Things to do in Ballarat

1. Private chauffeur service from Ballarat to Melbourne Airport

Around 90 minutes — reliable private hire for seamless travel from Ballarat to Melbourne Airport, driven by experienced professionals.

2. Walking tour of Daylesford's historical sites

Two-hour guided walking tour, Fridays at 2:30 PM and Saturdays at 11:30 AM, covering key cultural sites and stories of Daylesford's history.

“A walking tour with Daizy is a must if you visit Daylesford. She shares a wealth of local history in a relaxed way. The tour is brief and the kids had a great time as well.”— iancN1016LL

3. Walking tour of Ballarat's Gold Rush history

Two to two-and-a-half hours of guided walking exploring 1.5 km of Ballarat's Gold Rush sites with coffee break included.

“The tour offered a fascinating blend of history and a well-timed stroll. Ballarat showcases captivating architecture. I particularly appreciated enjoying coffee at the oldest hotel in Ballarat, which was part of the tour cost.”— Kathleen_B

4. Hepburn walking tour — Swiss and Italian heritage

Two hours on foot every Friday — guided tour of Hepburn’s Swiss and Italian cultural sites, early settlers' stories, and unique architecture.

“I strongly recommend this walking tour experience. The guides were very friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable, fostering great interactions within our small group. It was a delightful surprise to link this discovery stroll with the Swiss Italian Festa 2025, learn about the Old Macaroni Factory, and conclude with a celebratory Prosecco and Italian-style aperitif. Thank you!”— michelledB1017IB

5. Private wine tours in Daylesford

Half-day to full-day tours visiting 3 to 5 cellar doors, customizable itineraries available based on your preferences.

“We were picked up on time from our place. James, our driver and guide, shared insightful information about the region, wineries, cider orchard, and gin distillery we visited. Our wine and gin hosts were incredibly engaging, offering plenty of knowledge and stories. It was a fantastic day; I might have exceeded my budget on purchases. Choosing to do this tour on a Friday allowed our hosts ample time to discuss their products.”— fellaheen

6. J Ward Lunatic Asylum ghost tour in Ballarat

Two hours exploring J Ward Lunatic Asylum’s haunted areas — the governor's bathroom, gallows, and grave sites, learning about its notorious criminal past.

“I had a really good time during this experience. The host was wonderful, bringing a spiritual touch without being excessive. Unfortunately, there were some rude individuals who tried to be funny and talked over her, but she managed the situation very well.”— danielmY8678GW

7. General entry to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat

Full-day admission to Sovereign Hill — coach rides, gold panning, gold pour, and live demonstrations showcase the 1850s gold rush.

“This reconstructed gold mining town from the 1850s offers a range of activities that kept us occupied for over four hours. There is one self-guided mine tunnel included, with another available for an additional fee. The gold panning activity in a gravelly stream might entertain kids for a short time, but it seems rather pointless. I must also point out that the scone I had during the Devonshire tea was the most rubbery I've ever encountered. In general, it seems more suited to children than adults, but it makes for a pleasant half-day outing.”— Xedos1

8. Ballarat Goldrush tour with Botanical Gardens and Eureka Skydeck

Full-day tour by air-conditioned bus — visit Sovereign Hill, the Botanical Gardens, and Eureka Skydeck with English-speaking guide.

“We had a fantastic tour of Sovereign Hill and the Eureka Museum with our family. There was plenty to explore, and we loved visiting the Ballarat Botanical Gardens along with the Eureka Skydeck. Our guide, Matt, was extremely knowledgeable and relaxed, having lived in Victoria his entire life. We couldn't have asked for a better guide. This tour is a must if you're in Melbourne.”— anitadH2026PT