There are plenty of reasons why a road trip to Ballarat is all you need this winter.

Food? Tick! Cosy fireplaces? Check! Lots of fun things to do? Certainly!

Here’s our go-to guide on where to eat, drink and play in Ballarat during the cooler months…

Eat

Mitchell Harris Wine Bar
If you’re looking for somewhere to catch up with an old friend for a good ol’ chin-wag, then pull up a pew by the fire and order a mulled cider at Mitchell Harris Wine Bar. It’s moody, cosy and exactly what we need when the weather outside is frightful!
We highly recommend the crisp potato pizza with sage, rosemary, parmesan and truffle oil, or the grazing board. Well actually the whole menu is worth ordering, so clear your schedule and settle in for the afternoon.

Clothesline Cafe
This central café is very popular with the locals. And you know what they say; go where the locals go.
The food here is not only delicious, but super Instagramable (it’s like art on a plate). It’s almost too good to eat (almost!).

The North Star Hotel
If you like a view with your lunch then make a booking at The North Star Hotel. Smack-bang in the middle of this iconic pub is a sky-high glass atrium. Sit under the leafy indoor tree and soak up those wintry sunrays while you sip on handmade cocktails and your favourite hearty plates of pub classics.

Ragazzone
Let the team at Ragazzone take the stress out of your search for a delicious dinner and sit down for the Chef’s Selection – a rotating selection of new, mouthwatering dishes that will be the envy of all your friends.

Higher Society
For a good cup of locally-made hot chocolate head to Higher Society. Serving Ballarat’s own Grounded Pleasure cocoa, you’ll also receive not one, but two giant fluffy marshmallows from the Grounded Pleasures range.
A hot chocolate goes perfectly with Higher’s strawberry ricotta hotcakes with vanilla bean ice-cream, pistachio crumb and Persian floss.

If coffee is more your thing, then ask the friendly staff for the coffee flight.

Drink

Aunty Jacks
Pop by for a casual pot by the roaring fire or sign up for Beer School – an hour of learning and sipping on samples is a mighty fine way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon. 

Michael Unwin Wines
Does anything pair better with winter than a glass of red! We don’t think so either.
Head out through Ballarat’s picturesque Avenue of Honour and you’ll discover Michael Unwin Wines – the ideal spot for tastings.
And believe it or not, but Michael Unwin Wines also features a ‘fill your own’ cellar door range, where you can bring along and fill your own bottle.

Renard
For post and pre-dinner drinks we highly recommend new social club and cocktail bar, Renard.
Whether you like sharing jugs with the gals, or you’re looking to impress a date with a fancy cocktail suggestion, the bartenders here can certainly help you out.

Captains Creek Organic Winery
Ballarat’s cooler temperatures make for great truffle hunting, but it’s also ideally suited for producing top quality chardonnay and pinot noir. You can taste this firsthand during a visit to Captains Creek Organic Winery. Cosy up to the fire in their 100-year-old workers-hut-turn-cellar door and indulge in a tasting plate of local delicacies while you work your way through the wine menu.

Do

Check out Winter Wonderlights 
When the sun goes down, that’s when the real magic happens as Sovereign Hill dazzles with a sound and light show illuminating the facades of the iconic streetscape between Saturday 25 June until Saturday 17 July.

While you’re in town, why not stay a little longer and experience the warmth and charm of the Ballarat Winter Festival.

From drinking locally-made hot cocoa by crackling fireplaces, to pulling on skates at the pop-up ice skating rink, Ballarat will come alive this winter with activities that will fire up the enthusiasm of families, foodies, wine lovers and culture vultures alike.

Ballarat Mill Market
When it’s raining outside, we love to escape the chill by wandering the Ballarat Mill Market. You can easily spend a couple of hours here flicking through vinyl records, memorabilia and vintage clothing.

Sign up for a cooking masterclass
Learn how to make traditional Italian pasta over a glass of wine, straight from the masters, at Carboni’s Italian Kitchen. For a moment, you might even feel like you’re in Italy, minus the expensive plane ticket!

Enjoy a couples massage at Ballarat Sanctuary Day Spa
It’s been a busy couple of days, so why not end your dreamy date with a couples spa ritual at the award-winning Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa. Enjoy a 60-minute massage, private bath, sparkling wine and strawberries.

Black Cat Truffles
If you call yourself a foodie then this is an experience you’re going to want to sign up to. Spend the morning searching for these delicious earthy treasures with the cutest truffle dogs, then find yourself a space to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Hot tip, the woodfired truffle pizza is delicious!