The Beauty of Ballarat Tour

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with shopping, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art. As the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a hidden gem around every corner - Rich history, bustling laneways, rooftop bars, and world-class restaurants are just the beginning!

You will be met at the Melbourne Airport by the driver and transferred to your Melbourne accommodation.

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with shopping, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, with modern and Indigenous Australian art. As a cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a hidden gem around every corner - Rich history, bustling laneways, rooftop bars and world-class restaurants are just the beginning!

Embark on a voyage aboard the Spirit of Melbourne, a luxurious floating restaurant where sophistication meets relaxation in perfect harmony. Step into a world of opulence and refinement as you are welcomed into an atmosphere of unparalleled elegance. Take your seat at a beautifully adorned table and brace yourself for an adventure like no other. Prepare to be dazzled by a culinary symphony orchestrated by masterful chefs, each dish a masterpiece meticulously crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients. Every bite is a revelation, a tantalizing fusion of flavours that celebrates Melbourne's vibrant heritage. As you indulge your senses, let your gaze wander through the expansive panoramic windows, revealing breathtaking vistas of Melbourne's iconic waterfront. Cruise along the majestic Yarra River, where each twist and turn unveils a new spectacle, a captivating tapestry of landmarks and cityscapes that dance in the moonlight. Let the ever-changing scenery cast its spell upon you, transforming your dining experience into a mesmerizing journey of discovery. From the vibrant hustle and bustle of the city to the serene beauty of the riverbanks, every moment aboard the Spirit of Melbourne is a testament to the magic of this cosmopolitan gem.

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.

The direct route from Melbourne to Ballarat has a rough drive time of 1 hour and 30 minutes via National Highway M8. Before you hop on the road to reach your destination, take your time to explore the iconic graffitied laneways, cuisine, and coffee by the historical Yarra River and wander through the international exhibitions at the art galleries. After 45 minutes of driving, take a slight detour at Flanagan's Drive to 'Our Lady Ta' Pinu Shrine', which provides a panoramic view of the cathedral, Bacchus Marsh, and the motorway. After another 45 minutes of driving, you will reach your destination, Ballarat. 

First settled in 1838 and developed rapidly upon the discovery of alluvial gold deposits. Ballarat is now Victoria's largest inland city. It has become a bustling hub for the arts and local producers, set against its historic backdrop. Set off on one of the three heritage walking trails in the heart of the city to journey through the historic architecture, take a step back in time, and immerse yourself in the gold rush era at Sovereign Hill. You can wander along the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australia's oldest regional art gallery, explore the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, or visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park for up-close interactions with Australian native animals. In the evening, visit one of the city's fine wine, whisky, or cocktail bars. 

Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum in Golden Point, a suburb of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. Sovereign Hill depicts Ballarat's first ten years after the discovery of gold there in 1851. It was officially opened on 29 November 1970 and has become a nationally acclaimed tourist attraction. It is one of Victoria's most popular attractions and Ballarat's most famous.
Set in the Australian 1850s, the complex is located on a 25-hectare site that is linked to the richest alluvial gold rush in the world. The site comprises over 60 historically recreated buildings, with costumed staff and volunteers, who are able to answer questions and will pose for photos. The recreation is completed with antiques, artwork, books and papers, machinery, livestock and animals, carriages, and devices all appropriate to the era.

Step back in time and experience the captivating stories of 19th-century mining on the Sovereign Hill Guided Mine Tour. Discover how Ballarat’s miners toiled in their quest for gold as you choose from three distinct guided tours, each offering unique insights and adventures. Descend underground via our inclined railway tram and embark on a fully guided exploration of the mines. Each tour provides a different perspective on the life and work of the miners. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in history and see firsthand what it was like to be a gold miner in the 1800s.

This route to Melbourne is not the most direct, but adds less than an hour to your driving time to visit a true Victorian gem, Daylesford. This town is famous for its mineral waters and spas, art, culture and incredible food. Make sure you make time to indulge in the fresh, seasonal produce at one of the town's cafes or restaurants and to visit the Convent Gallery, housed in a historic 19th century mansion. Browse arty collectables, historic buildings and boutiques before continuing to Melbourne.

Embark on the Flavors of Melbourne Night Trail for an unforgettable culinary adventure in one of the world's most vibrant and diverse cities. Melbourne, celebrated for its cultural fusion, offers a dynamic food scene where global culinary traditions converge. This evening tour will lead you through Melbourne’s eclectic cuisine and the lively Chinatown. Enjoy a progressive meal of an array of cultural tastes, mouthwatering desserts, and the city's renowned coffee, ideal for a decaf nightcap.

Explore more of Melbourne before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!