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 24 and ends on Sunday July 16. So, what can you do?
1. Gaze in wonder at Winter Wonderlights
When: June 24 to July 16
Time: 10am to 7pm
Cost: $17-$37
Sovereign Hill is transforming into a Christmas-in-July-themed wonderland. During the day, wander the streets under falling snow, see pantomimes and theatre shows, take part in Christmas-themed arts and crafts and snap a photo with St. Nick. Sip on mulled wine and snack on gingerbread treats. Then, when the sun sets, gaze in wonder as the streetscape lights up for Winter Wonderlights. Enjoy a spectacular, shimmering light and projection show. 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 24 to July 16
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. Each session lasts for one hour. Find more details here.
📍Armstrong Street South, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
3. See the Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle
When: June 24 to July 8
Time: 10am to 4pm
Cost: $24-$36
Feel transported to another world at Kryal Castle. Every year, they tell the story of Snow Queen Neva and her battle to save the kingdom. Watch live performances about the Snow Queen. Then, feel amazed by a fire joust, watch flaming swords, create potions, learn to sword fight and axe throw, and take part in Knight School. More info here.
📍121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek VIC 3352
4. Say hello to Ballarat’s newest tiger at Ballarat Wildlife Park
When: June 24 to July 8
Time: 9am to 5pm
Cost: $19.50-$38.50
Visit Ballarat Wildlife Park this winter and meet Akasha, a Sumatran/Siberian cross tiger. She’s the younger sister of the Park’s current tiger, Kai. While you’re there, hand-feed 100 free roaming kangaroos, see koalas and emus, meet a wombat, gaze at little penguins and see the five-metre crocodile Crunch. Your adventure starts here.
📍250 Fussell St, Ballarat East VIC 3350
5. Check out The Design Exchange
When: July 1 and 2
Time: Saturday – 3pm to 8pm, Sunday – 10am to 3pm
Cost: $5
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.
📍16 Lydiard St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
6. Have fun at the live music festival, Be_Hear/Now 2023
When: June 30 to July 2
Be_Hear/Now is back for its fourth year, and it’s set to be the biggest one yet. In this live music festival, you’ll find Ballarat’s biggest artists and performers in venues and unused spaces around the city. Find times, locations and ticket prices for various events here.
📍Ballarat
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, performances and delicious food and drink experiences. To explore the full program and find more details, click here.