Celebrating the people, places and events that make Ballarat Spring / Summer SCAN ME Experiencing artisanal magic: new way to get hands-on A flourishing of the rare trades Spoilt for choice: Ballarat’s booming eat, drink and stay scene
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In Wadawurrung calendars, the year is divided into six seasons. Early spring begins from mid-July, and spring is marked from September through to October. Seaberry saltbush flowers bloom, snakes and lizards come out from hibernation and clans would gather for festivals – celebrating the beauty of the land.
Ballaarat Ballaarat – the Wadawarrung term for ‘resting place’. Indeed, it is a place which beckons one and all to enter therein, find repose and take delight in the wonders that abound.
The coming of each season traditionally affected how people moved around the region, as it continues to do so today. When the flowers bloom and the sun decides to (more prominently) make itself known amidst the clouds, so too do we feel more excited about the prospect of heading out and celebrating the coming of the new season. Springtime is one of the most idyllic times to explore Ballarat and surrounds. Not only is the weather mild and becoming, but the produce is fresh, the harvest rich and the resulting fare palatable – enabling many an experience that is rich and celebratory.
Over the next few months, Ballarat will be offering a series of artisan experiences set to enrich one’s springtime visit and provide further insights into the workings and creative processes of local artisan producers, growers and makers. From micro brewing to urban beekeeping, boutique distilling to winemaking, these experiences are sure to harness the curiosities that lie latent within travellers and locals alike. Springtime is synonymous with renewal. As the cold and bleakness of winter fades, our natural surroundings rejoice in praise of a new day. Flicking through this publication, we hope you too are inspired with ideas to spur on your spring festivities as you ready yourself for the next chapter of your 2022. – Team Made of Ballarat
Page 8 - 9 Spoilt for choice Page 11 5 ways to explore the great outdoors in Ballarat Page 13 5 ways to embrace art and creativity in Ballarat
What’s Inside Page 4 - 5 Experiencing artisanal magic Page 6 - 7 A flourishing of the rare trades
Cover image Bushwalking on Mount Buninyong Image: We Are Explorers
Page 14 - 15 What’s on?
Page 17 Eat and Drink Page 19 Stay Page 20 - 22 Things to do Made of Ballarat is created and printed in Ballarat. Published by City of Ballarat. madeofballarat.com marketing@ballarat.vic.gov.au All information correct at time of printing. Please check for COVID-19 restrictions changes ahead of your visit. Printed by Low Co2 Certified Printer Sovereign Press Pty Ltd Ballarat Image: The view from Mount Buninyong – We Are Explorers
The City of Ballarat acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Acknowledgement
artisanalExperiencingmagic
Image: We Are Explorers.
Each of these experiences not only showcases the brilliant talents that exist within our community of craftspeople, but gives you, our guests, the opportunity to harness your inner creative as you expand your knowledge, enrich your heart and feed your soul – all while appreciating the very beauty that our land yields each and every day.
With the dawn of springtime comes the opportunity to unearth certain marvels previously unheard of. Marvels left to bloom for a sunny day –left for us to admire as we while the day away.
Over the coming months, Ballarat is set to deliver a smorgasbord of unique experiences that reveal the artisanal glory that lives and breathes within the city’s very core. Just book your spot then admire the stunning natural vistas as you tour the region’s acclaimed wineries; try your hand at distilling and bottling your own botanical-infused gin; enhance your knowledge of bushfoods and devour the finest flavours of native Australia; embrace your inner hunter-gatherer as you harvest your own vegetables and catch and eat your own trout; learn all about the machinations of a working bee colony and test your skills as a honey sommelier or; forage through the forest for your own pieces of delicate, delicious, edible gold (we’re referring to truffles).
Nestled amidst the rolling sheep grazing paddocks on the outskirts of Ballarat sits the stunning Eastern Peake winery. Offering panoramic views of the Creswick Valley, the winery’s long-standing philosophy is that great wines are produced from healthy vineyards, with the wine always reflecting the place where it’s grown, never the winemaker himself.
Join the ever-passionate Owen Latta on a guided winery tour as he shares the farming and winemaking philosophy behind the production of his award-winning range of wines. Cast into vintage as a teenager more than two decades ago, Owen’s natural approach to his craft is driven by the trust he holds for his family vineyard and the growers he works with. With a somewhat magical hands-off approach to his winemaking, this tour is sure to ignite one’s curiosities. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the viticulture process as you taste wines resting in barrel and tank, check in on the vital malolactic fermentation, taste current vintages and museum wines, and savour share plates of locally-sourced artisan cheeses and charcuterie – all while feeling inspired by Owen’s passion and craftsmanship.
Image: MDP Photography and Video.
Journey from raw coffee bean through to roasted glory
Image: We Are Explorers.
Image: MDP Photography and Video. Image: MDP Photography and Video. Image: MDP Photography and Video.
