Wintertide by Candlelight at Craig’s Royal Hotel

Step inside one of Ballarat's most iconic heritage landmarks and experience Craig's Royal Hotel after dark as part of the Ballarat Winter Festival.

This intimate evening begins with a guided exploration of the historic hotel, where guests will wander through rarely accessed spaces and uncover fascinating stories woven through more than 160 years of history. Hear tales of gold rush fortunes, grand celebrations, remarkable characters, and notable guests who have passed through the hotel's doors, helping shape Ballarat's rich and colourful past.

Following the heritage tour, guests will gather in the elegant Prince's Room, where candlelight, glowing fireplaces, and live cello music create the atmosphere of a Victorian winter evening. Surrounded by the beauty and history of one of Australia's grand hotels, enjoy a specially prepared two-course dinner featuring a traditional roast turkey meal (or vegetarian option), followed by sticky date pudding.

Presented as part of the Ballarat Winter Festival, the evening explores the history and character of Craig's Royal Hotel through storytelling, hospitality, and a shared dining experience within one of Ballarat's much-loved historic buildings.