Chase the rainbow at Ballarat’s Sunnyside

Cue the colour, creativity and cheer of Ballarat's shiny new immersive art experience this spring.

Kicking off the inaugural edition of Sunnyside is acclaimed UK artist Morag Myerscough, who will transform the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange into a wondrous new nature-inspired installation, Chasing Sunbeams, from 6–23 November.

Morag's fun and fabulous installations have popped up everywhere from Coachella in Palm Springs and Munich's Pinakothek der Moderne to London's Battersea Power Station and NDSM in Amsterdam.

And now, Ballarat will play host to the London-based artist's first ever major installation in regional Australia at an original production by The Social Crew.

Are you ready to take a walk on Ballarat's Sunnyside?

Tickets at sunnysideart.com.au

Touchdown and take off!

One of the easiest ways to get to Ballarat is by jumping aboard a V/Line train at Melbourne's Southern Cross Station.

After just 90 minutes – and around $10 for your train ticket – you'll arrive at the historic Ballarat Train Station in the beating heart of the CBD.

From here, we suggest you drop your bags off for the night at The Provincial Hotel, which is just a hop, skip and a jump from the Lydiard St station.

The charismatic Provincial describes itself as "just like staying at your exceptionally stylish best friend’s house". Think playful fabrics, bespoke furniture plus a mix of contemporary and classic artworks in a circa 1909 hotel.

Some of our other top picks include The George Hotel (which is directly opposite the Ballarat Mining Exchange) and the ultra-luxe Hotel Vera.

Discounted Sunnyside stays

• Use the code SUNNYSIDE on the Hotel Vera website for a 10% discount on your accommodation. PS. You'll need to show your Sunnyside ticket at check-in
• Get 15% off your stay at The Provincial Hotel by using the code SUNNYSIDE25 when booking on their website. Valid from 6–23 November
• Mention Sunnyside when booking direct at The George Hotel for a 10% discount on your stay. Call 5333 4866 or email info@georgehotelballarat.com.au

The star of the show

She's big, she's bold and she's wonderfully fantastical.

Sunnyside is a celebration of curiosity and the joy of stepping into the unknown, sparking wonder at every turn.

Morag Myerscough's multi-sensory Chasing Sunbeams has been developed through workshops and conversations with local creatives and the wider community.

It's an extension of the people who call Ballarat home, their experiences and perspectives woven deeply into its fabric.

Accompanying the visual elements is a specially crafted soundscape, created in collaboration with local musician and composer Raul Sanchez i Jorge.

Morag’s interactive design invites you to become an active participant, leave your mark and help the artwork evolve.

Explore Sunnyside daily from 6–23 November at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.

Tickets for a one-hour session cost $22 adult, $18 concession, $12 child (5-15 years), $200 for a group of 10 adults, and children under 4 years are free.

Snap up your tix at sunnysideart.com.au

Now it's your turn!

Want a more intimate, hands-on experience?

Sign up for a Sunnyside workshop with local artists and makers and see for yourself why Ballarat was crowned a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art.

Surprises around every corner

Beyond the main installation, the Sunnyside experience spills into Ballarat's laneways and hidden corners, with playful prompts inviting exploration and revealing unexpected moments of colour and wonder. 

Wander, roam, linger, stretch out, relax and take in:

• A swirl of colour dancing in the breeze, featuring works by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and First Nations artist Jenna Oldaker (Murrup Art) in collaboration with Morag and the Ballarat community.

• Fontella – The Zine Machine, brimming with freshly-made zines curated to bring a little sunshine to your day. Be sure to have your magic gold coin in hand. We’ll tell you where to find her – eventually!

• Alfred Deakin Place, where community art blooms, sunsets come alive and music lifts you sky-high in a joyful mash-up of imagination, colour and good vibes.

Epic eats

When hunger strikes, you need a game plan!

From tacos to bao and everything in between, here's some of our fave spots to grab a bite to eat in Ballarat.

And while you're in town for Sunnyside, don't miss these super special (and delicious!) collabs created just for the occasion:

• Sunnyside Eggs at The Turret Cafe & Bakehouse — Sunnybank Farm eggs on sourdough toast
• The Sunnyside pastry at The Turret Cafe & Bakehouse — Sun-shaped pastry with lemon curd centre and marmalade brush with pink icing sun points
• Hey Sunny iced treat at Naomi & i — Red velvet cloud foam matcha inspired by Morag Myerscough’s palette. Also look out for more new curiosities fresh from the flavour lab, including rose and lavender foam drinks
• Cotton Sunshine cocktail at Roy Hammond — Grainery Lane vanilla vodka, Pavan, passionfruit yuzu syrup, lemon juice, egg whites and simple syrup with a cloud of fairy floss
• Sunset Cloudburst cocktail at Roy Hammond — Grainery Lane strawberry gin, strawberry puree, cranberry juice, lime juice and egg whites with a cloud of fairy floss
• The Sunchaser cocktail at Renard — Australian white rum, clarified lime and sugar. Garnished with playful edible fruit paints that alter the taste of the drink
• Sunnyside Sip cocktail at Kilderkin Distillery — Fruity, bright and fresh with Larrikin Buccaneer gin, Larrikin Backyard Limoncello, Backyard Arancello, tonic and bitters. Garnished with fresh fruit
• Every Friday during Sunnyside, Hop Temple will host Hop into the Sun — think bright, funky music plus happy hour drinks at this hidden laneway bar

Small in size, big on character

While Ballarat's biggest art gallery is temporarily closed for upgrades, the region's boutique galleries are having their moment in the spotlight.

What they lack in size they make up for in creative energy, showcasing a diverse mix of works by established and emerging artists.