Nestled in between the iconic Mount Warrenheip and Mount Buninyong, Inglenook Dairy has fast earned a name for itself as one of the most sustainable, respected, and ethical farms in the industry. With its products going through minimal processes, the dairy has received multiple accolades and is renowned for its distinct, pure taste – owed to the fact that it’s 100% milk. Blend your own gin from the secret world of plants
This session is held at Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat in a beautiful tree-lined street in Amanda and Scott’s very own home. Their urban farm boasts a Mediterranean-inspired food forest – worth writing home about in and of itself.
5 Issue 5 / spring summer 2022
Discover the herbs, orchard fruits, indigenous species and traditional botanicals used to make gin at Mrs Baker’s Still House – an unassuming rural distillery nestled in the hills of the Pyrenees Ranges. Discover the flavour components harnessed by distillation and tour the micro distillery before tasting up to 15 individual distillations such as juniper, citrus, coffee, and pepperberry and deciding upon your own signature gin. Build on the traditional blend of botanicals and harness the scientist within as you blend your own gin and bottle into one of Mrs Baker’s apothecary-style bottles.
Hold a honey frame full of bees, taste warm fresh honey straight from the hive,
Immerse yourself in the curiosities of working honey bees
Image: Karon Farm Coffee.
Discover the workings of a historic dairy farm and learn about its profound evolution amidst a struggling industry as part of this unique experience at Inglenook Dairy. As well as learning about the farm’s fascinating history, you’ll discover how milk is processed, try your own hand at churning cream into butter, watch state-of-the-art factory equipment in action, sample awardwinning dairy products, and mix up your own butter flavours to take home.
Immerse yourself in a curious experience at an urban apiary site in the centre of Ballarat. Designed to provide insights into the secret life of bees, the farm is owned by local beekeepers Amanda Collins and Scott Denno, who will take you on a hands-on journey through a working bee hive – providing expert commentary on the machinations of a honey bee colony.
Discover the tales behind the ales
Familiarise yourself with a range of craft and accessible beers from Ballarat’s premier brewpub Aunty Jacks. Tour the brewery’s niceties – fashioned of upcycled materials and curiosities – before sitting back and being guided through a tasting paddle as you’re provided with unique insights into the tales behind the ales. Savour fresh brews right from the source, all paired with matching food from local producers. With sustainable processes key to the Aunty Jacks ethos, this brewpub experience will be one to remember. Learn, churn and taste at a historic dairy farm amongst the countryside
Savour the top drops with a tour of Eastern Peake
Coffee enthusiasts are in for a real treat as part of an experience conducted by Ballarat’s own Karon Farm Coffee. Hosted by owner and founder Luke McPherson, the experience will explore different methods of coffee brewing – from plunger to batch brew to espresso – and take you on a journey that will delight all the senses while enhancing your understanding of the roasting process. A coffee geek’s paradise filled to the brim with machines, roasters and industrial gear, the coffee factory is Luke’s pride and joy. Having started coffee roasting as a hobby in 2003, Luke trialled, tested, blended and roasted until he discovered the perfect flavour for his own morning brew, eventually turning his side hustle into a full-time, awardwinning business. For a full list of artisan experiences head to BOOKINGSmadeofballarat.com.ESSENTIAL.
observe and understand bee behaviours and assigned colony roles, and test your own skills as a honey sommelier. Round off your session with some fresh honey from the hive and a taste of unique honey flavours in a curated honey and mead tasting session.
“Our ambition is to connect people to lifelong learning. We believe in human capability and the mastery of practice and are passionate about preserving the knowledge and ability of those that have come before us.” The centre’s first workshops will launch in October. Wadawurrung weaver Tammy Gilson will facilitate a profound workshop which allows participants to see first-hand how Country makes her feel. The experience will start along the Yarrowee River where Tammy’s ancestors’ memories are held. Guests will learn traditional ecological knowledge to inform their afternoon practice and will be able to truly appreciate the makings of creativity.
According to Sovereign Hill’s deputy CEO Katrina Nitschke, the centre has been built from a desire to connect people to hands-on practice.
We believe in human capability and the mastery of practice and are passionate about preserving the knowledge and ability of those that have come before us.
- Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades Image: Bowie Wallace.
The mastery of the trades has been at play in Ballarat – nay
The original artisans, they were the ones who truly understood the workings of their surroundings, and with that knowledge fashioned incredible works of art used for function’s sake.
A flourishing of the rare trades
This spring, Ballarat is set to open the doors of the all-new Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades at Sovereign Hill. An Australian first, the purpose-built, worldclass centre will protect, promote and share traditional trades, crafts and skills Through a series of regular workshops participants will learn rare trades including silversmithing, locksmithing, chairmaking,
Today, that inherent artisanal mastery, first instilled over 60,000 years ago, continues to seethe within Ballarat’s very essence. A mastery which continued through the city’s bustling gold rush years with a wave of thennew trades – blacksmithing, candlemaking, and wheelwrighting to name but a few – and which is now making a much-welcomed resurgence as more and more people appreciate the importance of creating for themselves in order to curb the war on waste and unnecessary consumption.
