2-Day Ballarat Boutique Escape at Hotel Vera

Luxury Getaway with High Tea Picnic & Ballarat Tour

Book Now

A Luxury Ballarat Getaway, Thoughtfully Curated

Experience Ballarat at a slower, more refined pace with this thoughtfully curated 2-day escape.

Designed for travellers seeking a meaningful boutique getaway, this experience combines a stay at boutique Hotel Vera, a signature high tea picnic experience (or indoor high tea) at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and a story-led walking tour through Ballarat’s hidden streets and historic spaces.

Blending relaxed exploration with curated experiences, this is Ballarat at its most intimate and memorable. Available on Tuesday/Wednesday for instant booking, or request a date here.

Book now and enjoy:

  • A boutique stay at Hotel Vera, one of Ballarat’s most refined accommodations

  • A signature high tea picnic experience in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens

  • A relaxed, thoughtfully paced Ballarat 2-day itinerary

  • Curated local recommendations to explore beyond the usual tourist spots

  • An intimate walking tour uncovering Ballarat’s hidden history

Stay at Hotel Vera – Boutique Accommodation
in Ballarat

A beautifully restored heritage building offering boutique accommodation in the heart of Ballarat.

Your 2-Day Ballarat Itinerary

Day 1 — High Tea, Botanical Gardens & Hotel Vera

Arrive in Ballarat at your leisure before meeting your Hidden Lanes host for a beautifully prepared high tea picnic in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

Enjoy a generous selection of sweet and savoury treats in a relaxed garden setting, followed by time to explore the gardens and their stories.

As part of your Tuesday experience, you'll also have the opportunity to ride Ballarat's historic tram through the gardens, adding another little piece of living history to the afternoon.

In inclement weather, your high tea will be relocated to a charming historic indoor setting.

Afterwards, check into Hotel Vera, a beautifully restored boutique heritage residence combining Victorian character with contemporary design. The rest of your evening is yours to enjoy — relax at the hotel, head out for dinner, or explore Ballarat at your own pace.

Day 2 — Breakfast & Ballarat City Tales

Begin Wednesday with included breakfast at Hotel Vera before joining our signature Ballarat City Tales walking tour.

Departing at 10:00am, this relaxed, story-led walking experience takes you through hidden laneways, grand heritage streets and unexpected corners of the city, uncovering stories of Ballarat's gold rush past and the people who shaped the city it became.

Along the way, enjoy a hot beverage at Ballarat's oldest historic hotel. The tour concludes around lunchtime, leaving you free to enjoy lunch, continue exploring Ballarat or begin your journey home.

Sunset over a calm river with partly cloudy sky, trees on the left, and small buildings on the banks.
Historic building with clock tower and flag, street with streetlights and vehicles, under a clear sky during sunset.
A blurred outdoor scene with a table set for tea, displaying fine china teacups, a teapot, and a tray of snacks. The background features trees and outdoor lighting, suggesting a garden or park setting.
A woman with glasses and a wide-brimmed hat leans on a railing on a city street, with old buildings, trees, and parked cars in the background.
Close-up of a modern interior with green window frames, a textured white armchair, sheer white curtains, and a decorative bowl on a dark side table.
Two people sitting on a leather sofa inside a vintage-style living room with ornate wallpaper, dark wooden furniture, and a chandelier reflected in a large mirror. The man holds a cup, and the woman appears to be talking to him.
A decorative greenhouse surrounded by pink and purple flowers, green bushes, and tall trees under a blue sky with a few clouds.
A man and woman sitting outdoors on a picnic blanket, smiling, with a table of food including desserts and sushi in front of them, under a large tree on a sunny day.
Pink and purple orchids in a white vase on a wooden bedside table, with two brown glass vases beside it, next to a bed with a gray pillow and beige textured headboard.
A bedroom with a white headboard, white pillows, and a pink bedspread. There is a painting of an outdoor scene hanging above the bed. On each side of the bed, there are wooden nightstands with lamps and decorative items. Pink walls surround the room,

Hidden Lanes 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.

What’s Included in Your Ballarat Accommodation Package

Our most premium Ballarat experience, designed for those who value slower travel, thoughtful detail, and beautifully curated moments. Includes:

  • Vintage High Tea Picnic & experience at Lake Wendouree (12pm or 1pm Day 1)

  • 1-night boutique accommodation at Hotel Vera

  • Breakfast at Hotel Vera

  • Hidden Lanes City Tales walking tour (10am Day 2)

  • A signature Hidden Lanes Black Cockatoo apron & tea towel set

Book Now

Who This Ballarat Escape Is Perfect For

  • Travellers seeking a boutique Ballarat getaway

  • Couples looking for a relaxed, meaningful escape

  • Anyone wanting a curated Ballarat itinerary without the stress of planning

From $1,295 for two people

Weekend rates $1,395 for two people

Before You Book

  • This experience is available to book for immediate confirmation here, or for any day on request and confirmed within 24-48 hours.

  • Botanical Gardens high tea experience begins at 12pm (or 1pm).

  • The City Tales tour begins at 10:00am on Day 2 (arrival 10 min prior recommended)

  • Suitable for couples and small groups

  • Moderate walking involved

or call to book via 0455 528 733

Make a reservation

request a date

T: 0455 528 733
E: hello@hiddenlanes.com.au

Ballarat city guided walking tour - historical building

Ballarat Package FAQs

  • The tour goes for approximately 1 night and 2 days. Lunch, tea and drink is provided on day 1. Breakfast and Coffee/ hot drink on day 2 is provided.

  • 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 wintery days a hat and gloves are in order.

  • This package isn’t designed specifically for children, however please get in touch for suitable arrangements.

  • For assistance in booking please email hello@hiddenlanes.com.au or call 0455528733

    • Payment: Full payment required at time of booking

    • Rescheduling: Permitted up to 7 days before tour start

    Cancellation:

    7+ days before: Full refund, less any non-refundable third-party fees already paid
    3–6 days before: 50% refund, less any non-refundable third-party fees already paid
    Less than 72 hours before: No refund

    If Hidden Lanes cancels for any reason, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Slow travel

〰️

meander along laneways

〰️

buy local produce

〰️

stop and take photos

〰️

soak in the scenery

〰️

Slow travel 〰️ meander along laneways 〰️ buy local produce 〰️ stop and take photos 〰️ soak in the scenery 〰️