If you’re looking to get out of Melbourne and get into some festive winter spirit, you’re in luck! The Ballarat Winter Festival is returning this year, and there’s a myriad of experiences and activities for you to try. Pop some petrol in your car or hop on a V/Line, rug up and get ready to have fun in this winter playground. The Ballarat Winter Festival starts on Saturday June 29 and ends on Sunday July 21. So, what can you do?
1. Gaze in wonder at Winter Wonderlights
When: June 28 to July 21
Time: 10am to 7pm
Cost: $36-$68
Sovereign Hill is transforming into a Christmas-in-July-themed wonderland. Celebrate ten years of Winter Wonderlights with a spectacular light show, falling snow, theatre shows, activities and more. Find out more here.
Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw St, Golden Point VIC 3350
2. Glide across the ice at the Ballarat Ice Skating Rink
When: June 29 to July 21
Time: Sunday to Thursday – 9am to 8:30pm, Friday & Saturday – 9am to 10pm
Cost: $9-$18
Head to the heart of the CBD and visit the popular Ballarat Winter Festival pop-up ice rink. During the festival there will be disco-themed skating sessions, as well as child-friendly and sensory sessions. Find more details here.
4 Phoenix Foundry Mall, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
3. See the Frozen Kingdom at Kryal Castle
When: June 22 and 23, June 29 to July 14, July 20 and 21
Time: 10am to 4pm
Cost: $26.50-$39.50
Feel transported to another world at Kryal Castle. Watch live performances, see fiery jousts, create potions and take part in winter-inspired activities. Learn more here.
121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek VIC 3352
4. Embrace the darkness at the Obsidian Dark Beer Festival
When: June 29
Time: 11am-3pm and 4pm-8pm
Cost: $72-$85
The inaugural Obsidian Dark Beer Festival will feature plenty of stout, porter and dark ale selections. Taste over 28 dark beers from 14 independent local and regional breweries. The festival will also feature live music and delicious food. Learn more here.
📍16 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
5. Check out The Design Exchange
When: July 6 and 7
Time: Saturday from 3pm to 9pm, Sunday from 10am to 3pm
Cost: $5 per person, kids under 13 are free
See a curated line-up of independent designers, artists and creators at The Design Exchange market. Enjoy artisan food, listen to talented musicians and celebrate small businesses inside the heritage building, the Mining Exchange. See more here.
16 Lydiard St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
6. Feel enchanted by a Candlelight Concert
When: July 13
Time: Hans Zimmer and more at 6pm and Tribute to Queen at 8pm
Cost: $26 to $66
Listen to the ‘Best of Hans Zimmer’ and a dreamy ‘Tribute to Queen’, surrounded by the gentle glow of candlelight at one of the Candlelight Concerts. Find your tickets here.
16 Lydiard St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
That’s just scratching the surface of all the wonderful things you can do at the Ballarat Winter Festival. You’ll also find plenty of workshops, exhibitions and delicious food and drink experiences. To explore the full program and find more details, click here.