Escape to Ballarat this spring for…

WHAT TO SEE

• Ballarat International Foto Biennale 

Nothing better to rest your eyes on than exhibitions held in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the International Foto Biennale. The theme this year is:

‘The Real Thing,’ displaying a provoking view of modernity through the lenses of photographers locally, nationally and internationally.

As part of the event, there are exhibitions exclusive to Ballarat including People Power – Platon. Platon has shot for publications such as TIME, The New York Times and GQ. Visitors are invited to come and connect with Platon’s portraits of people who have and will forever capture our attention including

Vivienne Westwood, Michelle Obama and Cate Blancett.

 

• New season florals at the Robert Clark Conservatory

Spring is unmistakably defined by the start of new buds and flowers blooming. The Robert Clark Conservatory comes alive during spring where visitors will find breathtaking displays of fuchsias, hydrangeas and pelargoniums.

 

WHAT TO DO

• Immerse yourself in First Nations culture

Perridak Arts is Ballarat’s newest gallery dedicated to showcasing the works of local First Nations artists. When visitors step inside the space, they’ll be immersed in the relaxing sounds and smells of being on Country.

 

• Take a Backyard Beekeeping workshop

Those looking for a hands-on spring activity should pop by Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat. Local beekeepers Amanda Collins and Scott Denno host a range of regular workshops including the Secret Life of Bees: Open Hive Experience Workshop.

Take advantage of spring’s abundance of busy and active bees by immersing yourself in an active urban beehive. The 90-minute workshop includes a delicious, honey tasting as well as a jar of your favourite single origin Ballaarat Wild Bush Honey.

 

• Shop for handmade objects, homewares, art and flowers at Windflower

Located on Sturt Street, Windflower is the new concept store by the team at Soho Rose Farm where shoppers can find the best (and most uncommon)

seasonal flowers, handmade objects, homewares, art and more. During spring, be on the lookout for pieces centred around lilac, dogwood, peonies and waratahs.

WHERE TO EAT

• The Shared Table

Indulge in the most underrated regional restaurant in Victoria. Pop in at The Shared Table to indulge in chef-owner Dianne Ray’s $90 three-course spring menu that heroes local, seasonal produce. On the menu includes spanner crab; lamb ribs; venison two ways; ricotta dumplings; roasted apple and rosemary clafoutis and calvados ice-cream.

• Black Cat Truffles

For the first time ever, Black Cat Truffles will be open during spring. Renowned local chef Liam Downes will showcase his kitchen garden bursting with

vibrant spring produce. Book in for a relaxing long lunch with Downes’ innovative degustation menu featuring cannelloni of prawns, garlic lemon myrtle and basil; spring lamb with eggplant; toum and dill; and Holy Goat La Luna, truffled honey and roasted apple.

 

WHERE TO DRINK

• Grainery Lane

Ballarat’s newest distillery, bar and speakeasy. Grainery Lane is housed within a stunning 19th century grain house. Inside diners will find fresh tapas  and share-style Asian dishes; a one-of-a-kind mahogany saloon bar (the only one like it in Australia) and unique cocktails made from on-site distilled  spirits.

 

• Mitchell Harris Wine Bar

The award-winning Mitchell Harris Wine Bar turned 10 this year and has become a Ballarat institution. Enjoy a glass of local wine in one hand and a delicious snack in the other. All set against the historic industrial backdrop of a 150-year-old former produce store, tentmakers and motor workshop.

WHERE TO STAY

• Hotel Vera

A unique and luxurious destination within Ballarat’s accommodation landscape, offering seven individually tailored suites, each bearing the name of a delightful goldfields township and adorned with the artistic touch of an Australian female artist.