Husband and I loved our visit on Wednesday! We were there for roughly 5 hours and there was plenty to see and do that we didn't have much down time or waiting around. Wasn't too busy which was a bonus, so we got to quietly enjoy a lot of the experiences and shops minus the 2-3 school excursions running around, but we didn't cross paths often. The staff did a wonderful job at making the experience feel immersive and authentic, and we loved that there were things to enjoy as adults. Definitely recommend buying the mine tour or the photo time slot in advance!

A fantastic day or 2 out for the whole family. Step back in time and explore Australia's gold rush history. Cute shops, delicious food from a bakery to a Cafe. We live how the staff are not only in costumes but character too. The displays, tours are really well done.

While visiting Vic/Ballarat area thought I'd pop into here for something to do. Allocated a few hours. Ended up staying all day. It was incredible. Best way to describe it was a living museum. The staff there (mostly volunteer) were all in character and dressed up and so amazingly friendly. Themed so well and had a fantastic time. Highly recommended this place and I'll certainly go back. Did a mine tour as well and found that fascinating.

Visiting Sovereign Hill felt like stepping straight into the 1850s. The whole place brings the gold rush era to life with incredible detail, from the mining demonstrations to the dusty streets and costumed characters. We tried our hand at gold panning and, to our surprise, actually found gold! It was such a fun, hands‑on moment that made the day unforgettable. A brilliant experience for anyone wanting history with a bit of adventure.

We attended Aura at Sovereign hill and it was a fantastic experience. The 3 elements of the show were great, breaking up the story telling and the way it was showcased was a great way to see and hear the story. There was a school attending the same night we did (roughly 60ish students) but the team did a great job of moving everyone around through the 3 different experiences. Really worth the visit.

Solid gold. Sovereign Hill is a family friendly romp through early gold mining in Victoria, historical town with a unique blend of hand tools and functioning Industrial Revolution technologies make this a prize in Victoria. From the shops to the Poppet head frame a variety of interesting artifacts and a knowledgeable period attired staff that are eager to explain the town. This will take 4-6 hours to get a good self-guided tour. The gardens on the hill are a pleasant diversion from the rustic backdrop, don’t miss it!!

Even as adults we had a lovely day there, even with a sprinkle of rain. Still have the same memories of the place from 20+ years ago, which speaks to their upholding of the heritage component of the place. Underground tour was great, candy shop was delicious. Red Coats March is a must attend.

I went there today. The best thing about this gallery is location which is close to station and shopping areas. Some of the collections were amazing and visiting it is completely free of charge. Just one show these days is a paid one. There were works from a ballarat based artist which were superb. The gallery also had a gift shop to purchase souvenirs as well as a cafe for relaxing. The washrooms were very clean. The staff was really nice. Overall it was a good experience.

We liked this gallery as it was quiet and well-maintained. It wasn’t a big place, they offered about five different exhibitions, from classic paintings to modern art. They also had a small shop and a cafe on the ground floor, which was nice and cozy.

A well maintained art gallery with beautiful paintings. The guided tour was also very interesting and informative. There were some nice books in the store downstairs as well.

The gallery resides in a beautiful building that dates back to the town's gold rush boom years. Free entry to see a great collection of Australian and European art with some dating back to 1800 or earlier. There were also temporary exhibitions and modern art installations. Apparently only 2% of their art is able to be displayed there at any one time so it may be worth a follow up visit later on.

I went to the Art Gallery of Ballarat today on a Friday. It was not busy. Entry was free which is great. Only a few minutes walk from Ballarat railway station. The Gallery is very interesting with a lot of interesting arts. It's very clean and nice like a 5-star hotel. I loved and enjoyed all the arts that they displayed, really appreciate all the staff for taking care of the place so well and highly appreciate all the artists that provided their artwork there.

Beautiful art gallery with interesting and thoughtful art. Place was packed last Sunday despite the rain, the Vintage Car Show, part of Ballarat's Heritage Festival. It was free entry on that day. We had a walk through downstairs but couldn't handle the crowd so didn't make it upstairs. Will be back.

The building is absolutely lovely! It's so nice to see that it was purpose built, and continues to house many creative works of art. Highly recommend a visit if you are in Ballarat.

