Discover Ballarat’s Best-Kept Secrets on Hidden Lanes Walking Tours
Forget the Same Old Tourist Traps… Step Into a Ballarat You Never Knew Existed
Ballarat is more than gold rush stories and historic buildings. Beneath its grand facades lie hidden lanes, underground secrets, vintage treasures, and forgotten tales—if you know where to look. But most visitors never uncover the real stories behind this historic city. They wander the same busy streets, snap the same photos, and leave without ever truly experiencing Ballarat. If you're looking for a deeply immersive, story-rich adventure—one that goes beyond the tourist trail—you’re in the right place.
Why These Walking Tours Are Unlike Anything Else in Ballarat
We don’t just show you Ballarat. We take you into its hidden history, secret spaces, and forgotten stories.
Each tour is crafted for curious travellers who crave something different:
Real Stories, Not Just Facts → Uncover scandalous tales, underground secrets, and hidden gems most tourists never find.
Curated, Boutique Experiences → Forget crowded buses—our small-group and private tours offer an intimate and exclusive journey.
Beyond the Tourist Trail → From lost underground bakeries to secret basements, we take you where history still whispers.
Feel Like an Insider, Not a Tourist → With expert storytelling guides, you'll explore Ballarat like a local with a backstage pass.
“Myself and 2 girlfriends had a blast…
Will be back to explore further as more to see yet!
— Janita
Choose your own Ballarat adventure
1. City Tales Tour + Coffee (2.5 Hours)
Step into Ballarat’s laneways, legends, and lost history on our signature walking tour. Includes a coffee or chai at a historic café.
Perfect for: History lovers, slow travellers, and first-time visitors.
Book Now →
2. Secret Ballarat Tour (1.5 Hour)
Short on time? Discover Ballarat’s forgotten places and scandalous past in just over an hour! The ultimate bite-sized history hit.
Perfect for: Travellers looking for a quick but fascinating experience.
Book Now →
3. Ballarat in Style: Vintage Fashion & Culture Tour (3 Hours)
A tour for those who love slow travel, hidden gems, and beautiful things. Shop Ballarat’s best vintage spots with exclusive discounts and indulge in afternoon tea.
Perfect for: Culture seekers, fashion lovers, and those who love a good story with their shopping.
Book Now →
4. The Ultimate Ballarat Discovery Package (1-2 days)
A full-day experience for those who want it all—Secret Ballarat, City Tales or Vintage Fashion, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park and/or lunch at a historic café and vintage picnic.
Perfect for:International visitors & history lovers who want a deep dive into Ballarat’s past.
Book Your Hidden Ballarat Adventure Now!
Spots are limited! Our tours sell out fast, and group sizes are kept small for a boutique experience.
Don’t miss your chance to discover Ballarat’s best-kept secrets. Book your tour now!
P.S. Got Questions?
Not sure which tour is right for you? Need a private group experience? We’ve got you covered.
📩 Contact us at 0455 528 741
📞 Call us at hello@hiddenlanes.com.au
Let’s make your Ballarat experience unforgettable.
Slow travel
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meander along laneways
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buy local produce
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stop and take photos
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soak in the scenery
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Slow travel 〰️ meander along laneways 〰️ buy local produce 〰️ stop and take photos 〰️ soak in the scenery 〰️
Inspired by
Korea’s
Jeju Island
Hidden Lanes founders, Jarrod and Emma Hall, spent nine years in South Korea, where they documented slow travel experiences, including a walking and cycling journey through Jeju Island’s hidden gems.
Their film about the experience was featured in international film festivals. Inspired by this, they created Ballarat’s Hidden Lanes tours—bringing the same sense of discovery, rich storytelling, and off-the-beaten-path experiences to travellers looking to slow down and connect with history, culture, and place.
thanks to our sponsors
With thanks to local historians Dr. David Waldron and Doug Bradby. This project was made possible by the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.
This tour was developed on the Country of the Wadawurrung who have performed age old cultural ceremonies, celebrations and traditions here for thousands of years. We would like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders past and present.