Ballarat Foodie & Gin Distillery Tour

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Experience the soul of Ballarat in 3 hours – artisan gin, slow food tastings, secret laneways.

Step off the main drag and follow Hidden Lanes into Ballarat’s rich food scene — a three-hour lunchtime wander through heritage laneways, old hotels and tucked-away bars. Over shared plates and tastings, you’ll discover how Ballarat became one of Victoria’s most surprising food destinations, from its gold-rush past to Australia’s very first Chinese restaurant, opened right here by a Hong Kong entrepreneur named Johnny Alloo.
Relaxed, small-group tours, with private options available from Thursday to Sunday. Come hungry, come curious, and see Ballarat’s food culture the way locals do.

You’ll enjoy:

  • A guided tour through historic streets and tucked-away lanes

  • 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 tower.

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.

tour At a Glance

BOOK YOUR TOUR

Adults: $159
Seniors/students/concession: $147

Duration: 2.5-3 hrs

Focus: Ballarat’s foodie history, slow food, gin flight (4 gin tastings), progressive lunch

Ticket type: mobile

Group size: 3-10

Tour type: private or group

Meeting point: Ballarat Railway Station (main foyer)

Included: Gin flight including 4 various gins (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

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

Reserve your spot
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 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.
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.
A two-tiered serving stand with scones, jam, clotted cream, and lemon curd, garnished with powdered sugar, in a cozy cafe setting.
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 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.
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“Totally AWESOME! This tour had everything; local food treats, artisanal gin, unique food pairing and diverse cultural cuisines showcasing Ballarat’s history.”

- Noey

Recent Reviews

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!

FAQ’s

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

  • The gin tasting flight is around standard drink in total, and enjoyed with local cheeses. 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!

  • We spend most of the tour indoors. But please note, 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.