A beautifully maintained and peaceful spot! Ballarat Botanical Gardens is nicely arranged and was already showing signs of vibrant life as it gets ready for the spring bloom. The avenue of former Prime Ministers' statues adds a historical touch. Plenty of black swans and coots from the nearby lake add to the charm. Great for a relaxed, scenic walk. 🌿🦢🌼

We spent the whole day here and had so much fun. Such a beautiful spot. And the kids enjoyed it too. We made a competition about how many statues we could find. Large wooden playground as well and plenty of parking. Good amount of toilet blocks spread out around the area.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Absolutely stunning! The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are a true gem. Strolling along Lake Wendouree with the gardens on one side and the water on the other is pure serenity. The Prime Ministers Avenue is a unique and fascinating walk through Australian political history—each bronze bust is beautifully crafted and adds a thoughtful touch to the experience. The highlight for me was the Conservatory. It's a vibrant burst of colour and fragrance, with seasonal floral displays that are always changing and always spectacular. Whether you're a local or just visiting Ballarat, this place is a must-see. Peaceful, educational, and beautifully maintained—5 stars without hesitation!

A very nicely set out Botanical Gardens. Well maintained. There is a lake nearby as well as a tourist tram. The Avenue of the Former Prime Ministers Statues along the main path in the gardens was interesting to see. It is a peaceful place to have a walk through or to sit and rest. Well worth a look to see.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens is a beautiful, peaceful escape by Lake Wendouree. The gardens blend history, art, and nature perfectly, featuring grand trees, colourful flowerbeds, and the famous Prime Ministers Avenue. The glasshouse and fernery are must-sees, while the lakeside paths are ideal for walks and picnics. It’s well-maintained, family-friendly, and offers seasonal beauty year-round. A true gem showcasing Ballarat’s charm and heritage relaxing, educational, and inspiring all at once.

Ballarat Begonia Festival – A Celebration of Colour and Creativity I recently visited the Tuberous Begonia Collection at the Ballarat Begonia Festival, and it was an absolutely beautiful experience. The vibrant colours, intricate floral displays, and careful presentation showcased not only the elegance of the begonias but also the dedication and artistry behind their cultivation. The atmosphere was welcoming and inspiring, bringing together nature lovers, artists, and families in a shared appreciation of beauty and community spirit. It’s an event that perfectly captures the creativity and warmth of Ballarat. Moments like this remind me that inspiration often blooms where passion and care meet, whether in gardens, workplaces, or communities.

Most stunning and enchanting place to visit! No bookings required. Walk ins and generous parking available. Easy to walk around. Best time to go during Autumn with trees shining with colorful leaves. Well maintained gardens; clean toilets with disability access ♿ Perfect place to visit if you looking for a relaxing day out. Wide range of stunning flowers continue to impress you as you walk around. All botanicals are labelled for easy reference. Beautiful statues including Australia’s prime ministers. Greenhouse is amazing with beautifully arranged plants in a variety of mixed colours. They sell plants near the information centre. Well located and not too far from the city centre. Very friendly staff. Do take a minute to thank them for the stellar job they are doing ✨

Such a great place for kids and families! We had the best time getting up close with the animals, feeding kangaroos, holding a koala, and even cuddling a wombat. The park is really clean and easy to explore in just half a day. We also loved the keeper talks, especially the crocodile and reptile ones. And to our surprise, they even have penguins here, so you don’t need to go all the way to Phillip Island to see them! Highly recommend this experience.

Absolutely wonderful, genuinely wish I could give this place more stars. Beautiful habitats, animals are clearly very well looked after. Had an absolute blast feeding the free-roaming emus and kangaroos, and the reptile and tiger presentations I attended were amazing. The staff are clearly passionate about the animals they care for and it shows. Didn’t get a lot of photos because I was too busy enjoying myself, but the park is absolutely gorgeous! Will definitely be returning!

We had such a great time here with our family. We loved being able to spend time with the kangaroos and feed them. I especially liked how they had a "Kangaroo Rest Area" for the kangaroos who wanted to take a break from interacting with people. All the workers are lovely and clearly have a strong love for all the animals. I definitely recommend coming earlier in the day and planning which encounters you want to go to.

Nice place to see Aussie animals. Able to pay additional for additional experience like tiger feeding but expensive. Some good feeding time experience with explanation with the Keepers. Kangaroos are over fed and food thrown on the ground as there is little interaction. Overall a decent visit but not worth the 2hr drive from Melbourne and back.

