Once famed for its gold rush riches, Ballarat has struck gold all over again, this time with a flourishing food scene, boutique accommodation, creative laneways and a new generation of bars and restaurants breathing life into its historic streets. Just over an hour from Melbourne, this Victorian regional city makes an ideal escape for food lovers, culture seekers and weekend wanderers.

From destination dining at Babae to Sicilian-inspired feasts, neighbourhood wine bars, excellent coffee and a historic village pub, we discovered that Ballarat has plenty to offer beyond its gold rush heritage.

We joined Visit Ballarat for a three-day getaway to explore the city's evolving hospitality scene, meet the people behind its venues and, of course, eat our way around the region. Here's what we got up to…

Day 1

1pm – Kicked off our adventure at Aunty Jacks

We kicked off our Ballarat adventure at Aunty Jacks, a lively brewpub on Mair Street that puts local produce and sustainability at the heart of the experience. More than just somewhere to grab a beer, this venue celebrates the connection between brewing, food and the region's producers.

We tucked into the Brewer’s Grain Salad, featuring heirloom carrots, dukkah, Meredith goats cheese and pomegranate molasses, alongside the crab and prawn pasta with clams, chilli, garlic and cherry tomatoes. We loved the thoughtful approach to ingredients, including bread from 1816 Bakehouse made using the same grain used to brew Aunty Jacks' beers. It was a delicious introduction to Ballarat's food scene and set the tone for the culinary adventures ahead. Find out more here.

4pm – Checked into Hotel Vera

After lunch, we headed to Hotel Vera, Ballarat's intimate boutique hotel on Sturt Street. With just seven personalised suites, the property offers a more considered take on regional luxury, with beautiful interiors and an emphasis on sustainability and slow living.

We stayed in the Lonarch Suite, which offered a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. We appreciated the thoughtful design and little details that made the space feel special without being over the top. The hotel's philosophy is all about slowing down and appreciating the finer things, and we found it a lovely base for exploring Ballarat.

With its own destination restaurant, Babae, Hotel Vera also makes a compelling case for turning a regional day trip into a proper overnight escape. Find out more here.

5.30pm – Enjoyed pre-dinner drinks at Ellington’s Wine Bar

We made our way to Ellington’s Wine Bar for pre-dinner drinks, discovering a European-inspired neighbourhood bar in the heart of Ballarat. Combining a bottle shop, rooftop and intimate drinking spaces, it's an inviting spot to ease into the evening.

We loved the opportunity to explore a carefully curated selection of local and international wines while soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. With seasonal small plates also on offer, we could easily have stayed longer, but dinner was calling!

7pm – Enjoyed a Sicilian feast at Peasant Osteria

For dinner, we headed to Peasant Osteria, where chef Douglas Kerr and restaurateur Dan Tesoriero bring the flavours of Sicily and Calabria to Ballarat.

We appreciated how the dishes let the quality of the ingredients shine, with seasonal produce and thoughtful combinations taking centre stage. Paired with a considered wine list, dinner was a wonderful introduction to the city's increasingly exciting dining scene. Find out more here.

Day 2

9am – Started the day with breakfast at Hideaway

We started our second morning at Hideaway, a welcoming café on Water Street serving specialty Five Senses Coffee, hand-rolled pastries and a seasonal à la carte menu.

We loved the relaxed atmosphere, with original exposed brick and a fireplace creating a cosy setting. There's also a large deck that's perfect for warmer days. It was just the sort of place we wanted to ease into the morning with good coffee and a leisurely breakfast before heading out to explore. Find out more here.

11am – Got our art fix at Backspace Gallery

With breakfast sorted, we headed to Backspace Gallery on Mair Street to explore Ballarat's creative side. While the Art Gallery of Ballarat undergoes building upgrades, Backspace offers visitors another way to experience the city's thriving arts community.

We browsed the space showcasing local and early-career artists, discovering a different side of Ballarat beyond its famous gold rush history. With free entry and an accessible location, it was an easy addition to our itinerary and a lovely way to break up our food-filled weekend.

