Visiting Ballarat International Foto Biennale with kids or teens in tow?
Day passes for children under 16 years old are free, plus there's the Open Program to check out at venues across the city.
Here's some top spots to check out with the family during the festival...
Mumu Mirri at the National Centre for Photography
Mumu Mirri (which means 'moth' in Wadawurrung language) is a striking new public artwork by Dave Jones in collaboration with Wadawurrung artist and knowledge holder Dr Deanne Gilson.
This large-scale moth on the facade of a former Lydiard St Sth bank is beautiful in the morning sunlight but really comes to life at night.
20 September — 5 October
School holiday drop-in activities
Make a moth inspired by Mumu Mirri and learn to fold an origami camera.
More infoMelbourne Collaged at Drive Café
An old servo converted to a cafe, Drive is a great brunch and coffee spot to kick off your day, with an Open Program show to enjoy alongside your latte.
Awarded photographer Ruth Woodrow transforms street photography into vibrant, expressive collages that explore Melbourne's urban fabric.
Nature~ista at RACV Goldfields Resort
RACV Goldfields Resort is a 15-minute drive north of Ballarat in the town of Creswick.
The resort features a heated outdoor swimming pool, mountain biking trails and bike storage, and an 18-hole championship golf course. It's also an easy base to explore the new Djuwang Baring MTB trails.
With a relaxing bushland setting, the resort is aptly hosting Nature~ista, a free exhibition celebrating the flamboyant flair of the animal kingdom through the lens of contemporary artists Leila Jeffreys and Maria Fernanda Cardoso.
A Symphony of Hues at Il Piccolo Gelato
Photographer Gaye Beal adds a touch of Rajasthani colour to the walls of this much-loved gelateria in the Ballarat CBD. A delicious stopover for kids and big kids alike.
Saturday 11 October
Workshop: Make a family album photobook at the Ballarat Library
Join artist Lê Nguyên Phương to explore the art of bookbinding and use paper as your storytelling space.
Guma on the Art Screen at Alfred Deakin Place (next to the Art Gallery of Ballarat)
Set in urban Darwin, Leicolhn McKellar's Guma ('blood' in the Budjiti language) is a visual exploration of contemporary pan-Aboriginal identity and captures the everyday lives of First Nations families.
From Scraps to Goals: Uganda’s Handmade Soccer Balls at Beechworth Bakery Ballarat
Beechworth's signature beesting buns aren't the only drawcard here.
Award-winning documentary photographer Brian Hodges' exhibition celebrates the Ugandan Odilo lawiny — soccer balls spun into being with whatever’s at hand: rag or sock, tyre or bark, plastic bag or banana leaves.
Each is a unique work of art that speaks to Africa's passion for the game.
Prompted Peculiar International AI Prize at the Miners Tavern
For those interested in creative tech, this exhibition jumps into the rapidly evolving world of AI-generated imagery or 'promptography'.
Note, this showing of finalist works is located upstairs in a heritage venue and does not have lift access (not suitable for prams).
Access with Festival Pass.
The Journey – Surreal Steampunk Portraits at Market Hotel Ballarat
Artist Noeleen McKeag brings her love of portraiture and steampunk to this friendly neighbourhood pub.
The photogenic umbrellas in Hop Lane have turned yellow to celebrate the Foto Biennale.
The Neurodivergent Image Collective have an outdoor slide-viewer installation partway down the laneway.
It is worth stopping by Hop Temple for a pizza and to take a few snaps to finish up your day.
While we're on the photo theme...
Don't forget to book your own old-time fashion shoot at the Red Hill Photography Studio at Sovereign Hill. Dress up 1850s style and take home a black and white memento.
There's also unique selfie ops to be found at the Ballarat Wildlife Park, where private animal encounters will see you meet and greet with meerkats, giant tortoises, tawny frogmouths and more.
To capture one of the best panoramic views in the region, take a hike around the summit and climb the fire tower at Mount Buninyong.