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cane rod making, knifemaking, leather plaiting, basket weaving, SAORI weaving and longbow making, as well as Indigenous crafts such as traditional Wadawurrung weaving.
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“We think everyone has the potential to create and contribute to the enduring legacy of human skill and, in doing so, create a more sustainable future with an emphasis on buying things only once. If we don’t invest in our collective ability to make and create, we will be looking at a future where we are powerless to effect positive change.”
7 Issue 5 / spring summer 2022
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For more information about about Sovereign Hill’s Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, including workshop dates and tickets, visit raretradescentre.com.au
The Global Footprint Network states that if the world lived and consumed resources the same way Australians did, the years’ worth of resources on the planet would be used up by 12 KatrinaMarch.saidthe Rare Trades Centre will give people the chance to be creative and, at the same time, be thoughtful about our environment.
Another stellar offer on the centre’s workshop calendar is the class by renowned leather plaiter Bill Webb. Taught by R.M. Williams himself, Bill is considered one of the finest plaiters in Australia. Having spent 50 years perfecting his craft, he has been awarded the prestigious Australian Dame Mary Durack Award five times. Cutting, dying and waxing all the kangaroo skin used in his work himself, Bill will teach his craft just as he was taught it almost five decades ago –keeping the art of leather plaiting alive.
“It is not possible to continue the consumerist path we are taking, filled with throwaway items, cheap plastics, landfill, low value, low quality items. Our future must contain an investment into human capability and the ability to make things that last.”
Rachel Grose uses traditional silver smith techniques and tools Image: Bowie Wallace.
SAORI weaver Prue Simmons will also host a workshop. Her halfday workshop will explore the relaxing and meditative freestyle form of Japanese SAORI weaving, giving participants the chance to learn basic techniques and play with colour and texture to create their own scarf, wall hanging or table runner.
the bamboo from China and Japan to create beautiful pieces by hand . Each one is Samunique.Bloomfield is an armourer and blacksmith with a passion for metal sculpting. His workshops will demonstrate the combination of traditional and modern techniques which will inspire participants on their own creative journeys.
- Katrina Nitschke, Deputy CEO
There’s also a three-day cane fishing rod making course with David Anderson who is part of a long line of fly fishers that goes back to the Snowy Mountains in the late David1890s.works hard to preserve the long and intricate history of split cane rods. David is passionate about rod making. He sources
“We think value and worth are defined by more than just price, and that working with expert artisans and tradespeople, everyone has the potential to create and contribute to the enduring legacy of human skill,” Katrina said.
November workshops feature local silversmith Rachel Grose. In this half-day workshop, participants will use traditional techniques and equipment to cut, file, texture, solder and polish a ring of their own Globally-accrediteddesign.
“Informed by our past, we imagine a world
SAORI weaver Prue Simmons.Bill Webb learned from R.M. Williams himself. Image: Fred Kroh.
Hotel Vera & Underbar
Wayward Winery
The latest enterprise from Ballarat visionaries David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew, the luxury hotel features seven individualised suites, each a sanctuary in its own right, and inspires a change of pace and immersion into warmth, seclusion and graciousness. A tribute to David’s grandmother, Vera hopes to provide guests with a mesmerising stay achieved through meticulous art, design, lighting and décor curation, as well as through a solitudinal garden and adjoining restaurant Underbar. Owned by Ballarat local Derek Boath and partner Lucy Taylor, Underbar will continue to serve a unique dining experience in its purpose-built space. Operating on Friday and Saturday evenings, it will feature tailored wine pairing accompanying its ever-evolving degustation menu. The state-of-the-art space will create an intimate experience for guests, with the kitchen on display in the restaurant’s heart. With a career spanning more than 20 years, including experience at some of the world’s top restaurants such as New York’s three Michelin-star Per Se, Derek ensures menus are built around collaboration with local purveyors, with his dishes celebrating ingredients foraged from Ballarat and surrounds. hotelballarat.com.au // underbar.com.au
CHOICEFSPOILTOR Ballarat’s booming eat, drink and stay scene
Finding its home in the previous location of Ballarat’s fine-dining haunt Underbar, Pencilmark Wine Room is a bustling and vibrant bar serving up an ever-changing roster of exceptional wines sourced by resident expert Anthony Schurrs. A casual and fun space to enjoy good tunes and even better vino, the wine room also offers a simple selection of curated food by Underbar chef Derek Boath, with the menu complementing Pencilmark’s wine list while following the restaurant’s same ethos of sourcing high-quality ingredients and keeping intervention low. pencilmark.com.au
Pencilmark Wine Room
Continue your vino adventures at Waubra’s new Wayward Winery.
Hotel Vera and Underbar open late spring. Image: Hotel Vera. Freshly renovated Wayward Winery is now open. Image: Media Provided. Art from Travis Price at Pencilmark Wine Room. Image: Thom Mitchell.
The highly-anticipated Hotel Vera is set to open its doors after an extensive renovation.
Formerly Quoin Hill Vineyard, this destination winery boasts sweeping views of the Pyrenees Ranges, along with eight acres of vines plus a cellar door and restaurant.