Aussie animal must-do. Staff devoted to animal welfare- actually looked like they loved working there. Volunteers helping, calm, healthy animals...what more can you ask? They don't charge much and you can even bring your own picnic lunch. So nice compared to many places just looking to separate you from your money. Why do I love this place? 1. Tame Kangaroo Island kangaroos lounging everywhere to pet or feed. 2. Koalas you can actually see up close 3. Fairy (little) penguins 4. HUGE crocodile 5. Nice selection in the reptile house 6. Successful breeding programs. Go! Spend money in the gift shop! Sponsor an animal! Let's support this wonderful place.

Ballarat Wildlife Park offers an immersive experience where kangaroos hop freely, koalas nestle in eucalyptus trees, and the reptile house hums with quiet intensity. The earthy scent of native bushland mixes with fresh hay, and birdsong echoes gently across the grounds. A visit that feels authentically Australian. Recommended, especially with little ones.

Was a super quiet day at the park and I think this was owing to the fact that it was a Monday and we were contending with the freezing cold Ballarat weather. We had a great time though. You can pat Kangaroos, Emus and even an Alpaca and for a small fee ($3 I think), you can buy a bag of feed and you'll have the kangaroos jumping all over you! The staff were all really friendly and open to answering any questions you had about the animals. The cafe is great as well, since the weather is so cold there is a wood heater inside to a keep you toasty while you eat. The food selection at the cafe is honestly awesome too and the prices are super reasonable considering it is a tourist attraction. I'll definitely be back again though to pat more kangaroos.

EDIT September 2024 - A pity but Ragazzone is closing down. Apparently a lease issue. A pity for Ballarat to lose another venue. A quality Italian dining experience in Ballarat. Decent flavours if a little limited in menu scope. Worth a visit.

This is a very fine modern Italian restaurant. The food is nothing short of excellent and it was our pick of the places we visited during our stay in beautiful Ballarat to go to the Begonia festival. Every dish was outstanding, the highlights being the arancini, the roast lamb skewers, the gnocchi Sorrento and then the fried potatoes and the green salad. We also liked the wine choices. Mine was the rose and it was superb. We loved our prime server, the dentist partner of one of the owners. She did a fantastic job despite being a fill in for the night. What a hard working power couple btw. Talk about deserving to succeed! This is a fine place that deserves its success

Very underwhelming. The food I found to be average, and the price point very high. For a $38 pasta you expect the highest quality texture, flavour, and ingredients, but I didn’t get any of that from the fusilli pasta with vodka chilli sauce. We had 2 entrees (onion tart and arancini) and these didn’t stack up in flavour or value. The service was lovely and we appreciated the thoughtful waiter who was attentive and receptive to our feedback.

Such a highlight of Ballarat!! The food is incredible, the fit-out is stunning and such a vibe and the service was fantastic. We had a big group of girls (a little tipsy) and the waitress was so accomodating and friendly. The food is always so flavourful, and this time was no different. We always love Ragazzone!! Can't wait to go again.

Enjoyed the arancini. The housemade pasta on its own is excellent, exactly as all fresh pasta should be, but the overall flavours didn't wow me. Just average and not worth the price. Not for me at least.

Absolutely incredible. Exceptionally high quality food, service and drinks. Unparalleled in Ballarat except by the highest quality such as Mr. Jones. A Great experience overall. Edit Jan 2022: Still remains outstanding with a photographed majority new menu.

Apart from the worms in our Iceberg lettuce dish (which put a dampener on the experience), the food, service and atmosphere was excellent. Definitely worth a visit if you're Ballarat way.

Called in just before 6pm on a cold wet Ballarat Saturday night without a booking. Plenty of seats available and waitress pleasantly and professionally seated us for our request for a table of two. Our drinks order was asked and appropriate time afforded us before waitress sought our food order. Drinks and food delivered correctly and not undue delay. Please note it was not peak time so this helped the quick delivery of food. Food was nice, appealing, tasty and sufficient quantity. Prices are reasonable against like dining. Interior has that old warehouse / commercial vibe with nice ambience. Hard concrete flooring and having been here once before at peak time the customer noise does build. This venue holds its own amount the many nearby varied food venues. You are not packed in and tables and chairs are functional. Couple of long e tended tables for bigger groups but make a booking to ensure you can get them. Over all happy to recommend when you want a pizza pasta feed.

We had a great time dining here on a weeknight during our first visit to Ballarat. The pizza and drinks here were delicious. Staff were warm, friendly, and helpful with our order. Highly recommend if you're in the area.

We were looking for something to eat while in Ballarat, and we happened upon The Forge Pizzeria. Great friendly, and prompt service. The food was yummy, and generous servings. They followed up after the meal, and asked if we enjoyed our meal. We will definitely be back. Thank you guys.

