Ballarat, Victoria’s largest inland city, is a mere 90-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD making a perfect day trip destination for families in the city.. In fact, with a plethora of things to do in Ballarat with kids, it’s a destination you could spend a few days exploring.
Having spent my first year of university in Ballarat I quickly discovered that Victoria’s largest inland city is steeped in Gold Rush history, adorned with splendid Victorian architecture, and surrounded by a picturesque landscape encompassing rolling hills, serene lakes, inviting trails, and lush gardens.
Ballarat is Wadawurrung and the Dja Dja Wurrung country. The name is of Aboriginal origin, stemming from “Balla” and “Arat,” signifying a ‘resting place’ or gathering point where various groups would come together in this region.
The Best Things to Do in Ballarat with Kids
Table of Contents
With so many things to see and do in Ballarat with kids, knowing where to start will be on of your first decisions. To help you work out your itinerary, we have pulled together some of your choices.
Places to Visit with Kids in Ballarat Map
Sovereign Hill
It has become a tradition for our family to visit Sovereign Hill each summer. It is the ultimate escapism, returning us to the Gold Rush and our absolute favourite Ballarat destination for kids.
Sovereign Hill offers an immersive journey to Australia’s 1850s Gold Rush era. The whole family can pan for gold, explore period-accurate streets, interact with costumed characters, and witness gold pours. It’s a captivating, educational, and fun experience showcasing history, culture, and the thrill of a bygone era.
Having visited over 10 times as a family, I highly recommend that for your visit you head straight to the Photo Shop to book your period costume shoot later in the day or you might miss out. Make sure you pick up your sausage rolls from the bakery early and accept the offer down at the creek for a gold panning tutorial.
Address: Bradshaw St, Golden Point VIC 3350
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Learn more at Sovereign Hill Website
AURA Night Show
The Aura Night Show is an extension of your Sovereign Hill experience. This 90-minute experience unveils the fascinating tale of gold through a dynamic, high-impact visual presentation. You and your family will delve into the origins, exploration, and enduring impact of this precious metal, both in the past and present. Your perception of gold will be forever transformed by the unique narrative crafted by AURA.
As the night unfolds, AURA seamlessly turns Sovereign Hill into a dynamic theatre, featuring an array of state-of-the-art projections that vividly narrate the story. Witness the Wadawurrung creation story unfolding against the backdrop of the night sky, soaring gracefully over a serene lake. The narrative takes a gritty turn, encompassing tales of rebellion, gunfights, triumphs, and tragedies, drawing you deep into the dramatic tapestry of history. AURA ensures that your encounter with gold is an unforgettable, multi-sensory experience that transcends the ordinary.
My kids found this experience incredible and it was the catalyst for their curiosity around the Eurkea Stockafe.
Address: Starts at Sovereign Hill
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday | Every night during Victorian school holidays.
Learn more at AURA webpage
Eureka Centre Ballarat
After experiencing AURA both Striker and Sunshine were keen to visit the Eureka Centre and learn more about the history of the Eureka Rebellion.
Said to be built on the site where the 1854 Eureka Stockade rebellion took place and featuring the original Eureka Stockade Flag, our family found exploring this museum and site enriched our knowledge of this piece of Australian history.
The Eureka Centre also features an incredible playground for the kids to burn off some energy and a small cafe to grab something to eat or drink during your Ballarat adventures.
Address: 102 Stawell Street South, Eureka (Ballarat) 3350
Opening Times: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily | Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Learn more at www.eurekacentreballarat.com.au
Art Gallery of Ballarat
Art galleries are a fun place to visit with kids for so many reasons, so add the Art Gallery of Ballarat to your bucket list.
Established in 1884, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest regional art gallery and the first purpose-built art gallery in Australia. The gallery features over 11,200 works from the eighteenth century to the present day.
The Art Gallery of Ballarat welcomes children and families into the gallery and always offers a range of activities and programs specifically for children. This includes the Gallery’s Art Crate where you can discover activities inspired by our current exhibition. Make sure to check what’s on for kids before you visit.
The Art Gallery of Ballarat is FREE to visit.
Address: 40 Lydiard St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Opening Times: Open 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Learn more at www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au
Kryal Castle
If you have ever wanted to explore a medieval castle without leaving Australia then a trip to Kryal Castle with kids needs to find its way onto your Ballarat bucket list. This theme park promises a whimsical adventure for kids, transporting them to a magical realm where history and fantasy collide.
Kryal Castle invites young adventurers to immerse themselves in a world of knights, wizards, and mythical creatures. Children will marvel at the jousting tournaments, where armoured knights clash in thrilling battles, or explore the labyrinthine passages of the castle, uncovering secret chambers and hidden treasures.
With interactive shows, the kids can witness daring sword fights, and magical displays. Kryal Castle ensures a day filled with laughter, learning, and the kind of enchantment that sparks a lifelong love for history and imagination.
