Thrifty Travel: Visit Ballarat on a budget

Money might be a bit tighter right now but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a well-earned break.

Read on to find out how you can get more bang for your buck in Ballarat…

Getting around

• You can travel by V/Line train to Ballarat from anywhere in Victoria for less than $12.
• Once you’re here, catch a bus from the Ballarat Train Station to Sovereign Hill, the Ballarat Wildlife Park, Eureka Centre and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

Things to do

• Entry is free at the Art Gallery of Ballarat's new off-site space, the Backspace Gallery. Please note: The Art Gallery of Ballarat is closed until late 2026 for extensive building upgrades.
• Take an Eerie Tours Ghost Tour of the Ballarat CBD (or Ballarat Old Cemetery, if you dare!).
• Pick up a secondhand treasure at the Ballarat Vintage and Collectables Market, with over 80 stalls to browse and it's open seven days a week from 10am-6pm. You’ll find the market a couple of minutes' drive outside of Ballarat on the M8.
• Take a guided back-of-house tour of Sovereign Hill's Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections. There's different tours to choose from including the Chinese Cultural Collection, Treasures from the Collection, and Fashion Collection.
• Check out the indoor (and free) display at the Robert Clark Conservatory in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, open daily from 9am-6pm.
• Grab a coffee from Pipers By The Lake and take a stroll around the Ballarat Farmers Market at the adjoining North Gardens Reserve on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 9am-1pm.
• Visit the Ballarat Tramway Museum and go for a ride on a vintage tram.
• Hit the streets on one of Ballarat’s free self-guided walking tours (maps available at the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre).
• Visit the Eureka Centre and admire one of Australia’s most compelling historic artefacts – the Eureka flag. Entry is free for Ballarat residents on provision of photo ID.
• Sign up for a free tour of the Ballarat Town Hall every Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm. Or take a tour of the historic Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute every Tuesday at 2pm.
• Discover some of Ballarat’s quirky cafes, antique shops, history tales, beautiful scenery and buildings on Hidden Lanes’ guided walking tours.
• For something a little bit different, try out Victoria Park's 18-hole disc golf course. Discs can be hired for free from the Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre.

Places to eat

Here’s some of our favourite places to fill our belly for under $20:

• 1816 Bakehouse (16-18 Armstrong St Nth)
• Cobb's Coffee (2 Lydiard St Sth)
• Carboni's Next Door (150 Eureka St)
• Lydiard General (313 Lydiard St Nth)
• Pat's Sandwiches (23 Little Bridge St)
• Beechworth Bakery (6 Grenville St Sth)
• Saigon Allee (30 Armstrong St Nth)
• Saigon Noodle House (10 Armstrong St Nth)
• Kosaten (30 Sturt St)
• For a sweet treat, head to Il Piccolo Gelato (217 Sturt St), Froyo (20 Armstrong St North), or The Little Cupcake (223 Eureka St)

And don't forget to check out the latest list of Deals & Offers for your travel dates. There's bargains to be found on drinks and dining, especially for those travelling on weeknights.

Where to stay

• RACV members stay for less at Creswick’s RACV Goldfields Resort with a 25% discount on accommodation.
• Join the Quest Online Advantage program to get 10% off every stay at Quest Ballarat Station and Quest Ballarat.
• Become a BIG4 Holiday Perks+ member to get 10% off your stay at (up to $50) at BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park and NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park.
• Stay at NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park midweek and save up to 15% with a minimum stay of two nights (T&Cs apply).
• Make the most of freedom camping at Lake Burrumbeet, Creswick’s Slaty Creek, Haddon Lions Park, Smythesdale Gardens (camping by donation), Happy Valley Crossing Reserve, and Enfield’s Surface Point.

Note: These offers are accurate as of September 2025. Please check with individual businesses to ensure each offer is still valid.