Deciding where to stay in Ballarat shouldn’t be a problem. The city is not so big, and there are beautiful places all around. I’ve been to Ballarat several times, so I can help you choose the best neighborhoods and hotels.
Ballarat was founded in 1838, but it come into the spotlight in 1851 when gold was discovered nearby. Unlike other gold-mining towns, Ballarat prospered until the end of the 19th Century. Even today, it is an important economic and tourist hub a step away from Melbourne.
Most tourists come to Ballarat to admire its 19th-Century heritage. Some travel to the city just to see the iconic Sovereign Hill. Others prefer spending time on Wendouree Lake. Yes, this is the famous lake where the 1956 Summer Olympics water sports took place.
Ballarat Central – CBD
Ballarat Central Business District, also known as the CBD, is my favorite neighborhood. I am talking about a large area south of the railroad line, east of Drummond Street N and Pleasant Street S, north of Sebastopol Street and Yarrowee River, and west of Peel Street S.
Most of Ballarat’s sights are in the center. The most impressive late 19th-century buildings line the colorful Lydiard Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat, Her Majesty’s Theatre, and the Anglican Church are some of the best. On the other hand, Ballarat Town Hall, and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral are on Sturt Street.
Most of Ballarat’s bars and restaurants are in the area. You will find all kinds of eateries on Sturt Street. The elegant Turret Café is in a historic house. They prepare delicious international dishes. I love spending evenings at the Piano Bar Ballarat listening to live music.
The Best Hotels in Ballarat Central:
Craig’s Royal Hotel
Craig’s Royal Hotel is Ballarat’s only 5-star hotel. Several personalities have stayed in the historic property on Lydiard Street, including renowned writer Mark Twain. The rooms are big, extra comfortable, and have marble bathrooms. If you have the money to splurge, book the Royal Suite with spa.
The Provincial Boutique Hotel
I always stay at the Provincial Boutique Hotel across from the train station. The historic hotel from 1909 features old furniture, antiques, and lots of class. Some of their uniquely designed rooms come with a kitchenette and a balcony. There’s parking on the spot.
Ballarat Premier Apartments
If you are looking for a fancy apartment, book one at Ballarat Premier Apartments. The historic mansion from 1901 is right across from Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. All of their tastefully decorated units come with a fully equipped kitchen. There is onsite parking.
Bakery Hill and Bridge Mall
Bakery Hill is a small suburb east of Ballarat Central. It starts east of Peel Street, south of Mair Street E, west of E Street, and north of Barkley and Steinfeld Street. Its center point is a roundabout at the western end of Victoria Street.
Bakery Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, dating back to the beginning of the gold rush. It is also Ballarat’s smallest neighborhood. Despite its size, it is packed with bars and restaurants.
While the Bridge Mall area formally belongs to Central Ballarat, it has a distinct character similar to that of Bakery Hill. The city’s main shopping street, Bridge Mall, is here. I loved the little street art pieces hidden all around. The central bus stop is also in the area.
The Best Hotels in Bakery Hill:
Ballarat Central City Motor Inn
The best hotel in Bakery Hill is the Ballarat Central City Motor Inn. All of their spacious rooms come with a microwave, a fridge, and a tea/coffee machine. Some have a well-equipped kitchenette. There is a swimming pool and a barbecue.
Comfort Inn & Suites City Views
The modern 4-star Comfort Inn & Suites City Views features an indoor heated swimming pool with a spa pool. The air-conditioned rooms have ironing facilities, electric blankets, a kettle, a toaster, a microwave, and a refrigerator. Some even come with a spa bath.
Quality Inn & Suites The Menzies
The Quality Inn & Suites The Menzies is a small property with private parking. Their spacious rooms come with a well-equipped kitchenette and an espresso coffee machine. Most rooms include a working desk.
Ballarat East and Eureka
Ballarat East is the large suburb east of the center and Bakery Hill. The Yarrowee River and the railroad are to the north, E Street and Larter Street to the west, Wilson Street south, and Blairs Lane east. Some of the cheapest accommodation is here.
