Winter is the time to hibernate but not in Ballarat as they are celebrating the season by having a festival. From 26 June to 18 July 2021, there are various activities and events which are taking place in this former gold rush town.
Step back in time to the 1880s at Sovereign Hill for their annual Winter Wonderlights. Watch flames erupt from the Sovereign Hill chimney, wander through fairy-lit laneways, dance in the (faux) snow or grab a sweet treat from the lolly shop.
Celebrate small business, handmade, ethical trading and creativeness at The Design Exchange on 10 and 11 July. This event will take place in one of the city's beautiful heritage buildings, the Mining Exchange.
Image from Visit Ballarat Facebook page
A winter wonderland isn't complete without an ice-skating rink! The pop-up ice skating rink is in the heart of Ballarat's CBD. A great event for the whole family, with all skill levels catered for. Each session lasts for one hour. Neon Disco sessions will be held Friday and Saturday. Visit
here for further information and to book tickets.
Head on down to the Bridge Mall on 10 July to celebrate everything woolly this winter. There will be loads of entertainment with the Bubbly Funky Duo Stilt Walkers, our favourite band the Martini Set, fashion parade, Western Bulldogs parade, Woolly Waggers dog parade and awards for the best Yarn Bombing Installation for individuals and charitable groups.
Discover the
Eureka Centre where you will uncover the history of the design and making of the Eureka Flag and join Ballarat musicians Justin 'Hap' Hayward and Brodie Glen to share in their knowledge of songwriting for Songcraft.
Warm up with the various events at
Krystal Castle at the
Knights of Fire and Snow Queen Neva.
Snow Queen Neva and Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle. Image supplied by Belinda Price.
Get out under the stars at The Observatory when they run their Nerdy Science Activities on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 29 June to 10 July. You can learn about different types of telescopes, rocket launching and participate in astronomy activities. Enjoy astronomy movies and viewings at the telescopes.
Other activities include various workshops, exhibitions and talks - for updated details, visit the website
online.
Visit Ballarat from 26 June to 18 July to embrace the chill of their Winter Festival, where you can enjoy experiences to warm your heart, soul and belly.
