Ballarat foodie & Gin Distillery walking Tour

Ballarat’s #1 Experience for Foodies & Gin Lovers
If you only have 1 day in Ballarat… make it this. Discover the hidden heart of Ballarat through food, flavour, and story.
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BOOK YOUR TOUR

Adults: $159
Seniors/students/concession: $127

tour At a Glance

Duration: 2.5-3 hrs

Focus: Ballarat’s foodie history, food and gin tastings, lunch

Ticket type: mobile

Group size: 3-10

Tour type: private or group

Meeting point: Ballarat Railway Station (main foyer)

Included: 4-5 various gin tastings (approx. one standard drink in total), a variety of local Ballarat dishes, local tour guide, slow travel digital guide

Accessibility: Wheelchair friendly, please notify when booking

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before. Private tour bookings accepted, just get in touch. There is a minimum of 3 people needed to run the group tour. If numbers are not met you will be able to reschedule or get a full refund.

Reservations are essential, cut-off time is 3 hrs before the tour! Also available for private group bookings, just email us.

Is this tour right for me?

This tour is perfect as a day trip or as part of a weekend away in Ballarat for adults of any age to enjoy the local food and rich history of Ballarat. Perfect for couples and groups of friends or family. Note - gin tastings are around standard drink in total.

Two people sit facing each other in a room with large windows, heavy draped curtains, and a small round table between them, in a conversation.
A historic clock tower building with ornate architectural details, illuminated by golden sunlight against a clear blue sky.
Two women are sitting at a bar counter, clinking glasses with a male bartender with shelves of liquor bottles behind him and large brewing equipment visible in the background.
Four whiskey glasses on a tray with one hand holding a glass with the logo 'Tinnerant Spirits' in front of a burning fireplace.
A historic building with a clock tower and a sign that reads
Historic building labeled 'Fine Art Gallery' with multiple large windows and decorative columns, situated on a street with parked cars in front.
Three people enjoying an afternoon tea, with a three-tiered tray of assorted pastries and scones in the center of the table. The woman on the right is laughing, the man in the middle is smiling, and the woman on the left is holding a phone, all seate
Child riding an electric scooter on a city street during sunset, with historic buildings and parked cars on either side.
A two-tiered serving stand with scones, jam, clotted cream, and lemon curd, garnished with powdered sugar, in a cozy cafe setting.
A black and white photo of a historic downtown street with a prominent two-story building with a large balcony, and a horse-drawn carriage parked nearby.
A pizza with mozzarella and tomato toppings on a wooden serving board on a wooden table, with a menu from The Forge Pizzeria in the foreground and a glass of water to the side.
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tour bonuses: get a free Ballarat art print + Ballarat Slow travel guide (worth $39 total)

For every ticket holder, they will also receive an A5 Ballarat art print (Ballarat black cockatoo or swan) and the Ballarat Slow Travel Digital Guide to explore further on your own!

Experience the soul of Ballarat in 3 hours – artisan gin, chef-led tastings, secret laneways.

On this 2.5-3 hour small-group walking tour, you’ll slow down and tune in. Wander from laneways to lounges, hear stories from the past, and meet the passionate people shaping Ballarat’s modern food scene.

You’ll enjoy:

  • A guided walk through historic streets and tucked-away corners

  • A tasting flight at one of Ballarat’s award-winning gin distilleries

  • A delicious progressive lunch showcasing regional ingredients

  • Historical tales of Ballarat’s rich past and it’s current artisanal foodie scene

  • A stunning Devonshire tea in the Craig’s Royal Hotel secluded and grand Reading Room.

This tour has great vegetarian options, please indicate when booking. Unfortunately vegan, dairy and gluten free options are not available at this time. Please get in touch if you have other allergies and we may be able to assist you. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided to under 18s. Gin tastings provided equal approximately one standard drink.

“Totally AWESOME! This tour had everything; local food treats, artisanal gin, unique food pairing and diverse cultural cuisines showcasing Ballarat’s history.”

- Noey

FAQ’s

  • The meeting point is at the Ballarat Railway Station inside the main foyer (tiled area).

  • Our tastings are well below one standard drink in total, spread across 2.5 hours. For most guests, this is within safe driving limits — especially with food — but individual tolerance varies. If you're unsure, we recommend arranging alternate transport to stay on the safe side.

  • The tour goes for approximately 2.5 -3 hrs and includes food breaks along the way.

  • Parking is available on street, otherwise catch the train straight there!

  • Ballarat's weather is... infamous - be prepared for anything. Having said this, Mark Twain, the American writer was a big fan of Ballarat's weather when he visited in 1895!

    However, bring a warm jacket and brolly and comfortable walking shoes. On icy winter days a hat and gloves are in order. The tour will go ahead regardless of the weather - we spend most of the time indoors.

  • For assistance in booking please email hello@hiddenlanes.com.au or call 0455528741

Acknowledgement

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.