Wild Women of Ballarat
- WalkinG Tour
At a Glance
Celebrate the Spirited women who Built Ballarat
Duration: 1.25-1.5 hrs
Ticket type: mobile
Group size: 2-12
Tour type: private or scheduled
Meeting point: 44 Main Road, Bakery Hill
Included: Ballarat art print, hosted guided walking tour
BOOK YOUR TOUR
Tickets: $69
Discover Ballarat through the women who helped shape it and those making their mark today.
Discover Ballarat through the women who helped shape it, and those making their mark today.
Join local guide Emma for a walking tour through historic streets and hidden corners, uncovering stories of ambition, creativity, courage and everyday ingenuity.
From the goldfields to the present, hear about women who built businesses, challenged expectations and brought communities together. Some names may be familiar; others deserve to be better known.
Historic photographs, family memories and glimpses into Ballarat’s creative life bring these stories closer. A vanished streetscape or an unexpected local connection might change the way you see the city.
Victoria’s First travelling sales woman Tilly Thompson…
Unlike what you may expect, ever since the Goldrush in the 1800s, Ballarat’s fashion industry has been driven by rather remarkable women. One of them (among many) was Tilly Thompson - who was both daring and creative. She became Victoria’s first travelling saleswoman. She started as a teenager… and stayed nearly half a century, rising to lead one of Australia’s most remarkable women-run fashion houses, right here in Ballarat. But that’s just a little snippet of her story! Join the Ballarat Vintage Fashion Tour to delve into the intriguing tales of Ballarat’s fashion industry.
tour bonus: get a free Ballarat art print
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The meeting point is at 44 Main Road, Bakery Hill at the Mural. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, we will go down some uneven alleyways and do a bit of walking.
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The tour goes for approximately 1.25 to 1.5 hrs.
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Parking is available around Big W.
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Ballarat's driving culture is a bit different - the unwritten rule of the road here is that cars have the right of way-and they go fast! When crossing the road, if a vehicle is still moving, try to establish eye contact and wait till they stop. Do not just follow the tour guide crossing the road, only cross when it is safe for you to do so, the group will wait for you on the other side of the road.
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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.
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For assistance in booking please email hello@hiddenlanes.com.au or call 0455528733
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.