Goldfields discovery Package: 3-day Ballarat & Clunes

Step into the stories of the Victorian Gold Rush on this curated 3-day slow travel experience in Ballarat and Clunes.

Designed for travellers who value depth, history, and connection, this unique package blends immersive storytelling, heritage architecture, and exceptional local dining. Discover hidden laneways and underground goldmines, indulge in a vintage lakeside picnic, and explore inside rarely seen goldfields-era buildings in the picturesque town of Clunes. With time to relax, reflect, and roam, this is a thoughtful regional escape for those who crave meaning in their travels.

✔️ Perfect for culture seekers, couples, and small groups
✔️ Includes immersive walking tours and exclusive access to heritage sites
✔️ Taste your way through Ballarat’s local flavours and distillery gems
✔️ Slow-paced itinerary with time for rest, exploration, and connection

Why these slow travel packages Are Unlike Anything Else:

We don’t just show you Ballarat & Clunes. We take you into its hidden history, secret spaces, and forgotten stories.

Each day is crafted for curious travellers who crave something different:

Real Stories, Not Just Facts → Uncover scandalous tales, underground secrets, and hidden gems most tourists never find.
Curated, Boutique Experiences → Forget crowded buses—our small-group and private tours offer an intimate and exclusive journey.
Beyond the Tourist Trail → From lost underground bakeries to secret basements, we take you where history still whispers.
Feel Like an Insider, Not a Tourist → With expert storytelling guides, you'll explore Ballarat like a local with a backstage pass.

What Our Guests Say:

“Hidden Lanes tours in Ballarat was such a great way to get to know the city as a new arrival! Jarrod really brought the history and local characters to life. Highly recommend if you’re looking to explore Ballarat’s hidden spots with a fun guide. A hidden treasure.” - Peter

3-day, 2-night Itinerary

Day 1 – the 1800’s in Ballarat

  • 12:00 PM: Victorian Vintage Picnic – A delightful 1880’s Victorian-inspired picnic lunch with tea. (In case of bad weather, a charming lakeside lunch at the historic Pipers Cafe.)

  • 1:00 PM: Self explore beautiful Lake Wendouree and Ballarat Botanical Gardens or have a doze on the picnic cushions.

  • 2:00 PM: Rest at the hotel.

  • 2:30-4:45 PM: Ballarat City Tales Tour – Uncover hidden laneways, local history, and intriguing tales from the goldfields with your knowledgeable, local guide.

  • 6:00 PM: (Dinner not included.) You're free to choose from Ballarat’s excellent eateries. We'll provide a curated list of local favourites, from cosy pubs to modern bistros.

Day 2 – Sovereign Hill & slow Food

  • 9:30 AM: Sovereign Hill Immersive Living Museum Experience – Step back in time at this historical living museum (optional horse carriage ride/Goldfields costume and photo experience).

  • 10:30AM: Underground goldmine tour

  • 12:00 PM: Australian pie & Devonshire Tea or Waffles – A hearty Australian meal followed by The New York Bakery’s famous waffles or scones with jam and cream.

  • 1:00 PM: Self explore Sovereign Hill, browse the sweets shops and other activities.

  • 2:00 PM: Rest at the hotel or self explore Ballarat.

  • 5:00PM: Ballarat Foodie & Gin Distillery Tour + Dinner Discover hidden tales of Ballarat’s culinary past, and taste some of Ballarat’s unique flavours and locally distilled gin with a knowledgeable guide.

Day 3 – Clunes Gold Rush

  • 9:30 AM: Clunes Goldfields Hidden Buildings Tour – Discover and explore inside hidden Clunes buildings, with exclusive access to the parts of the town where gold was first found in Victoria.

  • 11:30 AM: Explore Clunes – Self-explore local bookshops, antique stores and gift shops.

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at local cafe – (not included) Enjoy lunch at your own pace in Clunes, whether it’s sourdough sandwiches, café fare, or an old-world bakery.

  • 1:15 PM: Reconvene for a hot drink and head off to Ballarat Train Station.

  • 2:00 PM: Shuttle to Ballarat Train Station – Head back home or off to your next adventure.

Historic building with ornate architecture illuminated by sunset, with parked cars and a bus in front, next to a train station platform.
Fresco painting of a woman in white dress sitting on a chair with a potted plant and lanterns in a decorative room ceiling.
A person's hand holding a cocktail glass filled with a light yellow beverage, garnished with a dash of black powder on the rim.
Old, torn sign with the words 'Escape' and 'Rooms' visible, featuring an illustration of a pointing hand.
The upper part of a yellow wooden house with a gabled roof and five windows, set against a blue sky with clouds.
A historic town hall building with ornate architecture, arched windows, and a central entrance marked 'Town Hall,' with street lamps in front and a clock showing approximately 2:55.
A two-tiered pink floral serving stand with scones, clotted cream, jam, and lemon curd on a table in a cafe setting.

ballarat + Clunes luxury goldfields tour package Pricing & Inclusions

3-Day Package (all prices in Australian $)
$1495 per person (twin share) / $1655 solo traveler

Includes:
2 night boutique accommodation at Craig’s Royal Hotel
3 Hidden Lanes guided tours (Ballarat Foodie + Distillery Tour, Clunes Hidden Buildings & City Tales) valued at approx. $344)
Gin at local distillery
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Entry to Sovereign Hill & goldmine tour
Special Hidden Lanes Ballarat tea towel
Shuttle transportation between experiences

Transport Add-On: Private Melbourne-Ballarat return transfer available for $180 per person.

Inside a vintage thrift shop with a red wooden entrance, clothing, artwork, and household items displayed, and a sign reading 'J. Seark Butcher' above the door.

Upcoming Dates:

Limited spots, 5-12 people

small groups:

Small groups of 5-12 people may request custom dates.
Bookings via hello@hiddenlanes.com.au

P.S. Got Questions?

We’ve got you covered.

📩 Contact us at hello@hiddenlanes.com.au
📞 Call us at +61 455528733

Let’s make your Ballarat experience unforgettable.

Ballarat city guided walking tour - historical building

FAQ

  • The meeting point is at Craig’s Royal Hotel, or the Ballarat Railway Station (depending on your travel preference)

  • The tour goes for approximately 3 full days and includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner.

  • 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.

  • This tour isn’t designed specifically for children, however the package may still be enjoyable depending on the child/family. For families with children we recommend booking a private tour package so the pace/activities can be customized.

  • 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.

  • This tour requires a minimum of 4 people to run. We will contact you a month in advance if there are not enough numbers so you can cancel or reschedule your tour package.

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 〰️