BALLARAT: in searCh of the golden city

Gold! Greed! Rebellion! From spectacular fortunes and notorious criminals to unlikely heroes and the fight for democracy, discover the wild, wonderful and sometimes wicked stories hiding behind Ballarat's grand Victorian streets on this 60-minute walking tour.

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ballarat:

in search of the golden city 

  • Discover Ballarat's extraordinary gold rush history, from dazzling fortunes and rebellion to the fight for democracy.

  • Small-group walking tour filled with fascinating stories, colourful characters and plenty of laughs.

  • Explore grand Victorian streets, historic landmarks and hidden corners of the Golden City.

  • See the old market district, the hillside where troopers camped before squashing rebellion, and the oldest Gold Rush hotel in Victoria.

  • Hear stories of fiery fueds, astonishing assassination attempts, spectacular stand offs, and monumental mix-ups!

Perfect for couples, friends, families and curious travellers looking to discover Ballarat's extraordinary history in a short but entertaining experience. Approximately 60 minutes, relaxed walking pace. An ideal addition to your Sovereign Hill visit!

THE STORY OF BALLARAT

Ballarat: In Search of the Golden City is a lively 60-minute walking tour that brings Ballarat's extraordinary past to life through colourful characters, dramatic events and some truly outrageous stories. From gold rush fortunes and the Eureka Rebellion to grand Victorian architecture and the fight for democracy, discover how this remarkable city helped shape Australia.

Your local guide takes you through the historic heart of Ballarat, revealing the fascinating stories hiding behind its magnificent buildings and elegant streets. Expect larger-than-life characters, surprising twists, a little scandal and plenty of laughs along the way!

Your In Search of the Golden City tour includes:

  • An entertaining 60-minute small-group walking tour

  • A local guide in period-inspired attire

  • Fascinating tales of gold, greed, rebellion, crime and colourful characters

  • Stories of the Eureka Rebellion and the birth of modern Australian democracy

  • Ballarat's grand Victorian architecture, historic streets and hidden corners

  • Landmarks including Craig's Royal Hotel, Town Hall, Camp Street and the historic Mining Exchange

  • A relaxed, easy-paced route with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos

Perfect for visitors short on time, this entertaining introduction to Ballarat's history is also a wonderful complement to a visit to Sovereign Hill.

Close-up of a bookshelf with various old, colorful books tightly packed together. Titles include "Burns Poetical Works," "The Story of Doctor," and "The Postmaster."

“The highlight of our stay in Ballarat!! My husband and I highly recommend this walking tour. … brought to life the history of Ballarat with lots of fun stories and facts! ” - adrielle

JOIN the WALKING TOUR

Meeting point: Ballarat Train Station

Duration: Approx. 60 minutes

Price: $45 per person, $35 senior/child (children under 6 free), family ticket $99 (2 adults, 2 children)

Tours run: Scheduled departures most days, with private group tours available on request

Group size: Small-group experience

Includes: Entertaining historical storytelling, fascinating local characters, gold rush history, grand Victorian architecture and plenty of laughs!

Walking distance: Short city-centre route at a relaxed pace

Accessibility: City streets with some uphill sections; contact us if you have mobility needs

Need more info? Email hello@hiddenlanes.com.au or call/SMS 0455 528 741.

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Ballarat streetscape featuring historic buildings in sunset light, with parked cars in front, displaying ornate architectural details and intricate ironwork.

BOOK A PRIVATE WALKING TOUR

Your own guide, your own group, and a departure time that suits you.

Enjoy Ballarat: In Search of the Golden City as a private experience. It’s ideal for couples, families, visiting friends and relatives, workplaces, conference guests, schools, social groups and special occasions.

We’ll keep the rich storytelling, hidden details and relaxed pace of our signature Ballarat walking tour, but you’ll get your own guide, your own group and a departure time that suits you.

• Duration: flexible, approx. 50 to 90 minutes
• Group size: 1–17 guests
• Private tour price: from $210, covering up to 6 adult/concession guests
• Additional guests: $35 adults, $30 child/seniors
• Children under 6: free
• Optional: add a relaxed lunch stop during the tour
• Meeting point: Ballarat Train Station
• Accessibility: easy walk for most guests. Please let us know about mobility needs when booking.

Request a private tour

T: 0455 528 741
E: hello@hiddenlanes.com.au

Historic buildings with clock towers at sunset in an urban area, with a lamppost in the foreground.
A man with glasses, wearing a flat cap, striped shirt, and suspenders, standing outdoors near a black wrought-iron fence and a fountain, with historic buildings and a clock tower in the background under a clear blue sky.
Elegant dining room with white tablecloth-covered tables, wooden chairs, ornate golden framed tapestries on the walls, a fireplace with a marble mantel, and two large, sparkling chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
A group of five people, mostly women, walking along a city street on a sunny day, with some wearing sun hats. The man in front seems to be explaining something as they pass by a storefront with large windows.
Group of people sitting around a wooden table in a vintage-style room, engaging in conversation. There is a man wearing a flat cap and suspenders holding a cup, with a woman sitting beside him. The background features an ornate mirror, a fireplace, a

RECENT GUEST REVIEWS

  • Photograph of a man with glasses and a beard, wearing a light-colored shirt with suspenders, making a gesture with his right hand, standing in front of a blackboard or wall with white chalk drawings.
  • A social media review post titled "Lovely laneways" with five photos: two showing tarot cards and window panes, and three showing a man in vintage attire holding a book or tablet, walking outdoors near wooden walls and signs.
  • Review of a walking tour in Ballarat with Jarrod, describing a historical and engaging experience.
  • Review of a walking tour by Deborah K from Melbourne, Australia, promoting a tour called "A Fantabulous Walking Tour - you won't be disappointed!!!" scheduled for July 2025, highlighting interesting historical and quirky facts.
  • Photo of a city street with buildings, trees, cars, and a clear blue sky.
  • Google Maps review for a walking tour of Ballarat, Australia with five green dots indicating a five-star rating, written by Jane O, praising the knowledgeable guide and enjoyable experience.
A group of people wearing sun hats and casual clothing standing outdoors near a historic building with a clock tower and an Australian flag flying in the background.

  • The meeting point is at the Ballarat Train Station in Ballarat Central. You’ll receive a precise meeting point in your confirmation email. Please arrive 5 minutes before departure time.

  • The tour goes for approximately 1 hour.

  • There’s lots of on-street parking available in Ballarat Central or at Ballarat Train Station.

  • 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. (The exception to this is if we receive an extreme weather warning from BOM - in that case we’ll cancel and you’ll receive a refund or credit, whichever you prefer!)

  • This tour is enjoyable for most children. Children under 6 years old are free if accompanied by a paying adult.

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

With thanks to local historians Dr. David Waldron and Doug Bradby.
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.