From a pop-up Pyrenees cellar door and a Tuscan-style escape to three bumper days of AFL, here's the lowdown on what's new in Ballarat this summer...
New food & drink offerings
- We all love a one-stop-shop and when it involves wine, it's even better! Introducing Ballarat's new Pyrenees Cellar Door at The George Hotel. Sip your way around multiple Pyrenees wineries with a thoughtfully curated selection of wine that changes with the seasons. Purchase the drops you love by the glass or bottle and pair your favourites with a seasonal platter or tapas-style eats. The pop-up cellar door is open every Thursday to Saturday from 4pm–8pm and Sundays from 11am–3pm at 27 Lydiard St Nth.
- Fancy a summer spent with the Ballarat region's passionate growers, artisan producers, and culinary talents? Well, then it's time we re-introduced you to the annual Forage & Feast festival. From 12 January until 15 February, take a peek behind the curtain to see, learn and taste all the Central Highlands has to offer. We're talking intimate tours, unique experiences, special menus, workshops, tastings, cooking classes, high teas and more.
- Psst! Have you heard what's opened in the Bridge Mall? Betty’s Burgers, that's what! The line-up includes fresh, juicy, mouth-watering burgers plus seasoned fries, salad bowls, thickshakes and more. And right next door, don't miss the unveiling of Augustus Gelatery on 19 December.
New things to see & do
- Three AFL pre-season games, six Victorian teams, three massive days! Ballarat is set to host three matches at Mars Stadium as part of the 2026 AFL Community Series — Melbourne v Richmond (Friday 27 February at 4.10pm); St Kilda v Essendon (Saturday 28 February at 3.10pm) and North Melbourne v Collingwood (Sunday 1 March at 3.10pm). Tickets go on sale in February, with further details to be released in January.
- Yeehaw! Grab your boots, round up your cowboys and cowgirls, and saddle up for the Ballarat Rodeo this summer. Watch Australia's best go head-to-head in a jam-packed line-up of bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback and barrel racing. And then there's the food trucks, bars, kids' activities plus live music once the sun goes down. Part of the national Stampede Series, the Ballarat Rodeo will ride into town on Friday 2 January from 2pm at the Ballarat Showgrounds.
- A touch of Tuscany without the travel tussle? This sounds like exactly what we need right now! Introducing the Robert Clark Conservatory's new summer showcase, which has just been unveiled at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. The 'Touch of Tuscany' display features a stunning spread of pelargoniums, hydrangeas and fuchsias. It's open daily from 9am–6pm and entry is free!
- They won Suncorp Super Netball's top prize in 2025 and now they're coming back to Ballarat to launch the 2026 pre-season with a bang! Join reigning champions the Melbourne Vixens for the Ballarat Blitz at Selkirk Stadium on the weekend of 21-22 February. The blockbuster two days of netball action will also feature fellow 2025 finalists Adelaide Thunderbirds, NSW Swifts and West Coast Fever.
New places to shop
- Put a little slice of Ballarat under your Christmas tree with some help from the Ballarat Clay Collective. From 3–28 December, shop Ballarat's top makers, designers and artists at the collective's festive retail pop-up at The Unicorn Collection (131 Sturt St). We're talking gorgeous ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, prints and fine art.
- New Ballarat boutique Arthur's House is all about "homes with a little main character energy". Think vibrant homewares and fun brands like Sage and Clare, Kip&Co, Mosey Me, Robert Gordon Pottery and so many more. Check it out at 421 Sturt St. You might even spot the shop's four-legged namesake, Arthur!
New places to stay
- Introducing the ultra-dreamy escape that is Ullina's Vale Hill House. The original 1850s homestead has been effortlessly fused into a contemporary masterpiece with bold architectural flair and panoramic views across the plains. Some of the many standouts include a principal suite with views to Mt Kooroocheang; two generous guest bedrooms which share a spa bathroom and lounge; a self-contained barn apartment; one of Victoria's largest edible domestic gardens; and a luxurious heated pool.
New TV series
- Lights, camera, action! Ballarat will play a starring role in a new Stan drama series premiering on New Year's Day. The six-part Dear Life tells the story of Ballarat woman Lillian (Brooke Satchwell), whose fiancé Ash (Khisraw Jones-Shukoor) is critically attacked. After turning off Ash's life support, Lillian finds comfort in seeking out the recipients of his organs, triggering a tangled chain of connection.
SPRING 2025
New food & drink offerings
- It's a go-go for Froyo+Co! Ballarat's new self-serve frozen yoghurt shop is officially open. At any one time, you’ll find eight delicious Froyo flavours swirling away – including gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options. And don't forget the açaí! The drool-worthy range of toppings includes everything from lollies and mini cookies to fresh fruit and brownies. Put the self-described "purveyors of yum" to the test at 20 Armstrong St Nth.
- Itinerant Spirits is raising a glass to World Vodka Day with the limited release of three new Vansetter Vodka flavours — cucumber & mint, habanero & lime, and triple sec. All three have been built on the classic Vansetter Vodka base, distilled small-batch and ready to shake up your cocktails. They're available at Itinerant Spirits' Ballarat distillery and cocktail bar (200 Lydiard St Nth) or online at itinerantspirits.com
- Freshly baked scones with jam and cream? Sold! Step back in time aboard Cuthbert’s 939 – a beautifully restored 1940s tram – for a truly unique high tea experience. Settle into the plush red velvet seats as you take in Ballarat's picturesque Lake Wendouree while dining on a selection of sweet and savoury treats. Tickets are $95 per person for a table of two and $90 per person for a table of four.
- In the words of The Mallow Hotel team, "the fire’s glowing and the taps are flowing". Yes, the circa 1862 watering hole is open once again open for business after an extensive renovation. The Mallow has been brought back to life by Dan Tesoreiro and Douglas Kerr – the duo behind Ballarat's European-style fine diner Peasant, which will make its long-awaited return very soon. You'll find The Mallow at 20 Skipton St.
- Whip it, whip it good! Introducing the newest addition to the Meredith Dairy family – whipped goat cheese. Get your hands on some at the Meredith Farm Produce Store (30 Staughton St, Meredith) Wednesday to Sunday from 8am–3pm.
New places to stay
- A Thousand Pines feels like something straight out of a fairytale. The late 1800s miner's cottage has been beautifully restored and filled with precious wonders of days past. Inspired by Ballarat's gold rush era, the two-bedroom home sleeps up to four people.
- Sweeten your next getaway with this slice of Learmonth history. Established in 1884, the beautifully restored Huckers Bakery is now a rustic chic retreat. Special touches throughout honour its past life, including a peek-through ceiling panel revealing original slat roofing and a lounge that once served as the bakery's shopfront. This unique three-bedroom property sleeps up to six people and is just a short 20-minute drive from Ballarat.
- Step back in time at Corindhap's Kuruc A Ruc Homestead – a beautifully restored 1850s farmhouse set on 1400 acres. Breathe in the fresh country air while enjoying uplifting walks, relaxing on the sprawling verandah or cycling the 13.3 km Kuruc-a-ruc Trail, which winds through the historic gold mining countryside. The sprawling Golden Plains homestead sleeps up to 18 guests, with five bedrooms and three bathrooms.