The project of Ballarat wonderpreneur Teddy Powlett, Wayward is situated just 20 minutes down the road from the city in the quaint township of Waubra. ‘It’s the first winery as you hit the gorgeous Pyrenees wine region,’ renowned hospitality and project leader Teddy Powlett says.
According to Teddy, working in such a creative industry is what keeps him going back for more. ‘I love the people I work with and the creativitie elements of the industry. It’s been a tough few years but the resilience shown by our staff has been amazing’. waywardwinery.com.au
During the spring and summer period, visitors will be able to relish in several new locales that act as evidence of Ballarat’s burgeoning creative landscape – with each space doing wonders to further position the city’s name as a tourist destination of choice.
nationalthehorizons,setscoterieascontinueslandscapetothriveitsever-expandingofvisionariesitssightsonnewsolidifyingcity’snameonthetouristmap.
With every passing season, Ballarat’s creative
Once dubbed a town known only for its gold rush history and inclement weather, Ballarat is now acclaimed across Australia as a culinary destination and cultural melting pot. Accolades speak of its unexpected resurgence, of the revolution taking place beneath the surface, of the entrepreneurial spirit making an imprint on its very core.
The brainchild of Annie and Shane Brereton, Mister Sturt is set to be a luxury, hotelinspired city apartment situated in the heart of Ballarat’s main thoroughfare of Sturt Street. Established under Annie and Shane’s accommodation brand Wonder Inns –which also incorporates boutique offerings
Peasant A pop-up restaurant serving up a fivecourse European-inspired menu, Peasant is Ballarat’s latest culinary offering. Headed up by business partners chef Doug Kerr and maitre’d Dan Tesoriero, the restaurant is located in Ballarat’s historic Bank of New South Wales building on the iconic Lydiard Street North. With Doug having trained at Michelin restaurants in Britain, guests can expect a refined degustation experience packed with the fullest flavours and freshest produce of the region – and with no room for wastage. Dubbed as ‘anti-fast food’, the restaurant is an appreciation of the culinary aesthetic as much as it is a celebration of the earth. peasant.net.au
About-to-open Earls Deli. Image: Media Provided. Pop-up Peasant is now open. Image: Peasant. Mister Sturt by Wonder Inns opens this summer.
Mister Sturt
Earl’s Deli Ballarat culinary extraordinaires Drew Harry, Teddy Powlett and Josh Wood are set to open up a new venture devoted to serving meals between bread. Aptly called Earl’s Deli, the eatery is named in honour of 18th century English nobleman John Montagu – the 4th Earl of Sandwich – who allegedly invented the sando himself. Located in a sleek laneway space in one of Ballarat’s newest CBD developments, Earl’s Deli will serve up a rotating array of fresh sandwiches, fresh coffees and quality local produce. And if this trio’s previous enterprises are anything to go by, then this deli is going to deserve a top spot on your itinerary.
Grayling’s Gift and Jean-Claude – Mister Sturt will offer guests a charming base from which to explore the city’s thriving hospitality and cultural scene. If they decide to leave the comfort of their temporary repose, that is. It does seem to be a recurring problem when it comes to the Wonder Inns spaces. wonderinns.com.au
The all-new restaurant at Wayward Winery. Image: Media Provided.
@earlsdeliballarat
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Lake Wendouree: Admire wetland birds, grand homes, historic monuments, boathouses, and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Drinking fountains, playgrounds and seating are dotted around the lake. The flat gravel circuit takes about an hour to walk.
5. Lal Lal Falls
2. Check out Ballarat from above Fly over Ballarat in a hot air balloon for the best bird’s-eye view of the city. Closer to the ground, the views from Black Hill lookout are also pretty impressive as are those from the lookout atop extinct volcano, Mount Buninyong.
Test yourself along the Ballarat to Mount Buninyong Road Loop. If you’re really up for the challenge, then the four-hour Ballarat-Mount Buninyong-Daylesford-Ballarat Loop is the route for you. Got the family in tow? No worries! Pack a picnic and check out the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail. This off-road adventure will see you meander through wide open grasslands, eucalypt forests and across historic bridges.
3. Head out on a short hike
The impressive Lal Lal Falls. Image: We Are Explorers.
1. Lake Wendouree and Ballarat Botanical Gardens Watch the swans as you take a leisurely stroll along Lake Wendouree‘s 6km track, or picnic among seasonal displays at one of Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Explore these and more Ballarat nature options at visitballarat.com.au
For something a little shorter, why not check out the 18km Ballarat Parkland Ride around the city’s iconic Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park. Or admire Ballarat’s most significant historical sites along the 9km Ballarat Heritage Ride. Avid mountain bikers are spoilt for choice at Black Hill Reserve, only minutes from the city. Aside from the excellent views, there are six cross-country trails, four downhill trails, two pump tracks, a skills area and an advanced jump park. Trails range in difficulty to suit all biker levels, including blue, black diamond and double black diamond options.
