Best of Ballarat
Day Trips from Ballarat: Goldfields, Wineries and the Great Ocean Road
Ballarat's central position in Victoria makes it an excellent base for day trips across the goldfields and beyond. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, about 45 minutes to the northeast, are Victoria's spa and wellness destination, with mineral springs, bathhouses and a strong food and accommodation scene. Bendigo, another major goldfields city, is about an hour and 40 minutes northeast and offers its own excellent art gallery, heritage buildings and the Central Deborah Gold Mine. The Great Ocean Road is approximately two hours south via Colac, making a long day trip feasible for those wanting to see the Twelve Apostles. The Grampians National Park is around 90 minutes west, with sandstone ranges, wildflowers and Aboriginal rock art.
The Daily Ballarat brief
Love Ballarat? Get the daily briefing, free.
- 1
Melbourne
Two hours by train from Ballarat's historic station, Melbourne is the most natural day trip from Victoria's second city, with world-class food, galleries and sport.
- 2
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
Forty minutes east of Ballarat, Daylesford is Victoria's spa country with mineral springs, boutique accommodation and a thriving farmers' market.
- 3
Castlemaine and the Mount Alexander Region
An arts-driven goldfields town 70km north-east of Ballarat, known for the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park and a strong gallery and café culture.
- 4
Grampians National Park
A spectacular mountain range 100km west of Ballarat, with granite peaks, Aboriginal rock art, waterfalls and the town of Halls Gap.
- 5
Bendigo
A sister goldfields city 100km north of Ballarat with its own impressive heritage architecture, the Golden Dragon Museum and the acclaimed Bendigo Art Gallery.
Missing from this guide?
Suggest a Ballarat business
Sponsored placements