Ballarat

Photo of Ballarat
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Photo of Ballarat
Credit: By Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 3.0
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About Ballarat

Victoria's third-largest city, Ballarat sits 1.5 hours north-west of Melbourne, in the striking Central Highlands. The city boomed on the back of the 19th Century gold rush, and its well-preserved historic centre reflects this intriguing past. Now a thriving modern city, Ballarat is still home to a number of heritage-focused accommodation options. Chosen for their style, amenities and location, our pick of the best places to stay in Ballarat offers both classic landmark hotels and hip contemporary gems, perfect for a city break to remember.

Tour Ballarat’s historic heart on foot or two wheels, admiring imposing Victorian buildings set along leafy lanes with buzzy cafes and boutiques. Pop into the Art Gallery of Ballarat to see the collection of colonial-era, contemporary and indigenous artwork, delve into the region’s gold mining history at Sovereign Hill, or visit the Eureka Centre Ballarat. Creative workshops at the Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades include silversmithing, basket weaving, chair making and more, and there’s a great programme of performances at Her Majesty's Ballarat.

Sunny days are ideal for exploring the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, wandering around Lake Wendouree or spotting Australian wildlife in 26-hectare Ballarat Wildlife Park. If you’re travelling as a family, the maze and inflatable theme park of Kryal Castle are not to be missed. Return to one of the best places to stay in Ballarat for cosy evenings by the fire.

The Best Places to Stay in Ballarat

For boutique chic

  • The Provincial is an elegant heritage hotel with 23 inviting rooms, suites and apartments. Think whitewashed walls, statement patterned headboards atop big cosy beds, and vintage furnishings. Gather at trendy Lola's resto-bar — named for a 19th-century exotic dancer — for flavoursome seasonal cusine paired with top-notch regional wines. A characterful and romantic hotel.
  • Hotel Vera has just seven hip suites in a 19th-century Ballarat mansion. Understated spaces feature modern art by female Australian artists, warm blue, pink, burnt orange or green tones, and indulgent marble bathrooms. Restaurant Babae is a fine dining favourite. Named for the co-founder's beloved grandmother, this is a wonderfully intimate boutique base.

For great value

  • Craig's Royal Hotel dates back to the 1850s, with carved wooden furnishings, wrought iron bedsteads, patterned wallpapers and draped burgundy, gold and white textiles. Heritage buffs will appreciate the sense of history and old town setting — all at very reasonable rates. There's a popular restaurant and wine bar, too.
  • Oscar's Hotel & Cafe Bar has just 13 simple guest rooms in a gold rush-era hotel in the centre of town. Friendly and affordable, this local landmark has updated events spaces for weddings and parties. A comfortable, low-key choice with a relaxed restaurant famed for its pizzas.

For an apartment or holiday villa

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Melbourne Airport, and take an hour and 15 minute taxi to your destination in Ballarat. Many hotels will also be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
  • The wider Victoria region is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Summers (December to February) are warm and pleasant, with temperatures hovering at around 26°C. Visit in March or November for fewer crowds and good hotel deals — Ballarat can be very busy during the peak summer months.

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The best hotels in Ballarat

Craig's Royal Hotel
Craig's Royal Hotel

Ballarat (Victoria)

A classic heritage hotel dating back to the 1850s, this local landmark boasts 41 rooms & suites. Think patterned wallpapers, carved wooden beds — some four-posters — and rich burgundy, gold & white textiles. A popular restaurant & wine bar complete the picture. Great value in the centre of town.

  • Local exploring - A classic heritage hotel with a real sense of place, well-situated for discovering Ballarat & the gold rush
  • Weddings - Perfect for opulent weddings, the Grand Dining Room seats 110 guests with space for a dance floor
  • Local markets - Held on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, the lively Ballarat Farmers' Market is brilliant for picking up fresh produce
  • Restaurant - Chef Ian Curley creates European-inspired cuisine using fresh local produce at The Atrium restaurant
from AU$154 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Oscar's Hotel and Cafe Bar
Oscar's Hotel and Cafe Bar

Ballarat (Victoria)

A laid-back historic hotel in the centre of town, with 13 simple rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, antique furniture & modern bathrooms. A local landmark dating back to the gold rush-era heritage, with updated events spaces for weddings, parties & seasonal Australian dining. Great value.

  • Weddings - Host your ceremony at the Atrium, sit-down dinner for up to 150 guests in the Garden Room
  • Value chic - A simple, great value little hotel with just 13 guest rooms and a friendly feel
  • Restaurant - Rleaxed restaurant serving modern Australian fare — as well as flavoursome pizzas
  • Great walks - Take a scenic 6km walk around lovely Lake Wendouree
from AU$176 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
The Provincial
The Provincial

Ballarat (Victoria)

An elegant heritage hotel with airy rooms & suites. Patterned statement headboards top cosy beds in light-filled, white-washed rooms with vintage furnishings. Apartments have kitchenettes, but the real highlight is the hip restaurant & bar named for 19th-century dancer Lola.

  • Local exploring - A beautiful heritage hotel with elegant interiors, perfeclty placed for exploring historic Ballarat on foot or bicycle
  • Romantic Break - Spacious suites are wonderfully romantic, with big beds topped by patterned headboards & a buzzy resto-bar
  • Restaurant - Dine in style on locally sourced seasonal cuisine at Lola's, with an ever-changing European-influenced menu
  • Great walks - Stroll through the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, or follow scenic walking trails around Lake Wendouree
from AU$293 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Hotel Vera
Hotel Vera

Ballarat (Victoria)

A hip collection of seven indulgent suites in a 19th-century Ballarat mansion. Named for the co-founder's beloved grandmother, this intimate hotel features bold colour schemes & striking work by female Australian artists. Australian fine dining Restaurant Babae completes the picture. Gorgeous.

  • Art Classes - Hone your creative skills with workshops in silversmithing, chair-making & more at the Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades
  • Local markets - Meet makers & producers from around the region at the Ballarat Farmers' Market on every second & fourth Sunday of the month
  • City Style - A hip collection of seven design-led suites, each named for goldfields regions & featuring striking Australian artwork
  • Romantic Break - Indulgent luxury suites are superb for romantic couples looking to unwind in style
from AU$326 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms