A weekend in Ballarat with @whereiskapa

Embark on a Ballarat adventure inspired by Kapa from @whereiskapa‘s recent visit.

DAY ONE

Arrive in Ballarat and check in to your accommodation

The Provincial Hotel sits pretty on Ballarat’s historic Lydiard Street. Built in 1909 the iconic building, recognised by the National Trust, has housed a myriad of publicans and hoteliers, each enriching the hotel with greater grandeur.

Address: 121 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat

1pm – Enjoy lunch at The Green House

Housed in a historic warehouse, this indoor plant store has become a favourite weekend destination for locals. Even more so with the opening of their new café and regular workshops, including make your own clay planter and macrame wall hanger sessions, and mosaic plate making.

Address: 5C/20 Elizabeth St, Delacombe

3pm – Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Lake Wendouree

Wander through Ballarat’s Botanical Gardens, including the famed Conservatory, then head over the road to explore all Lake Wendouree has to offer, including a large adventure playground. If you have time why not explore the newly renovated Tram Museum and take a historic tram ride.

Address: Gillies Street, Ballarat

5pm – Pre-dinner drinks at Grainery Lane

Named after the grains used to make the spirit, Grainery Lane is located in one of Ballarat’s historic grain houses. The one-of-a-kind saloon-style bar will bring back the glitz and glamour of the city’s goldrush era – think Peaky Blinders meets The Great Gatsby – with an original bar top sourced from Chicago spanning an entire wall, backdropped by sparkling chandeliers, grand leather couches and furniture reminiscent of the 1880s.

Address: 35 Armstrong Street, Ballarat CBD

6:30pm – Dinner at Pancho

A South American and Latin inspired restaurant located in the heart of Ballarat. Pancho offers a range of street foods with a palette of traditional American food; think taco’s tortillas, guacamole, and empanadas as well as pisco sours and passionfruit caipirinhas.

Address: 213 Mair Street, Ballarat

DAY TWO

9am – Breakfast at Hydrant Food Hall

Tucked away down an old bluestone laneway, Hydrant Food Hall is one of Ballarat’s best cafes. Set in an historic warehouse punctuated by an original Grinnell sprinkler system, the menu here is driven by seasonality and local produce combined with specialty coffee. After breakfast wander Ballarat’s iconic streets, including Hop Lane, decorated with seasonal umbrellas.

Address: 3 McKenzie Street, Ballarat

10:30am – Explore the Art Gallery of Ballarat

The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s purpose is to reflect the story of Ballarat; past, present and future. In addition to the gallery’s collection of Australian art, the Lydiard Street building which was the first purpose-built art gallery in regional Australia, hosts a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Address: 40 Lydiard Street, Ballarat CBD. Entry is free.

Treats for the road from Carboni’s Next Door

It’s time for your journey home, but before you hit the highway why not drive-by Carboni’s Next door. From freshly made pasta and plenty of antipasti supplies, to international cheeses and home-made sauces, you can sort dinner before you get home. 

Address: Carboni’s Next Door – 152 Eureka Street, Ballarat