A weekend road trip to the Ballarat Winter Festival

Looking for inspiration and recommendations on how to spend your Ballarat Winter Festival weekend? Look no more! See below an itinerary to kick start your planning.

2pm – Arrive in Ballarat and check in to your accommodation
Located in the heart of the CBD, Quest Ballarat Station is an ideal place to base yourself for your stay in Ballarat. Quest Ballarat Station offers self-contained apartments with up to three bedrooms – perfect to keep the family comfortable in a modern and stylish environment.

2:30pm – Fuel up for a big night ahead
Established in 2018, 1816 Bakehouse is an artisan sourdough bakery in the heart of Ballarat. The team, led by head baker Josh Chapman, is proud to bring a range of sourdough bread and house-made pastries, handmade pies and freshly filled sandwiches to the Ballarat community.

3pm – Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights will dazzle again this winter with sound, lights, and wintry delights – all within an easy drive from Melbourne. With a shimmering light show, full theatre program, delicious treats, snow, hands-on kids’ activities and more, Sovereign Hill delivers a Christmas in July like no other. Winter Wonderlights begins as soon as the sky is dark enough.

7pm – Enjoy dinner at the Forge Pizzeria
The Forge Pizzeria is a firm favourite among visitors and locals. Expect all the old favourites or delve a little deeper into the menu’s more interesting options, including gourmet pizza’s from the in-built wood fire oven.

Return to hotel

9:30am – Breakfast at Hydrant Food Hall
So you’re fueled for an action packed day ahead, a big lunch is essential. Why not try Hydrant’s famous rainbow pancakes!

10:30am – Get your skates on in the Ballarat CBD
The ever-popular Ballarat Winter Festival pop-up ice rink returns to the heart of the city, offering child-friendly, sensory and disco-themed skating sessions across the Festival period. Don’t forget to collect your discount code from any attraction or hospitality venue for 15% off your ice rink ticket when you spend $25 or more.

12pm – Lunch at Hideaway Coffee Bar
Boasting a rustic environment with touches of new decor, this old-shed conversion has great food which is complemented by its coffee.

1:30pm – Frozen Kingdom at Kryal Castle
Embark on an enchanting journey into the heart of the Frozen Kingdom, where the fate of Kryal Castle hangs in the balance. Step into a world of magic and mystery, where guests become part of the story, aiding Aurora in her quest to reunite with her companions and ultimately choose the champion who will vanquish the darkness. As you traverse through immersive landscapes and encounter captivating characters, you’ll feel the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins.

Return home.

For more inspiration and recommendations for your visit, click here.