This Anzac Day long weekend, the Western Bulldogs are back in Ballarat, taking on the Adelaide Crows at Mars Stadium on Saturday 23 April.

So why not make a weekend out of your trip to the footy?

Here are some suggestions for a fun-filled Ballarat getaway this autumn…  

Step back in time

Explore the wonders of Sovereign Hill, where there is always something unique to uncover as you immerse yourself in life on the 1850s goldfields.

Try your hand at gold-panning, learn about the ancient crafts of blacksmithing and wheel-making, and tour the labyrinth of passages and original mine shafts hidden deep under Sovereign Hill.

And don’t forget to cover your ears when the troopers make their presence known during the musket-firing demonstration!

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Hit the streets on two wheels

Ever wanted to try out an e-scooter?

Well, here’s your chance because Ballarat is the only regional Victorian city participating in the state government’s e-scooter trial.

With a maximum speed of 20km/h, the Neuron e-scooters can be used on the city’s bicycle paths and lanes, separated and shared paths, and roads.

The fleet of 250 orange e-scooters can be located and hired via the Neuron Mobility app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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Try out Ballarat’s vibrant brewing scene

Ballarat’s newest brewpub, Aunty Jacks, is a unique two-storey pub in the heart of the city.

Think vintage furniture, old-school TVs and an eclectic mix of bric-a-brac that will take you back to days gone by.

The Aunty Jacks team is passionate about education, so if you have some time to spare, why not pull up a seat at Sunday’s Beer School for 90 minutes with the brewers and a seasonal selection of beers.

Meanwhile, Red Duck Brewery is renowned for inventing new brewing techniques and re-inventing long forgotten ones.

Pair one of the cellar door’s 14 beers with some tempting bar snacks and you’ll be set for the afternoon ahead.

And if you’re feeling like something other than beer, Red Duck has just released a new range of contemporary gins and vodka. 

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Head out for a feed

The Forge Pizzeria is a local institution with its wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas and laid-back vibes.

An industrial-style space in the heart of the city, it’s also a fantastic location for larger groups. 

Just around the corner is Hop Temple, which is set within converted stables off arguably Ballarat’s most iconic laneway, Hop Lane.

Team some of the 220 craft beers and ciders on the menu with hearty belly-fillers like Texas-style smoked meat, philly cheese steak, smoked Peppa Pig nachos and quesabirria tacos.

Some of our other top Ballarat food picks include the new Dr Fill offering in Armstrong Street North, The North Star Hotel and Black Vault for Korean fried chicken on the run.