There’s nothing quite like becoming one with nature. Avid explorers rejoice, these are the 5 of the best ways to explore the great outdoors in Ballarat over spring and summer.
Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail: The 53km Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail runs along a former railway line. This fine gravel, hilly trail goes through native grasslands, historical gold mining sites and over an impressive trestle bridge near Newtown.
4. Cycle your way around the region Whether you prefer getting off-road or you’re after a challenge, there’s a smorgasbord of cycling trails awaiting your discovery across the Ballarat region.
Wander Lake Wendouree and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Cycle on the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail. Image: We Are Explorers. A short hike on Mt Buninyong - perfect. Image: We Are Explorers.
5 ways to explore the great outdoors in Ballarat Views for days on Mt Buninyong. Image: We Are Explorers.
Surrounded by extinct volcanoes and old forests, you’ll definitely find a hike to get your heart pumping.
Yarrowee River Trail: Walk alongside the Yarrowee River and you’ll pass by forests and wetlands, paddocks and native plantings and into the city streets of Ballarat. Part of the beautiful 210km Goldfields Track (a favourite of serious hikers), the 4.8km trail comprises gravel paths, paved footpaths, some hills and can be completed in 50–60 minutes.
The 34-metre Lal Lal Falls is believed to be the earthly home of Bunjil, the All Father or Creator to most Victorian Aboriginal tribes, making it one of Victoria’s most significant cultural sites. Just 20 minutes’ drive from Ballarat, you’ll find an impressive drop into a large, rocky gorge. You can take a short 200m walk to a viewing platform or go a little further for a long distance view across the gorge.
Plus, there’s also the Woowookarung Regional Park, the walks of Buninyong and the Creswick Regional Park to explore. Find out more at visitballarat.com.au.
4. AURA sound and light show by Sovereign Hill AURA is an immersive 90-minute multi-sensory theatre experience using 3D technology that follows gold from its creation through to its discovery, right up until the current day. Feel the vibrations as stars explode in front of your eyes, watch as the land is transformed by the gold rush, and dive into the chaos of the Eureka Rebellion as you witness the creation and discovery of the world’s most precious metal.
Dr Gilson is a Wadawarrung Traditional Custodian and established artist. She installed the first artwork commissioned by the City of Ballarat for the Sculpture Park in early 2019. Murrup Laarr is a contemporary artwork consisting of a traditionally-built stone hut in the middle of a circle of basalt standing stones, marked with ceramic plates reflecting the stories and symbols of dreaming, memory, ceremony.
5. Murrup Laarr Murrup Laarr translates as ‘Ancestral Stones’ in Wadawurrung. This artwork by Dr Deanne Gilson is located in the North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park. The park is a significant project for the City of Ballarat and will feature works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, celebrating the richness and diversity of culture and telling important cultural stories.
1. Art Gallery of Ballarat
Murrup Laarr ‘Ancestral Stones’ by Wadawarrung Traditional Custodian Dr Deanne Gilson.
3. Street art, public art and stunning heritage architecture
Chances to spot colourful street art and interesting public art abound.
Multi-sensory immersion with AURA sound and light show by Sovereign Hill.
5 ways andembracetoartcreativityinBallarat
Street art and public art and heritage architecture – oh my! Art Gallery of Ballarat – Australia’s oldest regional gallery.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn jewellery making, then let us introduce you to local artisan Sylvia Nevistic. Sylvia hosts a series of courses and workshops from her studio right here in Ballarat, where you can choose from jewellery foundation course for beginners, sand casting jewellery workshop, jewellery wax workshop, silver spoon making and make your own wedding rings.
Over 64 acres, hundreds of stunning projections create an immersive storytelling experience that transports you back in time. The Wadawurrung creation story is told with projections on a magnificent lake, gunfights and protests erupt under the night sky, and the gold rush is brought to life as never before.
The Art Gallery of Ballarat is not just Australia’s oldest regional gallery but one of its most exciting. Located in the heart of Ballarat’s central heritage precinct, the gallery boasts a stunning collection of Australian art. The gallery presents a range of exhibitions from cutting edge contemporary art to themed shows drawn from the gallery’s extensive collection, and special interest ticketed shows. It is a focus for Ballarat’s lively arts scene, situated in the heart of Ballarat’s central area, which boasts great cafes and restaurants, book and antique shops and commercial galleries.
Let your creativity run wild at a watercolour workshop.
Start the day with a great brew before you go exploring. Cobb’s Coffee is situated on the corner of Sturt and Lydiard streets, in the same location fleets of Cobb & Co coaches arrived during the 1850s gold rush. Hit the surrounding streets where you’ll find more than 50 historical landmarks within walking distance.
There’s the regularly-changing work on the Alfred Deakin Place Annexe Wall, the Main Road mural by renowned Ballarat artist Travis Price, Grand Arch by Inge King also at Alfred Deakin Place, plus works in Hop Lane, McKenzie Street and more.
For wine lovers, you’re not going to want to miss signing up for a yearlong journey from vineyard to bottle with Mitchell Harris’ The Curious Winemaker.
