This winter, Ballarat comes alive with a host of wonderful events and activities that are perfect for a family getaway. From Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights and Kryal Castle’s spectacular Knights of Fire and Snow Queen Neva to the three-week pop-up ice rink, there’s plenty to see and do in Ballarat this winter.
So get dressed, embrace the chill and make Ballarat your go-to destination this winter school break (Saturday 25th June – Sunday 17th July). This beautiful regional city is just 75 minutes west of Melbourne, making it the perfect destination for a mini break.
BALLARAT WINTER FESTIVAL
Winter Wonderlights on Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill’s Christmas in July celebration is back! Throughout the day, visitors can wander the streets as the ‘snow’ falls, enjoying pantomimes and theater shows, Christmas-themed arts and crafts, the chance to share a photo with St. Nick, and delicious winter treats such as mulled wine and gingerbread .
As the sun sets, ever-changing projections will bring the streetscape of Sovereign Hill to life as a spectacular light show illuminates the much-loved living museum.
Book your tickets for Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights†
When: Friday 24 June – Sunday 17 July
Where: Bradshaw Street, Ballarat
Ballarat Winter Festival Ice Rink
This winter, experience the thrill of gliding down the ice rink to great tunes and disco lights in the all-weather tent!
With the pop-up ice rink limited season of three weeks from Saturday 26 June to Sunday 18 July, book your Ballarat skating tickets now† Kid-friendly sensory sessions and disco sessions are also available.
When: Saturday 25 June – Sunday 17 July
Where: Armstrong Street South, Ballarat (between City Hall and Myer)
Knights of Fire and Snow Queen Neva in Kryal Castle
Let your imagination run wild with Knights of Fire and Snow Queen Neva at Kryal Castle these winter school holidays.
Watch the spectacular ‘fire’ joust, be dazzled by flaming swords and fiery tricks in a festival of flames, be mesmerized by Snow Queen Neva and travel through the chamber of the Dragon Labyrinth.
Book your tickets for Kryal Castle in advance†
When: Saturday 25 June to Sunday 10 July from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Where: 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek
Game Reserve Ballarat
The Ballarat Wildlife Park will not hibernate this winter with guests having the chance to see Honey Bun, a rare and special Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat.
The park is also launching a unique new and exciting Sumatran tiger encounter with Satu, a critically endangered tiger, this winter. Learn how you can make a difference in saving this amazing species and take home a conservation gift bag.
As part of the 2022 Ballarat Winter Festival, you can join the Ballarat Wildlife Park as they celebrate the arrival of Kai – Ballarat’s newest tiger. From Sat 25 Jun – Sun 31 Jul guests can reheat them over a bowl of spicy noodles while enjoying meeting the tigers.
During this time there will also be an open fire in the bushman’s cabin for everyone to warm up in between seeing the animals in the park. Tiger encounters will also be available.
Book your ticket to Ballarat Wildlife Park.
When: Daily 9am-5pm
Where: 250 Fussell Street, Ballarat
MORE TO DISCOVER in Ballarat this winter school holidays
Art snacks: short holiday workshops
Art Bites is a short drop-off workshop program that introduces children to some fun ways to interact with art, at the iconic Art Gallery of Ballarat. It is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years.
Book your ticket for Art Bites at Art Gallery of Ballarat†
When: Tuesday 28 June, Thursday 30 June & Tuesday 5 July
Where: 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
Creative Art Party
Enjoy two weeks of free creative fun that sparks your imagination! Enjoy activities such as: ceramic pottery painting, creations of sweet treats with Muffin Break and painting workshops with Pinot & Picasso.
All sessions are free with workshops for big and small children. Sensitive sessions are available for children with sensory needs.
When: Mon 27 June 2022 – Sun 10 July
Where: 330 Gillies Street North, Wendouree
Freeze and it’s game over
Get your blood pumping and test your skills on the track while enjoying the fast paced action on the Go Kart track! Invite your friends and family or come alone.
Hot Tip: Ask how to get a free beanie
When: Sat 25 June – Sun 10 July
Where: 502 Howitt Street, Ballarat North
Trout farm support
Tuki Trout Farm is open daily for trout fishing and you can catch your own lunch or experience the licensed restaurant.
In addition, during the 2022 Ballarat Winter Festival, every Saturday at dusk during the winter school holidays, you can enjoy a short farm tour, do some fishing and whatever your catch of the day, Tuki Trout Farm will prepare it for your unique family dinner.
Book your tickets for Tuki Trout Farm†
When: Daily 11am-5pm during school holidays
Where: 60 Stoney Rises Road, Smeaton
Book your tickets for the Winter Family Dinner
When: 4 – 8 pm June 25, 2022 – July 09
Where: 60 Stoney Rises Road, Smeaton
Maze House
Maze House is set in a beautiful five acre garden with a creek, vegetable patch, orchard, cutting garden and native habitat, and of course the old hedge maze and its own milk bar.
Get lost in this 28 year old maze and find all the clues to get out of the Winter Maze Hunt to win a prize. Then test your skills by playing old-fashioned carnival games scattered around the rural garden.
Book your tickets for Maze House†
When: 10am – 4.30pm Sat 25th June 2022 – Sun 10th July
Where: 3155 Midland Highway, Newlyn North
From playgrounds and coloring pages to fun kids’ meals, eating out in Ballarat with kids is easy.
From cafes and burger grills to hearty pizza and pasta, browse these fun family restaurants.
Everyone loves discounts or special offers, especially when it comes to holidays. Browse some of Ballarat’s best family-friendly accommodation options.
Get dressed and embrace the cold as Ballarat transforms into a winter playground with a host of experiences to warm your heart, soul and stomach.
For more information on events and activities this winter school holidays and beyond, visit visitballarat.com.au
Finally, as always, please consult the Victorian Government and the Department of Health for information on current COVID safe practices.
This post is published in collaboration with the city of Ballarat
