Things to do

From enriching hands-on creative experiences to hunting for ‘black gold’ at a local truffière or hitting the winding country roads through the Pyrenees wine region, your visit to the Ballarat region will see you return home remade.

Take part in a cooking class

Join Ballarat-based cook, baker, and entrepreneur Lilly Wright for a handson cooking experience that celebrates a melting pot of cultural cuisine from Malaysia, India, China, Borneo, Bali and beyond.

If it’s carbs you’re craving, wind down on a Saturday and learn the art of handcrafted Italian gnocchi. Hosted by Chef Dona and packed with practical knowledge, these popular masterclasses are always followed by a shared lunch. Take home some authentic skills and techniques that are sure to impress at your next dinner party.

flyingchillies.com carbonis.com.au

Join the hunt at Black Cat Truffles

There’s something satisfying about knowing exactly where your next meal has come from, but what makes the experience even more special is knowing you’ve had a hand in its creation.

The arrival of winter marks the start of truffle season, a time to unearth the aromatic delicacy that is black Perigord truffles. This careful extraction can only be done with the help of a truffle dog. blackcattruffles.com.au

Make something unique

An Australian-first, the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades is designed to preserve rare arts and trades, with artisans passing on their unique skills through public workshops and masterclasses. Learn the craft of cane rod construction, chair making and SAORI weaving, or choose to craft and design leadlight or use traditional techniques to design your own ring with Rachel Grose.

Workshops run across the year with a constantly changing program for beginners through to experts.

raretradescentre.com.au

Go beyond Ballarat

Situated about 30 minutes outside of Ballarat, the Pyrenees wine region is the sort of place you can drop in to for a couple of days or potter around for a week.

Cocoon at a day spa

Leave life stresses at the door and allow the attentive team of skilled therapists to take you on a decadent journey, and with an extensive list of private or group treatments, you’ll be relaxed in no time.

Pair a signature spa journey with he hydrotherapy pool and finish with refreshments in the relaxation lounge. Perfection.

ballaratsanctuary.com.au visitpyrenees.com.au

However long you manage to stay, you can’t help but have your fair share of delicious food and locally-produced wine. Our top picks include Wayward Winery and Mrs Baker’s Still House.

But eating and drinking isn’t all you’ll do here – it’s a gorgeous part of the country, with ironbark forests, flora and fauna reserves, great spots to picnic and lots of good bushwalking tracks, including at Mount Buangor and Mount Cole State Forests.

Stay the night at The Glut Farm or Unyoked cabins at Peerick Vineyard and Winery.

Chase waterfalls

You’re guaranteed one thing in winter, and that’s rain! But it’s not all that bad, because with rain comes roaring waterfalls. There’s no better time than winter to go chasing waterfalls in the region, so jump in the car and discover Lal Lal Falls.

The falls are believed to be the earthly home of Bunjil, the All Father and Creator to most Victorian Aboriginal communities.