Just 90 minutes out of Melbourne, there are plenty of great things to do with kids (that mums and dads can have fun with too!) in the regional town centre of Ballarat. Here are three top ideas:
Sovereign Hill A look into what life would have been like in 1850s Ballarat during the gold rush is on offer at the recreated gold-mining town of Sovereign Hill. Ready to explore are recreated shops, hotels, a school, underground mines and more. With a toddler and preschooler in tow, the biggest fun came from bowling, a horse and carriage ride, candle dipping, gold panning, a visit to the old school and dressing up in clothes of the era for an olden day photo. You can find more information on Sovereign Hill
here.
Ballarat Adventure Playground on the edge of Lake Wendouree
The adventure playground here, opposite the Ballarat Botanic Gardens and on the edge of
Lake Wendouree, was met with "wows" and our short stay saw three outings here - that's how much the kids loved it! You can walk around the lake, and on weekends take a ride on the
Ballarat Vintage Tramway. Opposite is the Ballarat Botanic Gardens - a great place to explore or stop for a picnic lunch.
Wildlife Park An awesome way to introduce your little ones to native Aussie animals and let them explore too. There are giant tortoises, koalas, wombats, birdlife, crocodiles, Tasmanian devils and numerous kangaroos! The keepers do regular talks throughout the day - great for older curious kids, and you can buy some seed to feed the kangaroos. There's also an open area where kangaroos roam freely and you can sit down to eat lunch - although you can be guaranteed a curious kangaroo will come close to see if there's anything for him too. For more information, see
here.