2. Workshops and masterclasses
Sign up for one of the regular workshops at The Green House Ballarat, which range from watercolour and ceramic classes to propagation and terrarium making workshops – all hosted by local makers, including artist and illustrator Kelsie White.
Whether meandering through Australia’s oldest regional gallery, getting hands on in creative workshops or exploring street and public art and stunning heritage architecture, there’s plenty of ways to feed your creative soul in Ballarat.
The gallery will also play host to the exhibition Light + Shade until October 16, showcasing the works of Australian painter and art teacher Max Meldrum and many of his students. Featuring 49 landscape, still life and portrait paintings from the tonalist movement – between WWI and WWII – these muted and misty works have been described as completely reassessing art history.
Culture Round off your Ballarat visit with a decent dose of culture. Ballarat’s annual Springfest Market will return to Lake Wendouree, on Sunday 27 November, with stallholders, food vans, entertainment and activities for all ages, while Sweet Fern Fragrance Boutique will host its beloved perfume masterclasses on various dates, introducing guests to the finest and most exclusive fragrance houses in the world in a 90-minute evening of indulgence.
Art A visit to Ballarat is not complete without a stopover at the Art Gallery of Ballarat. During the spring and summer months, art lovers can peruse the gallery’s stunning permanent collection while also admiring a number of temporary exhibitions taking place within its historic walls.
The Monochrome exhibition, showing until September 18, celebrates the lack of colour as an enigmatic mastery of technique and elusiveness. Highlighting the subtleties of shape, mark, form and texture, the exhibition takes ceramics and paintings from the gallery collection and asks us to consider how colour, or its absence, plays a significant role in how we perceive.
What’s On
Light + Shade at the Art Gallery of Ballarat until 16 October.
From international cooking workshops to on-stage comedy, outdoor markets to fine art, the city’s spring and summer calendar is filled to the brim with festivals and events to suit each and every traveller.
Issue 5 / spring summer 2022
Until 18 September, see Monochrome at the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Ballarat’s Springfest Market returns to Lake Wendouree on Saturday 27 November.
For a full list of things to see and do during the spring and summer season, head to: visitballarat.com.au/whats-on
Veuve Clicquot & Lola welcome guest chef Philippe Mouchel to their garden gastronomy food and wine dinner on Saturday 19 November.
Your Ballarat stay is certain to be peppered with a whole range of rich experiences.cultural
Arj Barker brings his Come Clean show to Ballarat’s Civic Hall.
The dynamic and transcendent Montaigne hits the stage at Volta. Test your culinary skills at the all-new Malaysian and Indonesian cooking experiences hosted by Flying Chillies.
Culinary wonder Settle in amidst the sophisticated surrounds of restaurant Lola for the the not-to-be-missed dining dining experience that is Veuve Clicquot & Lola: Garden Gastronomy. Returning by popular demand, the exclusive dinner will showcase seven courses with matching exclusive and rare Clicquot wines. Focussing on garden Gastronomy with guest chef Philippe Mouchel, the menu will feature vegetables, herbs, and fruits, with meat, fish, and eggs acting as condiments.
Hosted by Moet Hennessy Australia’s business development manager of champagne Dean O’Reilly and media personality and hotel owner Gorgi Coghlan on Saturday 19 November, this is sure be one of the season’s sell-out events. As well as indulging in fine fare, visitors will also have the chance to test their culinary skills at the all-new Malaysian and Indonesian cooking experiences. Hosted by Flying Chillies on various dates, these classes see participants use traditional techniques to prepare meals from scratch – conjuring those very flavours and ingredients that make the melting pot of Asian cuisine so special.
Entertainment Head down one of Ballarat’s understated laneways where you’ll discover the city’s iconic music venue Volta and be mesmerised as Australian pop maverick Montaigne takes to the stage as part of her national making it! tour on Saturday 22 October. The Sydney musician has fast become known as one of the county’s most individual and dynamic voices thanks to her transcendental melodies and energetic live performances. For something a bit more light-hearted, hit up Ballarat’s Civic Hall on Saturday 1 October to catch the much-loved Arj Barker as he visits town for his Comes Clean tour. Dubbed Australia’s adopted son of comedy, Barker will return with a hilarious routine of home truths, vague truths and information we won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
16 Book online at: all.accor.com or phone 03 5327 1200 Conveniently located just over an hours drive from the Melbourne CBD, Mercure Ballarat is set amongst three hectares of beautifully manicured gardens. The hotel is situated opposite the multi-award winning Sovereign Hill and within close proximity to the historic centre of Ballarat. Peri Peri Chicken XL 8400kJ Beyond Sausage® XL 7110kJ ORDERNOW Gourmet Pizzas delivered to your Door. YOUR LOCAL CRUST IS HERE TO SERVE. Crust Ballarat Shop 2, 701 Sturt Street Ballarat VIC 3350 03 5331 9999 CRUST.COM.AU CRU5150_LAM_BallaratHalfPage_v3.indd 1 LUXURY NATURAL FIBRES HOMEWARES I APPAR BEDS | PICNIC RUGS C R E S W I C K M I L L R a i l w a y P d e ( 0 3 ) 5 3 4 5 2 2 0 2 O P E N 7 D A Y S D A Y L E S F O R D 7 9 V i n c e n t S t r e e t ( 0 3 ) 5 3 4 8 2 9 3 6 O P E N 7 D A Y S W W W C R E S W I C K W O O L C O M A U IN-STORE | BILLABONG OFFER $79 REDUCED TO $59ea FRINGE BLANKET | RECYCLED WOOL Free Entry 'A Very Fine Yarn' Exhibition at Creswick Mill
Meigas Meigas is a traditional Spanish tapas bar and restaurant. At Meigas, it is all about sharing and enjoying a different cultural experience, while sampling a variety of traditional tapas, delicatessen and dishes from all over Spain. The Mallow Hotel
Enjoy innovative and classic breakfast and lunch options crafted by sourcing exceptional produce and quality ingredients, as well as speciality brewed San Pedro Coffee from experienced baristas.
