2-Day Ballarat Boutique Escape with Hotel Vera, High Tea Picnic & Walking Tour

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

Designed for travellers who value atmosphere, design, and meaningful connection, this experience combines a Hidden Lanes walking tour with a signature vintage high tea picnic and a stay at the beautifully restored Hotel Vera.

Blending guided storytelling with relaxed exploration, this is Ballarat experienced with intention.

Lola Montez, Hidden Lanes Ballarat Walking Tour

Why You’ll Love It

  • A premium boutique stay at Hotel Vera

  • A signature high tea picnic experience in a stunning historic Botanical Garden

  • A balance of guided storytelling and relaxed exploration

  • Thoughtfully curated recommendations to explore Ballarat your way

  • A slower, more intentional regional escape

What Our Guests Say:

“Hidden Lanes in Ballarat was such a great way to get to know the city…Jarrod really brought the history and local characters to life. A hidden treasure.” - Peter

The experience

Day 1 - Stories & Slow Discovery

Your experience begins with a Hidden Lanes City Tales walking tour, offering a rich introduction to Ballarat’s history, architecture, and hidden corners.

Following the tour, the afternoon is yours to enjoy.

You might choose to:

  • Explore Ballarat’s historic streets and hidden arcades

  • Visit a gallery or museum

  • Relax at a café or wine bar

  • Return to Hotel Vera and soak in the atmosphere

For those wanting to explore further, optional visits to Sovereign Hill or the Ballarat Wildlife Park can be enjoyed independently.

Check in to Hotel Vera and enjoy a relaxed evening at your own pace.

Day 2 – Slow Morning & Lakeside Picnic

Begin your day with breakfast at Hotel Vera, taking your time to enjoy the calm, considered atmosphere.

The morning is yours to decompress and ease into. You might take a gentle stroll, enjoy a coffee nearby, or simply relax before the day unfolds.

At around midday, you’ll enjoy a beautifully styled Vintage High Tea Picnic overlooking Lake Wendouree, featuring a curated selection of sweet and savoury treats.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Botanical Gardens, wandering along the lake, or simply relaxing before your departure.

What’s Included

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

  • 1-night boutique accommodation at Hotel Vera

  • Breakfast at Hotel Vera

  • Hidden Lanes City Tales walking tour (10:30am)

  • Vintage High Tea Picnic at Lake Wendouree

  • Access to curated local recommendations and self-guided exploration ideas

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

A vintage living room setting with two young women sitting on a dark brown leather sofa. They are smiling and engaging with each other. There is a large ornate mirror with a wooden frame hanging behind them, reflecting a chandelier and a clock. On the wooden coffee table in front of them is a decorative porcelain jar. The room has patterned wallpaper and an intricate carpet.

Who This goldfields experience Is For

This experience is ideal for:

  • Travellers with an interest in history and heritage

  • Couples seeking a relaxed regional escape

  • Visitors who enjoy a balance of guided insight and independent exploration

Important Notes

  • This experience is available on request and confirmed within 24 hours

  • The City Tales tour begins at 10:30am on Day 1 (arrival prior recommended)

  • Suitable for couples (twin share)

  • Moderate walking involved on the guided tour

or call to book via 0455 528 741

Ballarat city guided walking tour - historical building

FAQ

  • The meeting point is out the front of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Bakery Hill. Please arrive 5 minutes before departure time.

  • The tour goes for approximately 1 night and 2 days. Coffee/ hot drink on day 1 is provided, and on day 2 breakfast 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 the package may still be enjoyable depending on the child/family.

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

    • Bookings close: 4 weeks before departure

    • Payment: Full payment required at time of booking

    • Rescheduling: Permitted up to 30 days before tour start

    Cancellation Policy:

    • 30+ days before: Full refund

    • 15–29 days before: 50% refund

    • Less than 14 days: No refund

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

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 〰️