09/03/2026
Well Ballarat… you didn’t disappoint.
What started as a stop on the map turned into one of those places where you keep saying “let’s just check out one more thing”… and before you know it the days disappear.
From the gold rush history to the streets and buildings that still feel like they’ve got stories to tell, Ballarat pulls you in.
Standing at the Ex POW Memorial was one of those moments where you just go quiet for a bit. Powerful and something that stays with you. Then driving through the Arch of Victory and the Avenue of Honour… thousands of trees, each one remembering a life. Hard not to feel something there.
We wandered the Botanical Gardens, did a lap around Lake Wendouree, stepped back in time at Sovereign Hill and even managed to track down a couple of Ballarat’s big things… because apparently that’s a thing we do now.
Of course there were a few good feeds along the way. Supporting local, having a laugh and chatting with the people who actually know the place best.
And that’s what really made Ballarat special for us.
The locals.
So many of you stopped for a chat, shared tips, told us where to go, what to see and what not to miss. Some of the best spots we found came straight from you.
You’re proud of your town and it shows.
So thanks Ballarat for the history, the stories, the laughs and the warm welcome.
Before we hitch up, here’s a few Ballarat ticks for us:
✔ Sovereign Hill
✔ Eureka Centre
✔ Lydiard Street Historic Precinct
✔ Ex POW Memorial
✔ Arch of Victory
✔ Avenue of Honour
✔ Garden of the Grieving Mother
✔ Ballarat Botanical Gardens
✔ Lake Wendouree
✔ Umbrella Laneway (Hop Lane)
✔ Plenty of walks around town just taking it all in
✔ Ballarat Wildlife Park
✔ Kryal Castle
✔ Big Ned Kelly
✔ Big Miner
✔ Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market
✔ The Vegemite Museum
✔ Pick Your Own Sunflowers
✔ Daylesford
✔ A few bakeries
✔ A few pubs
✔ A few cafes
✔ And of course… Dan Murphy’s. Priorities people.
Safe to say we didn’t sit still for long.
Even though we’re leaving Ballarat, stick with us. There’s plenty more towns ahead and you never know… the next stop might just end up on your holiday list.
Alright… time to hitch up.
Next stop… Phillip Island.
