What are the best Ballarat tours for exploring local history?
Explore Ballarat with walking tours that reveal the city’s most intriguing stories and hidden treasures. From historic streets steeped in drama to eerie ghostly encounters and underground shops with centuries-old graffiti, each tour offers a unique perspective on Ballarat’s vibrant past and present.
Ballarat was once one of the richest cities in the world and is now a treasure trove of secrets and fascinating tales. A walking tour is the best way to discover what Ballarat has to offer as well delving into the rich stories and colorful characters behind its majestic streetscapes.
Intriguing History on the Ballarat City Tales Walking Tour
Step off the beaten path and explore Ballarat’s history through awe-inspiring architecture and dramatic tales of its gloriously quirky past. The Hidden Lanes’ City Tales Tour is a 2.5-hour walking tour, beginning at the historic Main Road precinct, that takes you on a whimsical exploration of Ballarat’s historic streets, artsy corners, and grand boulevards, all while revealing hidden stories of violent rebellion and fateful discovery from the city’s past. The tour even includes a coffee break and a unique local art print to take home as a souvenir.
While we can’t give our feedback of what it’s like on the tour, as we run them, we’ve found that people of all ages love the tours.
“What a fascinating walking tour. Soooo interesting with lots of historical and some "quirky" facts supplied by our guide Jarrod. Lots of oooh and aaah moments. Don't miss this tour.” Jane
Runs most Saturdays at 10:30 AM and custom tour times here.
Spooky history on the Ballarat Ghost Tour
Are you brave enough to face the supernatural - in the dark? On the Ballarat Ghost Tour, you’ll discover the haunted side of the city after dark. We weren’t prepared how spooky this tour would be, with spine-chilling stories of lingering spirits, haunted buildings, and supernatural encounters!
You’ll also learn a lot about the dark side of Ballarat’s history and what it was like to live in Ballarat during the gold rush. Stories abound of violence, alcoholism, crime, and tragically doomed young love.
Perfect for thrill-seekers and ghost story lovers - and definitely not for the faint of heart! It’s always very chilly in Ballarat at night, so we recommend rugging up more than you think.
Friday & Saturday nights. Book via Eerie Tours here.
Ballaarat Mechanics Institute Day Tour - Historic building Tour
This one is for the curious minds. The Ballaarat Mechanics Institute Day Tour offers an insider’s view into one of the city’s oldest cultural institutions. Established in 1859, the Mechanics Institute has been the centre of education and culture for generations. The tour allows you to explore its beautiful reading rooms, secret basement space (complete with 19th century graffiti), and its rich collection of historic books, paintings, and curiosities.
Tours run most Tuesdays at 2pm or by appointment and can be prebooked via ballaratmi.org.au
Whether you love historic laneways, ghostly tales, or the rich heritage of its institutions, Ballarat’s charm and history are best experienced on foot. Put on your walking shoes and gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable city.
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