Ballarat: Where Art, History, and Road Trips Collide
Just one hour’s drive west of Melbourne, Ballarat is a city that wears its art and history on its sleeve. Known for its goldfields legacy, grand Victorian architecture, and thriving creative community, Ballarat has become one of Australia’s most exciting regional art destinations.
Whether you’re planning a cultural weekend away, chasing the Archibald Prize, or simply looking to explore one of Victoria’s best regional cities, a Redspot rental car from Melbourne makes the trip effortless. Fly into Tullamarine or pick up from Little Collins Street in the CBD, and in less than 90 minutes you’ll be in the heart of Ballarat, surrounded by galleries, theatres, live music, and a buzzing café culture.
Here’s how to spend a three-day art-filled escape in Ballarat.
Evening One: Settle In
Sleep in Heritage
Ballarat’s accommodation scene blends historic charm with modern luxury. Check into:
-
Lascelles Terraces – heritage-listed townhouses renovated with a contemporary edge.
-
Ballarat Premier Apartments – boutique luxury inside a grand 1901 bank building.
-
Greenfield Place – a cosy, contemporary choice with a local feel.
Wherever you stay, you’ll be surrounded by architecture that tells the story of Ballarat’s boomtown past.
Dine in Style
Ballarat’s food and wine scene has grown alongside its cultural one. Try:
-
Catfish Thai – hatted and widely regarded as one of the region’s best restaurants.
-
The Forge Pizzeria – woodfired pizza with a loyal local following.
-
Mitchell Harris Wines – a bar, cellar door, and restaurant housed in a 19th-century warehouse.
Many of these venues are located in restored buildings, meaning your dinner comes with a side of history.
Day One: Dive into the Art Scene
The Art Gallery of Ballarat
Established in 1884, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest regional gallery in Australia and remains one of its best. Its collection ranges from colonial works to Indigenous art and cutting-edge contemporary pieces.
The gallery regularly hosts blockbuster exhibitions such as the Archibald Prize, drawing national attention and cementing Ballarat as a hub for serious art lovers.
The Lost Ones Gallery
For something quirky, head to The Lost Ones Gallery. Set inside a former Masonic hall, it showcases contemporary and experimental works alongside artisan retail. It’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind piece to take home.
Day Two: Walk Through History
Heritage Walking Tours
Ballarat’s story is best told on foot. Join a guided heritage walking tour, or try a self-guided version via ballaratrevealed.com. Highlights include:
-
Lydiard Street’s Victorian façades.
-
The grand Ballarat Railway Station.
-
Monuments celebrating the goldfields era and the Eureka Rebellion.
It’s a crash course in how Ballarat’s wealth from gold funded the city’s rich architectural and cultural fabric.
A Night Out
When the sun goes down, Ballarat comes alive. The city’s live music and theatre scene is thriving, with venues like:
-
Her Majesty’s Theatre – one of Australia’s oldest continually operating theatres.
-
The Civic Hall – a revived hub for concerts and performances.
-
Local pubs and bars hosting everything from jazz to indie rock.
Keep an eye out for seasonal festivals celebrating cabaret, folk music, and the region’s diverse creative voices.
Day Three: Beyond the Galleries
Public Art & Street Culture
Ballarat is no longer just about galleries. Wander the laneways and streets to discover:
-
Large-scale street murals by local and international artists.
-
Sculptures dotted through the CBD and public gardens.
-
Creative hubs like the Ballarat Contemporary Arts Precinct, bringing new energy to old spaces.
Regional Flavours
Round out your trip with a farm-to-table food and wine trail. The Pyrenees wine region is just a short drive away, offering cool-climate reds and boutique cellar doors. Combine it with local produce markets, bakeries, and breweries to sample the flavours of central Victoria.
Redspot’s Road Trip Tip
Driving from Melbourne to Ballarat is simple, but having the right rental car makes it even better.
-
Compact cars: Perfect for couples or solo travellers.
-
SUVs: Great for families or groups with luggage and art purchases in tow.
-
Hybrid fleet: Make your art weekend a little more green friendly.
With convenient pickup at Melbourne Airport or Little Collins Street, you can start your trip within minutes of landing.
Why Ballarat Belongs on Your Cultural Map
Ballarat proves that you don’t have to be in the city to enjoy world-class art and culture. With a heritage steeped in gold and a future powered by creativity, it’s the perfect destination for an art-filled road trip.
This spring, summer, or any time of year, grab the keys, rally your crew, and head west for a few days of inspiration.