Ballarat East is the city’s oldest urban area known for the Eureka Rebellion that took place here from 1951 to 1954. It was an uprising of gold miners against the British colonial administration. Today it is a residential neighborhood full of historic charm. The Ballarat Fire Station and the synagogue are two of its main attractions.
The tiny area where the rebellion took place is called Eureka. Originally part of Ballarat East, it became an independent unit in 1946. In 1998, the Eureka Centre, a building dedicated to this historic event, opened on the spot. A large flag, homage to the original flag raised by the rebels, is next to the center.
The Best Hotels in Ballarat East and Eureka:
Ballarat Eureka Lodge Motel
The Ballarat Eureka Lodge Motel is the neighborhood’s best lodging. I like the hotel’s location, between the Eureka Center and the Eureka Swimming Pool. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV, heating &air conditioning, microwave, toaster, and a hairdryer. Some apartments are wheelchair friendly.
Eureka Stockade Holiday Park
If you are traveling with family or friends, I suggest staying at the Eureka Stockade Holiday Park. The small property offers spacious two-bedroom villas with private bathrooms and kitchens. There’s a shared lounge with a playground and an open-air swimming pool.
Victoriana Motor Inn
If you are visiting Ballarat with a car, you’ll love the Victoriana Motor Inn. The hotel is on Victoria Street. Therefore, you can drive to the center in 5 minutes. All of their comfortable rooms feature a kitchenette and cable TV.
Golden Point
Golden Point is a suburb southeast of the center and south of Bakery Hill. Gold was discovered in this area in 1851. It borders Steinfeld Street to the north, Yarrowee River and Magpie Street to the west, Elsworth Street to the south and Larter Street to the east.
Ballarat’s main tourist attraction, Sovereign Hill, is right in its center. It is an open-air museum dedicated to the discovery of gold in the area. The museum features a complex of 60 buildings with employees in local costumes recreating the atmosphere of 19th-Century Ballarat.
Many tourists come to Ballarat just to visit Sovereign Hill. You’ll find most accommodation by the Main Road. However, you can even stay inside the museum. The whole area is quiet and safe, perfect for families with children.
The Best Hotels in Golden Point:
Sovereign Hill Hotel
If you want to stay directly in Sovereign Hill, then Sovereign Hill Hotel is the place for you. The hotel is inside the open-air museum. You will be able to experience everything first hand. The rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Best Western Plus Ballarat Suites
The Best Western Plus Ballarat Suites is the best hotel near Sovereign Hill. It’s an international hotel with great service. The suites come with a separate living room and a bathroom. They include a microwave, minibar, and tea and coffee maker. There’s parking onsite.
Sovereign Park Motor Inn
The Sovereign Park Motor Inn is another fabulous hotel near Sovereign Hill. They offer modern and comfortable rooms that are perfect for families. The hotel features a large indoor heated pool, sauna, spa pool, and fitness center. There is also a children’s playground and a tennis court.
Lake Wendouree
Lake Wendouree is a large suburb west of the CBD. On the north, it borders the railway line, on the west the Gillies Street N, on the south Sturt and Mair streets, and Drummond and Lexton streets on the east. It surrounds the lake with the same name.
Lake Wendouree is a small, artificial lake created in 1851. It features a series of islands and is home to numerous water birds like ducks, swans, gulls, and cormorants. It came into the international spotlight when it hosted the rowing and canoeing events for the 1956 Summer Olympics.
Lake’s western shore is the most attractive one. Ballarat Botanical Gardens are here. The 100-acre (40 hectares) park homes hundreds of plants, a conservatory, and 12 mythological statues. The Ballarat Tramway Museum and the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial are next to the gardens.
The Best Hotels in Lake Wendouree:
Lake Inn Ballarat
Lake Inn Ballarat is the best accommodation near Lake Wendouree. Their massive units come with a desk, a refrigerator, and a tea and coffee-making machine. Some include a spa bath. There’s onsite parking for free.
Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments
If you rather stay in a private apartment, book a room at the Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments. All of their stylish and comfortable apartments have a kitchen and private bathroom. There is also free parking.
Lake side, opposite botanical gardens!
If you are visiting Ballarat with a group of friends, the Lake side, opposite the Botanical Gardens is a great option. There are three large bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, a verandah, and a garden. You must book at least for two days.
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