Amazing food! Everything was fresh and delish, you can tell lots of care went into each dish. I got the kids pizza and it was pretty big for 15 dollars. The cheese was perfectly cooked and crispy. 10/10 would go again

We had such a great time at The Forge Pizzeria in downtown Ballarat. The wood-fired pizzas were seriously delicious — super tasty with the perfect dough. You could really taste the quality in every bite! The vibe inside was really welcoming and relaxed, and the building itself is just beautiful — it used to be the old CV Jones Antiques and Art Gallery, which gives it so much character and charm. If you’re in Ballarat and love good pizza, this place is a must-try. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Love the cold winter Ballarat delicious cheesey crumptious smokey flavoured pizzas 😋 and hot spaghetti carbonara with fresh side rocket salad . The high light of our meal was if u eat in you help yourselves to baked breads and pastries from the kind bakery next door 😘 I don't like wasting food. Thank u Isla and Charlie, great friendly staff. I just love the gold country 💛 vibes. Will be back 💛🖤💛

We stood at the front and waited to be seated for awhile, no one served us till we starting walking to a table as we were unsure whether we were supposed to seat ourselves. The guy said to wait over there and they will have a table for us in a moment. We kept waiting and no one was preparing any tables and there were heaps empty. We stood there for awhile until someone placed menus on a 4 seater table and ask if it was for us. We were confused as it was just the 2 of us but she sat us down anyway. The table wasn't even wiped down and the cutlery wasn't even replace form the last diners.. I had to brush crumbs off the table. We sat at the table for quite awhile without any service and new diners next to us got served before us. This wasn't a good start and dampened our experience here. We finally got service and the food came out in like 5 minutes which was very surprising. The first slice of pizza was really nice when it was hot and freshly made. I got the pumpkin pizza and it was good except there were way too many pine nuts that it was overpowering. I had to take them off to enjoy the rest of the pizza. When I dine in at a restaurant, its not all about the food, it's about the experience/service as well. We were both really disappointed with the service here.

This was our first experience at this restaurant, and it was a mixed bag. First of all, we loved the design and the vibe; it reminded us of South American restaurants in the States, and the professional interior design was appealing. The service and the margarita were also quite good. However, the food was disappointing. It was poorly made, overpriced, and the small portion of protein was unjustifiable. This place is definitely great for hanging out with friends, enjoying the atmosphere, and having drinks, but I wouldn’t recommend it for dining.

Came to Ballarat for a basketball ball tournament and stumbled across this place for dinner! Pleasantly surprised with the quality and taste of the food! Really enjoyed every dish. The waiters were lovely!

We had a fantastic experience at Pancho, a vibrant, modern spot with great energy and even better food and drinks. There was plenty of seating available inside, which made it easy to settle in and enjoy the night without feeling rushed or cramped. The cocktails were absolutely delicious, expertly crafted and full of flavour. Whether you’re into something citrusy, spicy, or spirit-forward, their drinks menu has something for everyone. You can tell the bartenders know what they’re doing, each drink felt balanced and thoughtfully made. Food-wise, the ceviche was fresh and zesty with just the right amount of heat, and the charred corn was a total flavour bomb, sweet, smoky, and generously topped with cheese and seasoning. Both dishes were beautifully plated and perfect for sharing. Empanadas are also recommended. Highly recommend Pancho for anyone passing through Ballarat or looking for a fun, flavourful day out.

Fresh, delicious tacos and the corn was incredible too. For $65 - 2 people, we shared an entree and 6 tacos and was full. So good, I’ll be back if I’m Ballarat.

We loved our dinner here. The service was quick, the food delicious, especially the fried chicken with chilli and lime and the grilled corn. We also really enjoyed our drinks and the decorations lends to a nice vibe.

Been here twice - the king fish cerviche is divine, the corn fabulous, the corn chips a bit too crispy snd salty. Other food I’ve had was a little too salty but otherwise pretty good. Terrific to visit this town and try something different.

Delicious food. A couple of dishes could use a touch more seasoning but on the whole very delicious, and hot sauce on the table for people to compliment their dishes as they like. Service exceptional, we didn’t catch the young lady’s name who served us but she was brilliant. $65pp chefs menu for 5 people was also exceptional value for the amount of food we were served. Highly recommend.

