Find a new family outing while staying close to home

ADVENTURES across the city and its surrounds await the exploration of families this winter, as residents stay close to home, mindful of COVID-19 restrictions.

Ballarat Regional Tourism CEO, Natalie O’Brien said the district is an “incredibly wonderful spot” for local families, with lots of classic locations to return to, or discover for the first time in a cost-effective way.

“Given this isolation period, we’ve all been stuck inside and want to get out,” she said.

“In places like the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, take an afternoon tea and supplement that with a hot chocolate. When I think of Ballarat, I think of great hot chocolate spots like Knife Fork Spoon and the lovely experience of Craig’s Hotel.

“Winter is a beautiful time to work out which is your favourite hot chocolate.”

For families that enjoy getting out and active in the crisp air, they can jump on their bikes, take some treats with them and ride some of the Ballarat – Skipton Rail Train from Wendouree Train Station, finishing with a cuppa at a café by Lake Wendouree.

Mount Buninyong offers a few bush walking tracks, easier and more challenging, with Union Jack Reserve, the South Walk, and Zig Zag. Families can climb up the lookout tower for spectacular views of the Yendon Wind Farm, Warrenheip, Scotsburn, Ballarat and Napoleons.

The Buninyong Botanic Gardens are also scenic, offer The Gong lake, are neatly maintained, and perfect for a picnic brought from home or curated from the village’s food outlets.

“Places like this are great for families to walk and stay safe, away from busy hotspots,” Ms O’Brien said.

Fifteen minutes from the CBD is Black Cat Truffles in Wattle Flat, with wood fired pizza, and alpacas for children to meet and feed. It’s a perfect place to stop on the way to the Creswick Woollen Mills.

This centre in Creswick north offers an interactive exhibition unpacking the mill’s manufacturing process, visitors can see their cashmere goats, merino sheep and alpacas, and pick up any cosy clothes they need for the season.

On the other side of town towards Elaine, the “magnificent” Lal Lal Falls has full amenities available for families stopping to view it cascading.

Head to visitballarat.com.au for more ideas.