy hour specials.
- Savour a $19.50 express lunch at Golden City Hotel (weekdays, 11am–5pm).
- Grab a pimped-up sandwich at Pat's Sandwiches, Cobb's Coffee or Shep St Sandos.
Note: This information is correct as of March 2026.