1pm – Enjoyed a memorable lunch at Babae

One of the highlights of our trip was lunch at Babae, the destination restaurant housed within Hotel Vera. Managed by chef Tim Foster, Babae celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding goldfields region, with a menu that evolves to showcase the best available produce.

We were particularly taken by the restaurant's approach to contemporary cooking, where classic techniques meet thoughtful, produce-driven dishes. We also appreciated the knowledgeable service, which added to the sense that every detail had been carefully considered.

Babae was a standout dining experience for us and reinforced just how much Ballarat has to offer food lovers willing to venture beyond Melbourne. Find out more here.

4pm – Discovered the hidden Dear Eliza Social Club

In the afternoon, we went in search of one of Ballarat's newer venues and discovered Dear Eliza Social Club, tucked away behind the famous Hop Lane mural, with entry via Umbrella Lane.

Named after Eliza Hannah Forster, one of the first hostesses at The George Hotel during the gold rush era, this hidden bar brings a playful new energy to the city's historic laneways.

We loved the sense of discovery involved in finding the venue, while the interactive darts, SHUFL and pool table give visitors plenty of reasons to stick around. It's a fun spot for a drink with friends and a great example of how Ballarat is breathing new life into its historic CBD.

6.45pm – Dined at Lola Ballarat

We rounded out our second day with dinner at Lola, a European-inspired restaurant on Lydiard Street North named after the spirited gold rush showgirl Lola Montez.

Our meal featured lamb ribs, beetroot gnocchi, duck and lamb moussaka, offering a satisfying mix of rich flavours and comforting dishes. We finished on a sweet note with the kalamansi chocolate tart, whose citrus brightness provided a lovely contrast to the chocolate, followed by a classic tiramisu. Find out more here.

Day 3

8.30am – Fuelled up at Eclectic Tastes

We began our final morning at Eclectic Tastes Café & Pantry, a local favourite near Lake Wendouree that has been welcoming Ballarat diners for more than 20 years.

We enjoyed the relaxed yet refined café atmosphere, making it an ideal place to savour good coffee and a leisurely breakfast before our final day of exploring. Its location also makes it a great starting point for a stroll around the lake if you have a little extra time. Find out more here.

10am – Explored the Ballarat Farmers Market

Next, we headed to the Ballarat Farmers Market at North Gardens Reserve to discover more of the region's local produce.

Held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, the market brings together growers, makers and producers, with a changing line-up of stalls that reflects the seasons. We loved the opportunity to browse the offerings and get a better feel for the region's food culture, with plenty of inspiration for anyone who enjoys discovering ingredients directly from the people who produce them.

12pm – Enjoyed a country pub lunch at The Buninyong Hotel

For our final lunch, we ventured just outside Ballarat to the historic village of Buninyong and settled in at The Buninyong Hotel.

Dating back to the 19th century, this welcoming country pub combines heritage character with a relaxed dining experience. We loved the traditional atmosphere and the emphasis on local food and wine, making it a lovely place to slow down and enjoy a long lunch before the drive home.

It was also a chance to explore a little beyond Ballarat's city centre and appreciate the charm of the surrounding goldfields region. Find out more here.

3pm – Picked up goodies at Carboni’s Next Door

Before hitting the highway, we made one final stop at Carboni’s Next Door in Buninyong to pick up a few goodies for home. We browsed the tempting selection of freshly made pasta, antipasti, international cheeses and homemade sauces, finding plenty of inspiration for an easy dinner after our weekend away. We also couldn't resist treating ourselves to gelato while we were there, making it the perfect sweet finale to our Ballarat adventure before the drive back to Melbourne.

After three days eating, drinking and exploring our way around Ballarat, we came away impressed by just how much this historic goldfields city has to offer. From the boutique luxury of Hotel Vera and the destination dining at Babae to the Sicilian flavours of Peasant Osteria, the character-filled Lola and the hidden Dear Eliza Social Club, we discovered a hospitality scene that's full of personality.

Best of all, Ballarat is an easy escape from Melbourne, making it ideal for a weekend away without the need for an elaborate travel plan. Whether you're visiting for the food, the culture or simply a change of scenery, we'd recommend taking your time, exploring beyond the main streets and letting your appetite lead the way.

Check out all the details over at Visit Ballarat.