When a photo is good enough to be posted on Instagram, you just know!
Lucky for us, we’re spoilt for choice in Ballarat when it comes to finding the best backdrop for that next Insta-worthy holiday snap.
From lakeside lounging to colourful murals and picturesque lookouts, put Ballarat at the top of your list for Victoria's best weekend day trips.
Lake Wendouree
Lake Wendouree is worthy of capturing at any angle, but there’s one iconic timber jetty near the corner of Wendouree Parade and Macarthur Street that we always head to for that perfect shot.
And who needs Brighton’s bathing boxes when you have super cute boat sheds right here in Ballarat?
Take a walk around the 6km loop track and take a break at the Ballarat Yacht Club or Pipers by the Lake.
Sovereign Hill
The photo opportunities at Sovereign Hill are endless.
Snap a selfie on the Cobb & Co coach or capture the moment you find gold.
You’ll also discover one of the best views of Ballarat from the top of the poppet head.
For a snap with a difference, book yourself into the attraction's Red Hill Photographic Rooms for your chance to dress up 1850s-style.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Whether you’re in town for the colourful display at March's annual Ballarat Begonia Festival or just wandering through the ye olde trees, you can easily spend hours snapping some seriously cool shots at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
There's seasonal displays year-round, so you'll find colour in the gardens' Robert Clark Conservatory even in the middle of winter.
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Snap some shots of the roaming kangaroos or get up close with the cuddly koalas, cheeky meerkats and scaly reptiles at the Ballarat Wildlife Park.
Private animal encounter sessions with a park ranger can also be pre-booked.
Art Gallery of Ballarat
Please note: The Art Gallery of Ballarat is closed from March 2025 until early 2026 for extensive building upgrades. Check out its new off-site gallery, Backspace Gallery, at 43 Mair St.
Step inside this beautiful heritage building and you’ll quickly realise why it’s one of the most photographed locations in Ballarat.
Around every corner at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, you’ll discover picture-perfect moments just waiting to be captured.
The Annexe Wall (just outside the gallery between Police Lane and Camp Street) features murals on rotation by local and Victorian artists.
Hop Lane and Hop Queen
Ballarat is home to many secret and quirky laneways, but there’s one laneway off Armstrong Street North that you definitely need to check out.
Walk down Hop Lane and you’ll also discover the super cool Hop Queen, a huge mural painted by local artist Travis Price.
And Hop Lane's canopy of cheerful umbrellas change colour throughout the year, so there's always a new scheme on show.
More Travis Price murals
It never matters what time of the day it is, the Travis Price mural at the end of Main Road always looks stunning.
Find it on the side wall of modern Asian restaurant Mr Jones.
Main Road is full of vintage stores too, so definitely worth a wander.
You can also stop for a coffee at Webster's Market and Cafe, which features another Travis Price mural on its side wall.
Ballarat’s historic buildings
Stand by Ballarat’s Burke and Wills fountain in the middle of Sturt Street and you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the city’s oldest (and most beautiful) architecture.
The Ballarat Town Hall, Ballarat Train Station, Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, the Ballarat Mining Exchange, and the Arch of Victory also make beautiful backdrops.
Mount Buninyong
Whether you plan to climb to the top for the stunning views or simply wander through the endless trees with your four-legged friend, Mount Buninyong is the region’s best kept photography secret.
And here’s a local insider's tip – when it’s snowing, this is where you’ll capture the best photos.
Lal Lal Falls
Who doesn’t love to capture the beauty of waterfalls?
Well, good news, we’ve got one of those too!
Lal Lal Falls is best viewed in winter and spring when heavier rainfalls mean there's plenty of water.
Nimons Bridge
Built in 1890, Newtown’s Nimons Bridge forms part of the 53km-long Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail.
It's one of the largest timber trestle bridges in Victoria.
Dunnstown's Pick Your Own Sunflowers
Here's one to mark in your calendars for late summer/early autumn.
Because around February and March, the gates to the Britt family farm open to thousands of road trippers looking to get that perfect shot amongst a sea of giant yellow sunflowers.
The fields are in peak bloom at slightly different times each year, so stay tuned for seasonal updates from the farm.
