The sun might have set but that doesn’t have to be the end of your Ballarat adventure.

One of the best things about summer are the balmy evenings, which mean late nights, delicious food and cold brews. What’s not to love about that?!

Here’s some of our top things to do in Ballarat after dark…

Catch a sunset over Lake Wendouree

One of the best places to see the sun set over Ballarat is at Lake Wendouree.

Whether you’re a budding photographer or you simply love a good orange sky, this is one not to miss.

One of the most popular locations to snap a good photo is by the jetty, near the Macarthur Street roundabout.

And why not order some takeaway and make an evening of it with the family?

Dine out

Ballarat’s dining game is strong, so let the good times roll over a plate of fresh seasonal produce prepared by one of the region’s exceptional chefs.

You’re not short of options in Armstrong Street North, with Roy Hammond, Hop Temple, Grainery Lane, The Forge Pizzeria, Pancho, Meigas and Saigon Allee all located within the same CBD block.

Nearby, there’s also Itinerant Spirits, Mitchell Harris Wine Bar, Aunty Jacks and The North Star Hotel.

At Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Yacht Club and Lake View Hotel are always a good choice.

Travel through time at a sound and light show

Immerse yourself in the story of gold at AURA – Sovereign Hill‘s popular sound and light show.

Hundreds of hi-tech projections explore the creation, discovery and impact of the precious metal then and now.

Feel the vibrations as stars explode in front of your eyes, watch as the land is transformed by the gold rush, and dive into the chaos of the Eureka Rebellion.

Catch some live music

It doesn’t matter what weekend you’re here, there’s bound to be music thundering from one of the city’s popular music venues.

Make a beeline for Volta, Piano Bar and Hop Temple.

Sign up for a ghost tour

Spend an evening exploring the dark and paranormal side of Ballarat with Eerie Tours.

Travel through underground buildings and back alleyways and visit the old Ballarat gaol – the site of the highest number of executions in regional Victoria.

Grab a drink or two

You’ll find plenty of liquid gold in Ballarat – and we’re not talking about the kind you need to dig deep to find.

Home to talented winemakers, experimental brewers and distillers and crafty bartenders, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a good drop of liquor.

For a good craft beer, check out Hop Temple and Aunty Jacks.

Mitchell Harris is where you want to be for a glass of local wine and for cocktails, you can’t go past Renard and Roy Hammond.

And don’t miss newly-opened distilleries Itinerant Spirits and Grainery Lane for gin, vodka and whiskey made from local grains, herbs, berries and botanicals.