Whether you have kids or not, or perhaps you just love history... this is a fantastic place to…read morevisit. There are very few things in life better than an institution doing its very best to do something properly. Sovereign Hill's attention to detail and commitment to immerse the visitor in a true experience is nothing short of obsessive. The staff are dressed appropriately and they speak to one another appropriate to the era. The buildings are almost nail perfect replicas of real buildings that appeared on the main road and yet they smell 100 years old. The shops only serve authentic goods... there is no refridgeration... bottles are in ice and there is saw dust on the floors. The sweet shop only sells sweets made up the street. There are demonstrations and activities that will, I promise you, fill your day. This is the real deal and if you live in Australia or visiting from overseas you must see this. They deserve your patronage.

I really enjoyed it The staff were Great I went to the café to have some lunch and My experience…read morewas fantastic

Honestly, I really wasn't expecting all that much, especially since the Bendigo Art Gallery was…read moreadvertising itself as being the biggest art gallery in regional Australia. Well, that certainly turned out not the be the case because I reckon this one is much bigger. Well, not much, but it is certainly quite a lot more impressive. Sure, there are some regional works here, but there are quite a few works from not just Australia, but the world. This place was honestly really impressive, and even better it is free to enter. Definitely worth checking out.

This is a great collection showing Australian work and Australian taste- both dull and inspired…read more Displaying mixed works of the same school and time allows us to see the good, the bad and the ugly. Well done Ballarat!

Beautiful buildings, delicious food in the cafe and stunning artwork in the gallery. Highly…read morerecommend

Remember that movie Sirens where Elle Macpherson 'acted' by spending pretty much all the movie…read morenude? This convent slash art gallery feels like one of the really arty, pretty, regional-Australia places in that film. Came here for a wedding, and the place was good when I was sober, and supermodel stunning when I was less so, which was most of the night and a big chunk of the early morning. The chapel is sweet and intimate, and a door leads straight into the reception area so nobody gets lost, and then there's sprawling, resplendent gardens that wind up to a lookout / makeout spot, and the whole building is riddled with fancy pants artworks, from sculptures to nude paintings to mega-arty things that I couldn't recognise but desired nonetheless. "One art, please!" Don't know anyone getting married? Kick back in the cafe and have a wander and pretend you're in some eccentric millionaire's mansion.

LAVENDAR FARM!!!! I…read moreMIGHT just be that weirdo that is in love with these places, but I can never get enough. Have a lavendar scone, sip some lavendar soda or lavendar champagne, and just take in the amazing views. We weren't here during harvest season, but it def did not take away from the spectacular views, perfectly manicured lawns, and little oasis this place is! There's local produce (like apples & pumpkins), boutique-ish goods (like lavendar honey and lavendar eye pads), and there's donkeys, mini ponies, and geese that you can take in. On a Sunday afternoon, immediately post-flight from the U.S., we came here for the amazing view and lavendar-everything. The lavendar scone (with raspberry jam and soft-whipped-light-airy butter) was perfection, and so was their take on lavendar champagne and a lavendar soda. We took our time taking in the views and wandering around the place. It's a tad outside of Melbourne, but totally worth the visit!

Situated just ten minutes from Daylesford, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is a beautiful escape from…read morethe city. Surprisingly close to Melbourne considering the vastly different surrounds, here you are exposed to all that is best about country living. A fully functioning farm that grows lavender, olives and grapes, Lavandula is a truly charming spot. A $3 entry fee lets you wander the lush green lawns, and soak up the atmosphere. The air is scented with lavender, the scones, lemonade and jams are laced with it. Tulips, irises and fruit trees are in blossom. The olive grove is ripe for the picking. Geese squak and horses neigh. This place is ridiculously picture perfect. The Swiss Italian style trattaria offers a well thought out seasonal menu. Seated on wooden tables in the sun dappled courtyard, the idyllic setting only adds to beauty of the experience. The Regional antipasto platter for 2 is a definite recommendation. Comprised of Istra smokehouse meats, char-grilled vegetables, with olives, frittata, cheese and Red Beard sourdough it is perfect grazing food. Sampling the fresh farm produce amongst equally beautiful surrounds is indeed a day well spent. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Wow - art galleries can really be hit and miss but this is a winner with a broad range of large and…read moresmall sculptures (bronze & more modern), innovative lamps, hand blown colourful glassware and some beautiful artwork in spectacular resin amongst other mediums. Best of all... the staff who are both welcoming and informative. If you want to create a beautifully coordinated room there is plenty of advice - thank you Linda (town centre gallery) and Jackson (main gallery), Michael Parker's work is simply stunning!

Gorgeous gallery! Being greeted at the door with sparkling wine served in handmade glass flutes…read moredefinitely warmed us up. The outdoor garden display area was great, lots of inspiring art pieces. There was plenty of information available about each artist which was helpful. Would love to come back for the next exhibition.

The Regent Theatre is like going back in time when going to the movies was stylish and a chance to…read moredress up. It felt like we were going to the theater rather than just to a "cinemaplex" to watch another Hollywood movie. If you're in Ballarat, you have to make sure you catch a film at the Regent (cinema 1 to get the full glory of the place)

I've only been here once, but it as a great experience. The staff is extremely friendly and full of…read moreknowledge. The wines are absolutely delicious Sam well. This place would be a great place to stop by and have a nice cozy drink on an afternoon just to relax.

Just what Ballarat needed. Awesome selection of local wines with some great international options…read moretoo. This places oozes with ambiance - a must visit if you a wine lover visiting the region!

This place isn't overly fancy, but it's a lot of fun. For just about $6, you can play up to around…read more18 holes. For a beginner like me, it can be a tad challenging at times, but is far from frustrating. It's a great way to kill an hour or two in the afternoon. My one suggestion is for this place to capitalize on the golf course and attached caravan park by adding in an ice cream stand. After all, mini-golf and ice cream go hand in hand.