We could spend all day chatting to you about all the things we love about winter in Ballarat.

From the anticipation of snowfall, to brisk walks, cosy corners and warming catch ups by the open fire, one of the best ways to experience winter is to do as the locals do.

But why take our word for it when you could hear it straight from the people who know this place best, the locals themselves…

Here’s what they said…

“Our family’s favourite is Winter Wonderlights; amazing memories that we will always cherish.”

“The cosy feeling in every cafe and shop! It’s like visiting another world that is happy and magical.”

“The thing I love about a Ballarat winter is the anticipation waking on a Sunday morning to see snow everywhere and then the race to get in the car and drive to Mount Buninyong with the kids to throw some snow.”

“The weather maybe cold but the people are warm, I love that it’s a big town with a country feel.”

“Enjoying a good glass of local red wine and a dish of comfort food in one of our many great eateries.”

“It’s the perfect reason to rug up in winter woollies, find local retreats with warm cosy corners and indulge in artisan produce.”

“A brisk walk around Lake Wendouree with the fresh wind blowing my hair and making my cheeks turn red. Then having a hot chocolate by the fireplace in a local cafe. The two extremes of icy air and open fire warmth is invigorating and only happens in Ballarat.”

“Mist filled valleys, great coffee, cafes and culture (love the Art Gallery of Ballarat), and the fact Ballarat is a little bit country with lots of soul and beautiful goldfields charm.”

“Getting warm inside one of the many old hotels with big open fires.”

“I love our many beautiful walking tracks. The La Gerche track in Creswick is my absolute favourite in winter. I thoroughly enjoy the cold air on my face while I wander through the gullies with my family and dog.”

“Cafe crawling with multiple hot chocolates, and always being excited that it may snow.”

“The historic buildings which are covered in an English fog reminiscent of yesteryear.”

“Don’t worry about the cold, everywhere is cold at this time of year, but think about those cold, crisp, frosty nights which bring amazing sunny day! You can get out and walk on our many walking tracks in brilliant sunshine!”

“Ballarat always comes to life during winter and that’s why it’s my favourite time to live here. The winter festival is always such a great time spent with family and friends at events like Winter Wonderlights and ice skating.”

“I love rugging up and going for a brisk walk along one of many bush tracks close to town and spending time in nature full of birds and native animals.”

“I love the stillness of Lake Wendouree on a chilly morning; it resembles freshly cleaned glass. Rugging up and having the lake almost to myself, as rakali and birdlife slowly appear to greet the day is an invigorating experience.”

“I love seeing smoke billowing from the chimney and the crackle of the grass underfoot when we have a good old Ballarat frost.”

“Even though it’s cold there is so much to do. During the day there are plenty of places to go walking and when you need to warm up duck into a pub or cafe by a fire and have a coffee or hot chocolate. By night there are so many restaurants, the cinema or wine bara to choose from.”

“Amazing coffee at a trendy local cafe, winter woolies and stylish coats.”

“Apart from being a beautiful place. Ballarat offers gorgeous locally made art, crafts, cakes, pastries and the freshest home grown produce.”

…and most of all, “the friendly smiling people. The warmth of the residents warms my heart”

Well there you have it folks! The locals have spoken.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack those winter woollies and we’ll see you soon for a hot chocolate.