This restaurant was phenomenal, food service and atmosphere all A+ Dinner Service 🥘 High quality dining with a relaxed and refined interior, the exposed roof trusses are absolute fire 🔥 Priced fairly for such great quality The spread with the side of bread was phenomenal ‘Steak Frites’ Steak cooked to perfection 👌 One of the top restaurants you’ll visit in a long time Booking essential !! A propper gem just outside of Ballarat 💎

We enjoyed a nice family dinner and food and drinks was just perfect. My medium rare steak was cooked to perfection and the pepper sauce was the best sauce I’ve ever had in any restaurant! The accompanying chips was generous in size though could have cooked a wee bit more but still pretty good.

Dined last night at The Shared Table with my BF who is a regular at this restaurant with her family and I was not disappointed. Food, service, drinks all amazingly fresh and delicious. Aperol spritz on arrival, followed by the dine without decision menu. We chose the lamb shoulder main and it was superb. Followed it up with dessert and we were all very satisfied. A hidden gem in Buninyong, that supports local producers as much as possible for the menu and grows seasonal produce from the owners gardens. Very happy that I finally got the 'Shared Table' experience. Support local and you will not be disappointed.

Had a lovely brunch at The Shared Table the menu centres around the farm to table concept so changes regularly. We had the terrine and Halloumi dishes ….. they were superb along with a lovely Rose. We will be back to experience their exquisite food ❤️❤️❤️

I never expected to be eating with my hands, but we have done just that tonight. We went in for the local night special to try something different, and yep .. it was definitely different! The main meal was one small (20cm) pita bread toasted and cut unevenly into one third/two third halves. We ordered a second lot and it came out the same way AGAIN. There was also a small share salad, and a stew consistency 'braised goat' (some of what was left is in the picture below). We had to ask for plates and tried to figure out how to make the dish work ... we ended up eating it with our hands Indian/African style - small handfuls of inflexible bread to scoop.the stew and eating the salad on the side. We were given no spoons, entree sized plates (when we were able to grab someone after the food had arrived and simply sat there). All of this after ordering a grazing platter that came with a pot of sauce on it that we couldn't see what to use it on. Asking, we were told by the chef we could use it "on whatever you like'. SERIOUSLY? The menu has been recently changed. The Chef's special is now 6 instead of 9 small dishes. The wine list is still local but more pricey. There's is also a very big difference in the experience you get when the owner is there versus what we had tonight. We will definitely think twice before heading back ... flavour is one thing ... having staff who can't explain what you're eating, who don't dress rhe table for the dishes being delivered and preparing dishes with little care or attention to detail ... well that's something altogether different. This was a mish mash of flavoursome individual dishes with no cohesion, coupled with a poor dining service experience.

The exterior of The Shared Table is deceptive and provincial, because the interior is this moody and beautiful restaurant with a striking mirror as its centrepiece and colours inspired by My Buninyong. We didn’t dine in but opted for a picnic on such a sunny and beautiful day. Really enjoyed the chicken salad, the sliders and the prawn butter is divine. For dessert, we created our own pavlovas, such fun and also delicious

I usually dread large functions in restaurants, but Shared Table was excellent. The food was exceptional, the wine list good and the service staff managed the group with expertise. Thank you for a memorable lunch

Authentic Thai taste! If you order spicy dishes like Larb or Pad Krapow, you will get the full, intense spiciness that Thai people love. The food is absolutely superb despite the small size of the restaurant. The staff are incredibly friendly and provide excellent service with genuine smiles!

This Thai restaurant was absolutely amazing! We ordered the Thai-style pork congee, spicy noodles with crispy pork, and crispy pork basil on rice and the portions were huge! more than we expected. Everything tasted so good, full of flavour. The staff were super lovely and friendly too. Honestly, this place made my trip to Ballarat even better.

We came for lunch and had an amazing time. The food was fresh and flavourful. Every dish was well-prepared and beautifully presented. The drinks were tasty. The service staff were friendly, polite, and made us feel very welcome. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Authentic Thai food with amazing flavors! The cozy atmosphere and super friendly staff made the experience even better. Great service too – will definitely come back!

Absolutely the best Thai food in Ballarat. The flavours are authentic and delicious, and the staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Every visit feels special, a must-visit for anyone craving real Thai cuisine.

I visited this place with my friends and absolutely loved it! The food was amazing, the interior was stylish, and the staff were super friendly. We tried the Khao Soi—it was incredible, full of flavor—and the Thai milk tea was just as delicious. Highly recommend this spot and I’ll definitely be coming back!

everything is good，especially when I taste these dishes, I know I have to give five stars in the google map. Quite recommended by a person who does not always try Thai food. This one really got my point.