There’s plenty to warm your heart, soul and belly in Ballarat in winter 2025.
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 rolls out the family fun from 5-27 July.
The ever-popular Winter Wonderlights is returning to Sovereign Hill, bringing light projections and faux snow to the famous streetscape.
New in 2025 is:
- Ballarat's Hot Choc Showdown, with over 25 decadent, creative and comforting drinks for you to discover
- the Ukiyo Entertainment Tent and its family-friendly performances including Dr Hubble's Bubbles, captivating romantic comedy All You Need Is Love and master juggler The Great Dave
You can also skate to some cool beats at the ice rink outside the Ballarat Town Hall.
At Kryal Castle, experience the thrill of a medieval winter with Knights of Fire, complete with fiery feats, wizards and snow queens.
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, whiskey experiences at Itinerant Spirits, and Taste the Taps at Aunty Jacks.
And don't miss the Obsidian Dark Beer Festival on Saturday 28 June from 11am-8pm.
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 three this winter.
From 1-31 August, take your pick from more than 35 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 Peerick Vineyard.
For more winter events, check out our What's On calendar.