Address: 121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek VIC 3352
Opening Times: from 10.00 am – 4.00 pm | Open every Saturday and Sunday | Open each day of the Victorian School Holidays | Closed Christmas Day
Learn more at kryalcastle.com.au
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Situated on the western banks of Lake Wendouree, approximately four kilometres from Ballarat’s CBD, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens stand as one of Australia’s notable cool climate gardens.
Spanning 40 hectares, the Gardens are a cherished heritage and recreational destination and boasts a significant collection of mature trees, marble statues and vibrant bedding displays.
Divided into four distinct zones, the central portion showcases a traditional ‘gardenesque’ style, while the North and South Gardens on either side, along with the Lake foreshore precinct, contribute to the diverse charm of this horticultural haven.
FREE Parking is available along Wendouree Parade or Gillies Street.
Address: Gillies St N, N Ballarat VIC 3355
Opening Times:
Learn more at ballaratbotanicalgardens.com.au
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Established in 1971, the Ballarat Tramway Museum has been steadfast in its commitment to preserving and showcasing the heritage of Ballarat’s tramway system. Boasting a remarkable collection of century-old trams, the museum operates these vintage vehicles on weekends, Tuesdays, public holidays, and Thursdays during the Victorian School Holidays.
You and the kids can embark on an authentic tram ride that starts and concludes at the museum, offering a delightful journey through time within the picturesque surroundings of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
The Ballarat Tramway Museum’s dedication to maintaining Australia’s most genuine working tramway ensures that each visit is a nostalgic and educational experience for all who appreciate the charm of bygone eras.
Address: 100 Gillies St N, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350
Opening Times: Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays – 11.00 am to 4.00 pm | Tuesdays, other weekdays – 10.00 am to 3.00 pm
Learn more at www.btm.org.au
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Ballarat Wildlife Park with kids offers an interactive experience with a diverse array of native Australian animals, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with some of Australia’’s most iconic species.
From cuddly koalas and playful kangaroos to majestic wombats and the elusive Tasmanian devils, the park provides a unique opportunity to witness these creatures in their natural habitat.
Make sure to check out the Animal Encounters on offer for a very special experience.
Address: 250 Fussell St, Ballarat East VIC 3350 (No entry on, Richards St), Ballarat East VIC 3350
Opening Times: Open 7 days per week | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Closed Christmas Day
Learn more at wildlifepark.com.au
Ballarat Observatory
The Ballarat Observatory is a celestial haven for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. With state-of-the-art telescopes, captivating astronomy presentations, and expert-guided tours, the Ballarat Observatory invites you to embark on a journey through the cosmos, providing an unforgettable experience under the Southern Hemisphere’s starry expanse. Ballarat Observatory also features some incredible astronomically themed stained glass windows,
Address: 439 Cobden St ( Car entry from Magpie St), Mt Pleasant, VIC 3350
Opening Times: See Booking and Events times | All programs require a prior booking.
Learn more at ballaratobservatory.org.au
Lake Wendouree
Lake Wendouree is situated next to Ballarat Botanical Gardens and offers a range of activities to enjoy with the family. It is always well known for hosting the 1956 Melbourne Olympic rowing competitions. Today it features the six-kilometre Steve Moneghetti running and walking track, cycling trails, playgrounds and excellent picnic and BBQ facilities.
Address: Lake Wendouree
Opening Times: All hours
Ballarat Bird World
Nestled in the heart of Ballarat, Bird World is home to a wide variety of native and exotic bird species, including parrots, cockatoos, and tropical finches, Bird World provides an unique opportunity for close encounters with these feathered inhabitants. With interactive feeding sessions, educational talks, animatronic dinosaurs, a children’s fossil dig table, and a timber puzzle maze, the kids will find this interesting.
Address: 408 Eddy Ave, Mount Helen VIC 3350
Opening Times: Friday to Monday and Public Holidays | 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Learn more at www.ballaratbirdworld.com.au
Creswick Wool Mill
Since 1947, Creswick has been crafting and producing natural fiber textiles, operating as a family-run and family-owned business.
You and your family can visit the Mill and discover the intricacies of natural fiber production through the mill’s acclaimed interactive exhibition, ‘A Very Fine Yarn.’ This exhibit offers an engaging exploration of the Mill’s history and the entire journey of natural fibers, starting from their source, navigating through the manufacturing process, and culminating on the shop floor.
We recommend visiting from Thursday to Monday when visitors can also meet cute Baby Lambs and Alpacas! You can also enjoy complimentary self-guided tours available throughout the day.
Address: Railway Parade, Creswick VIC 3363
Opening Times: regular store hours
Learn more at Creswick Wool Mill Web Page.
Pin This
Nearby Towns to Visit