Fun day trips from Ballarat
Amali - 1 January 2023
The best way to give your brains a shake is to travel! Let me guide you to some beautiful places to relax without stressing about your wallet. Yes, they are within one to two hours from Ballarat, so if you are at Mt. Helen Campus this is for you.
1. Ballarat Botanical Garden
Ballarat Botanical Garden is one of Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens that showcase different arrangements during all four seasons. Finely carved marble statues and the floral clock are quite unique and too pretty to miss. Your picnic basket and the rug are a must to take with you to spend a good few hours there! If you follow the big black swans from the garden through the main gate to cross the road, you’ll see the gorgeous Lake Wendouree. There is a beautiful 6km walk around the Lake.
2. Daylesford
Just a 45-minute drive from Ballarat city would lead you to the beautiful city of Daylesford, and everything about this area is striking. Not only a day trip but also worth spending the night there. Daylesford Convent Gallery is a 19th-century building complex fortified with a museum, chapel, café, gift shop, and beautiful gardens where you can freely roam around. Mineral springs and Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens are just therapeutic. Most importantly, don’t forget to stop by the “Hot Chocolate Company” to enjoy a lip-smacking hot chocolate!
3. Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is another must-visit near the Daylesford area. These vast 100 acres of gardens have a spectacular lavender estate, beautiful country landscapes, a café, and a gift shop. Their handcrafted aromatherapy products are great for you and to gift to your loved ones! Make sure to visit during summer if you want to see the lavenders in full bloom. Check the dates on their website to enjoy the Lavender Festival with luscious Italian food and music!
4. Creswick Woollen Mills
Alpacas! If you love these weird creatures, how dare you miss Creswick Woollen Mills! Here, you not only get to pet and feed the alpacas but also learn how luxurious woollen products are made. The Gift shop is right on site if you fancy a luxury sweater that President Obama too liked! Yes, he’s worn one from Creswick Woollen Mills!
5. Grampians National Park
Why not do something challenging and sweat a little? Grampians National Park is 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from Ballarat, where you have plenty of walks and hikes to choose from. Halls Gap, Balconies, Hanging Rocks, Mt. William, and Pinnacle Lookout are a few of my favourites. If it’s the rainy season, waterfall hunting is a good idea too! Make sure to take your water, sunscreen, sunnies, and a hat!
6. Lamberly Gardens and Nurseries
If you want to know how beauty and sustainability go hand in hand in gardening, this is the place to go! This garden is never disappointing. No matter when you visit, there’s something in full bloom throughout the year. If you like a flower from the garden, there’s a nursery right there to buy the plant of your liking.
7. Warrnambool
Pulling you to the shores, Warrnambool is a two-hour drive from Ballarat. It’s an enviable combination of both land and sea. Beautiful cafes, beaches, lakes, and the most iconic maritime village are must-visits in Warrnambool. If you want to see the Southern Right whales swimming to the waters in Warrnambool, plan your trip during June and September, of course with your binoculars! If this boosts you to do the 240 km spectacular coastal Great Ocean Road trip, you’ve done Warrnambool right!
Now you know where to find more details! Yes, Google knows everything. Happy tripping! Catch you in another blog!