38 Doveton Street North, Ballarat mitchellharris.com.au
Mitchell Harris Wine Bar
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Located on Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Yacht Club offers quality casual dining for breakfast and lunch, open seven days a week with the best dining view in Ballarat. In the warmer months, enjoy live music on the outdoor deck.
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The Mallow is a cosy and friendly local pub, serving up Ballarat’s largest range of independent beers on tap (as well as classic Melbourne Bitter) and a fridge packed with cans and stubbies, including Free Time zero alcohol cans. Ballarat Yacht Club
Wendouree Parade, theyachtclub.net.auBallarat
The Arch View Café Arch View Cafe focuses on quality modern dishes, with an emphasis on fresh and healthy ingredients, with stunning views that overlook one of Ballarat’s major tourist attractions, the Arch of Victory, which is just metres away.
Eat & Drink
Award-winning Mitchell Harris Wine Bar has been making wine since 2008, with its 150-year-old former produce store, tentmakers, and motor workshop now a showcase for their wines, and other tasty treasures of the region. Relish in the bountiful produce of the springtime as you settle down in one of Ballarat’s finest culinary establishments. Whether tried and tested or emerging, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the gastronomic experiences just waiting to be discovered upon the rooftops, amidst the vines, beyond the paddocks and down the lanes.
Café by Griller’s Mark
58 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat grillersmark.com.au
33 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat facebook.com/meigascafe
20 Skipton Street, Ballarat themallow.com.au
18 Pick your package Pay in one place Enjoy! 1 2 3 CRESWICK WOOLLEN MILLS SOVEREIGN HILL KRYAL CASTLE ART GALLERY OF BALLARAT BALLARAT WILDLIFE PARK BUY YOURS NOW visitballarat.com.au Select from a range of packages to explore some of the incredible fun-filled activities that Ballarat has to o er. Perfect for when your friends and family come to visit!
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Sovereign Hill Hotel
Tuki Retreat offers a romantic getaway for couples with stone cottages with open fires and corner spas in the bathroom. Meals can be served to your cottage so you can enjoy the farm produce and regional specialities.
From charming cottages to luxury hotels, renovated bungalows to retro motels, medieval castles to opulent abodes, Ballarat offers a whole host of relaxing options to suit all tastes and budgets.
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The Glut Farm
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Built in 1904, this quirky little crooked cottage in central Ballarat sleeps 5 people. Enjoy a little bit of history and art and experience all that is “Ballarat”. Just a quick stroll or skip up Armstrong Street to Ballarat’s culinary strip.
Stay right in the heart of the action with Sovereign Hill Hotel. The excitement and intrigue of the gold rush is only metres from your doorstep. Located in picturesque Ballarat, Sovereign Hill’s very own hotel makes the perfect base for families and couples wanting to explore this historic city and the wider region.
Glut Farm is a luxury farmstay on 100 acres of private land, situated in the tranquil setting of Mount Cole State Forest in the Pyrenees wine region and just two hours’ drive from Melbourne. At Glut Farm, guests can experience a conscious and slow way of living.
Pattern House Ballarat Designed by textile designer Nicola Cerini, Pattern House Ballarat showcases Nicola’s signature interior style while offering centrally located, comfortable accommodation. Close to Sovereign Hill, the centre of town and Nicola’s flagship store. Magpie Street, sovereignhill.com.au/accommodationBallarat 43 The Glut Road, Raglan 60 Stoney Rises Road, Smeaton tuki.com.au 3 Skipton Street, Ballarat Clayton Street,
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Tuki Retreat at Tuki Trout Farm
Lake Inn Ballarat
Discover Australia’s gold mining heritage at the Lake Inn Ballarat, approximately one kilometre from the city centre and close to Sovereign Hill, the outdoor living museum dedicated to the gold rush era.
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Lay your head upon a pillow of plush and peace as you find your home away from home at one of the city’s much-loved accommodation offerings.
