There’s plenty to warm your heart, soul and belly in Ballarat this winter.
Only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Victoria's largest inland city is buzzing with family fun and foodie experiences at this time of year.
So rug up and explore Ballarat in its signature season...
Ballarat Winter Festival
The Ballarat Winter Festival is back from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 19 July to
transform the region into Victoria’s very own Christmas in July winter
playground.
Spanning three weeks across the Victorian, South Australian and New South Wales school holidays, the 2026 program is packed with fun and affordable activities.
Highlights include:
- the ever-popular Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill, bringing light projections and faux snow to the famous streetscape
- Ballarat's Hot Choc Showdown, with over 30 decadent, creative and comforting drinks for you to discover
- the pop-up ice skating rink in the Ballarat CBD, complete with dedicated themed nights, skating lessons and special discounts
- roaring stunt displays, majestic knights, illusionist wizards and beautiful snow queens at Kryal Castle's Knights of Fire
Convenient stays for festivalgoers include Sovereign Park Motor Inn, NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park and Kryal Castle’s medieval-themed suites.
And the centrally-located Quest Ballarat Station features interconnecting rooms for larger families or friends travelling together.
Foodie favourites
Pack your gumboots because Black Cat Truffles is in harvest mode.
Forage for the aromatic fungi on a winter truffle hunt or stop by the restaurant for a seasonal lunch by award-winning chef Liam Downes.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s burgeoning drinks scene, there’s a host of tours and masterclasses on offer.
Check out G&Tea at Grainery Lane, gin distilling masterclasses at Kilderkin Distillery, and whiskey experiences at Itinerant Spirits.
And don't miss the Obsidian Dark Beer Festival on Saturday 20 June from 11am.
Immerse yourself in the rich world of dark beers with 15 independent breweries on show at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.
And make note, pastry lovers – Ballarat’s Best Pie is returning for round four this winter.
From 1-31 August, take your pick from 30 savoury and sweet pies at some of the city’s top cafes, restaurants and bakeries.
Take the road to red
For a wine route a little less travelled, head to the Pyrenees Ranges, west of Ballarat.
The region is known for its full-flavoured reds, particularly shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.
The scenic circuit includes Dalwhinnie, Taltarni, Summerfield and Wayward wineries, just to name a few.
And why not book yourself a cosy weekender at an Unyoked cabin at Warrenmang's Peerick Vineyard.
For more winter events, check out our What's On calendar.
