What's on

Whiskey & stout slow-braised beef pie at Sovereign Hill’s Hope Bakery

Bradshaw Street,
Ballarat VIC 3350

Get directions

  • 1–31 Aug

Enjoy a slice of Ballarat this August with the return of Ballarat’s Best Pie competition.

Take your pick from more than 35 savoury and sweet pies at some of the city’s top cafes, restaurants and bakeries.

On the menu at Sovereign Hill's Hope Bakery is a whiskey & stout slow-braised beef with pepperberry pie.

Chef Ben O'Brien's creation features slow-braised local beef which has been cooked down in a rich blend of dark ale and smoky whiskey to bring out deep, hearty flavours

Native pink pepperberries add a subtle spice, aromatic lift and uniquely Australian element.

The pie is a nod to the heritage and craftsmanship of Sovereign Hill, drawing inspiration from the blacksmiths’ smoky fires, the grit of the wheelwrights and the flavours of regional Victoria.

The idea was to develop a pie that feels both nostalgic and bold – something that could’ve come from a miner’s lunch tin but still holds its own today.

Vote and win!

For your chance to win a luxury Ballarat weekend escape for two valued at over $3000, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Pie.

The pie with the most votes will be crowned the winner of this new category in early September.

"This pie tells a story of fire, labour and local produce – celebrating history through flavour in the most comforting way we know how."

Baked goodness

Ballarat's Best Pie 2025

It's back again and bigger than ever!

Gimme the pies!
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.