Hidden Lanes
Join in for a decadent high tea experience in the parlour situated in the main street of historic Clunes. Relax on plush velvet lounges and armchairs whilst indulging in the eightpiece high tea, sipping on hand-blended teas and enjoying a glass of sparkling.
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Join the first Hidden Lanes self-guided slow travel tour – a carefully curated walking experience to discover unique hidden gems of Ballarat’s landscape, history, food and art. Learn stories behind unique businesses, historical sites and Ballarat’s culture.
With the sun gleaming and the flowers beaming, there’s no better time to explore the charm of Ballarat and surrounds than the spring season. With award-winning attractions to visit, stunning natural wonders to uncover, and quaint shops to fossick through, your itinerary is sure to find itself filled in no time.
Volta Volta is a live music venue in the heart of Ballarat with a legacy of supporting the local music scene, as well as bringing the best live acts that Australia has to offer.
Golden
Golden Nugget Discovery Tours is a leading Victorian ecotourism tour operator, conducting small group nature, sightseeing, heritage and wine tours. It’s the ideal way for couples, small groups and individual travellers to experience Ballarat and beyond.
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thehighteamistress.rezdy.comClunes 15
Fossick Coffee & Wares
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The High Tea Mistress Clunes
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Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Creswick Woollen Mills has been designing and manufacturing natural fibre textiles since 1947 as a family run and owned business. Learn about the production of natural fibres with the awardwinning interactive exhibition A Very Fine Yarn. 542 Fraser Street, Field Street, Victoria Street, Ballarat Railway Parade,
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creswickwool.comCreswick
Creswick Woollen Mills
Fossick Coffee & Wares welcome all visitors who enjoy great coffee, amazingly simple yet satisfying food, surrounded by modern-day souvenirs and wares of Ballarat. DiscoveryNuggetTours
Things to do
Planning your next conference, meeting or retreat? Ballarat provides a unique and idyllic event location with its state-of-the-art conference centres, heritage locales, quality accommodation and award-winning attractions offering enriching team experiences. And all just over an hour from Melbourne. Plan now at businesseventsballarat.com.au BALLARAT
21 Issue 5 / spring summer 2022
Bradshaw Street, raretradescentre.com.auBallarat
Business events in Ballarat
610 Sturt Street, Ballarat
Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades Build skills and create a viable practice in artisan crafts. Work with world-leading practitioners to help protect, conserve, and learn more about Australia’s rare trades. Launching mid-spring. Pyrenees Wineries Right on Ballarat’s doorstep, the Pyrenees wine region is home to over 20 cellar doors. Discover remarkable winemakers just 30 minutes outside Ballarat.
The Essential Candle Co. The Essential Candle Co create exquisite triple scented, 100% soy wax pieces perfect for your home or to gift to your favourite people. You can also join one of their very popular workshops and be immersed in all things candles.
Things to do
Sovereign Hill Sovereign Hill brings the Sovereign Hill’s Spring Think –Redcoats like for For info head to sovereignhill.com.au
hello raspberry drops! Other much-loved activities include the
excitement of Australia’s great 1850s gold rush. Reconnect with nature, discover new passions and delve into new ideas with
to life
Ballarat Wildlife Park Inquisitive meerkats, a giant crocodile, cute koalas, lazy kangaroos, a pair of tigers and prancing penguins – these are some of the animals you’ll encounter at the Ballarat Wildlife Park. The much-loved animal sanctuary is known for its focus on native fauna and its commitment to conservation and education. Get up close during the park’s animal encounters, feed the kangaroos as they laze about, and learn about indigenous Australian animals and endangered species. Bradshaw Street, sovereignhill.com.auBallarat 250 Fussell St, wildlifepark.com.auBallarat
Series.
gold in the diggings and candle dipping.
full seasonal program
panning
march, coach rides and the gold pour along with hands-on experiences
inspiring workshops, live music, delicious spring menus plus all your favourites
22Contact us to discover how you can leave an everlasting legacy for future generations. Phone: 03 5332 1469 www.ballaratcemeteries.com.au | Providing exceptional service in sincememorialisationcremationburial,and1856. Visit our picturesque and peaceful gardens for contemplationrecreation, and exploration.BALLARAT botanicalRegionalCEMETERYNEWVictoria’smostbeautifulcemetery
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A must-see exhibition featuring over 100 works by leading Australian artists from the 19th century and the best contemporary photographers.
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Tom Roberts A summer morning tiff 1886 (detail). oil on canvas. Purchased with funds from the Martha K Pinkerton Bequest, 1943. Collection of the Art Gallery of Ballarat Anne Zahalka A summer morning tiff 2017 (detail). pigment ink on rag paper. Purchased with funds from the Joe White Bequest, 2020. Collection of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Image courtesy of Anne Zahalka.
REVEL IN your curious side
Natural wonders, earthly delights and rare arts almost lost to time – there’s so much hidden just below the surface in Ballarat. Take the winding path and let your curiosity shape the day. After all, the best weekends aren’t made of moments spent at home; they’re Made of Ballarat Plan your next adventure at madeofballarat.com
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Discover what Ballarat is made of.
