Start typing to search
You can also hit “Enter” on your keyboard to submit your query.
0What's on
0Everything Else
#VISITBALLARAT
The Lake Wendouree precinct
Welcome to the jewel in Ballarat’s crown — Lake Wendouree and the adjoining Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
Admire the local swans glide along the glistening waters as you walk, run or ride around the six-kilometre Steve Moneghetti track. Stop by one of the lakeside cafes for a coffee break, or picnic by the water’s edge as the kids explore the much-loved Adventure Playground.
Meander along pebbled paths at the historic Ballarat Botanical Gardens and soak up the beauty of the grand floral displays, heritage oak trees, Italian marble statues and the iconic Prime Ministers Avenue.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
One of Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens feature a remarkable collection of mature trees and marble statues set amongst colourful bedding displays.
Located on the western shore of Lake Wendouree, the gardens cover 40 hectares and are divided into four distinct zones.
The Robert Clark Conservatory is home to seasonal displays from plants grown in the gardens’ nursery. Entry is free and the conservatory is open daily between 9am and 4.30pm.
The Prime Ministers Avenue is a feature of national significance, with the nation’s Prime Ministers displayed as bronze busts mounted on polished granite pedestals.
Located throughout the gardens is the Stoddard Collection of 12 Italian marble statues which were gifted to Ballarat in 1884 by wealthy Ballarat citizen Thomas Stoddart.
The gardens’ Statuary Pavilion boasts a collection of five marble statues by Charles Summer which were purchased with bequest funds from James Russell Thompson in 1888.
The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial
Dedicated in 2004, this national memorial features the names of more than 36,000 Australian ex-POWs etched into a 130-metre long granite wall.
It acknowledges the pain and suffering that all Prisoners of War endured during their time in captivity, commemorates the thousands of mates left behind, and acknowledges the sacrifice of families during wartime.
The public memorial is situated on the corner of Wendouree Parade and Carlton Street.
Ballarat Tramway Museum
The Ballarat Tramway Museum was formed to preserve the tramway experience that existed on the streets of Ballarat from 1887 to 1971.
Trams are operated along an original section of the Wendouree Parade track using authentic methods of operation. Catch a tram for yourself every weekend and public holiday between 11.30am and 4pm.
At the south end of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is the tram depot, which houses the tramcar collection, a museum display with photographs, videos, tramway memorabilia, stories, souvenirs and book shop.
The depot is open for visitors from 11am on weekends and public holidays, plus most afternoons from 4pm.
Four ways to explore the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
There’s more to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens than simply flowers and trees. Here are four ways to properly explore all that this local gem has to offer.
Five things you didn’t know about the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are a wonder in their own right, glowing with vivid florals, rich history and stunning surrounds. But there’s much more to be seen than meets the eye.
You might like
Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities.
These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.
We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years.
As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.