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, rug up and get ready to have fun in this winter playground. The Ballarat Winter Festival starts on Saturday June 25 and ends on Sunday July 17. So, what can you do?
1. Gaze in wonder at the Winter Wonderlights
When the sun sets, go to Sovereign Hill for a spectacular evening filled with dazzling lights and decorations. The whole of Main Street will be transformed into a streetscape of vibrant projections, coupled with a musical score that’ll lift your spirits. As the snow falls, eat a winter feast, watch a theatre show or try out some activities.
Discover the full program here. Tickets for Winter Wonderlights are on sale now.
2. Glide across the ice at the Ballarat Winter Festival Ice-Rink
Head to the heart of the CBD to go on the ice-rink. Skate across the ice with your friends and family, while listening to great tunes. There will be fun disco and Bollywood skate sessions to try too! Penguins are available to help the littlest skaters travel smoothly.
Bookings are required. Click here for more info on session times and bookings.
3. See the Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle
Feel transported to another world at this sprawling castle village. See a festival of flames, including a spectacular fire joust, flaming swords and more blazing tricks. Then, learn the story of Snow Queen Neva, meet a wizard in his workshop, learn archery, test your combat skills, get lose in a maze and so much more. On top of the winter activities, there will be plenty of unique traders, roaring fires and roving entertainment to keep you occupied.
Learn more here.4. Feel amazed by a family of Skywhales
After mesmerising Melbourne earlier this year, the Skywhale hot air balloon sculptures by Patricia Piccinini will soar over Ballarat. See Skywhale and Skywhalepapa launch into the air at dawn on Saturday July 9. The balloon launch will be accompanied by 100 voices from the children’s choir.
Entry is free. However, visitors are advised to register their interest on the Art Gallery of Ballarat website.
5. Discover more fun winter activities
There’s heaps to do in Ballarat during the winter festival. Paint penguins and snowmen, wander through a maze, sample local produce and more. If that’s not enough, more cool events to be announced in the future. Keep an eye for updates on the Ballarat Winter Festival website. In the meantime, click here to see confirmed events on the program.