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Entertaining Nature at Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute

Ballarat Mechanic Institue

Sturt St,
Ballarat Central VIC 3350

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  • Sat 17 May

9am–2:30pm

Visit the Ballarat Mechanics Institute during the Ballarat Heritage Festival and witness botanical art come to life. 

On both Saturdays of the festival, the Reading Room will host live viewings of The Ballarat Botanical Artists of the Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens at work, offering a unique chance to see the creative process unfold in real time.



Want to dive deeper? Register for the Botanical Drawing Masterclass, where just 12 participants will learn directly from working artists Valerie Richards and Roe Bancroft. Discover the techniques behind composition, measured drawing, and watercolour application in an intimate, heritage setting.

Learn about the historical and scientific significance of true botanical art. Receive instruction on measured drawing from a plant, draw with a graphite pencil, apply watercolour washes and dry brush techniques. All materials supplied see below more details.

Content: Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Ballarat Botanikids

Accessibility Information

  • Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

Please note: The accessibility information above is provided by the business operator. For more information, please contact the business directly.

Visitor Information Centres

Ballarat Town Hall
225 Sturt Street
Ballarat VIC 3350

Ballarat Botanical Gardens
401-405 Wendouree Parade
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350

Acknowledgement of Country

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.


©️ 2025 Visit Ballarat. This initiative is funded by the City of Ballarat and Tourism Midwest Victoria.