Rites of Spring

See gorgeous blooms, both wild and propagated, and go chasing waterfalls this season.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens Chippy Rivera

Scents of Place

It’s one of the most splendid mature gardens in the Goldfields region. Designed and planted in the 1860s, the lakeside Ballarat Botanical Gardens is historically significant. During spring, check out the schizanthus and bulbs in the conservatory. The late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch left her home Cruden Farm for the people of Victoria to enjoy. During spring, the entire property is bursting with new growth – wisteria covers the house and lilacs, roses, sweet peas and clematis are all blooming. +ballaratbotanicalgardens.com.au +crudenfarm.com.au

The Big Drop

One of the biggest single-drop waterfalls in Victoria can be found at Trentham Falls, which drops about 32 metres over ancient basalt columns. The entire area is surrounded by lush bushlands, offering many spots for a shaded picnic. Plus, at this time of year, the colours of spring wildflowers give it the appearance of a magical forest. Equally spectacular but not as well known is Loddon Falls, near Glenlyon. The waterhole here is edged with towering basalt columns making it particularly impressive. +daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au

Otway Originals

Some people believe the Great Ocean Road is all about the beaches, but head slightly inland to the Otway Ranges and discover several incredible waterfalls. Hopetoun Falls is popular with visitors, especially since the viewing platform is only 20 metres from the car park. Lose the crowds by taking on the strenuous, threekilometre-return hike to the platform at the base of Beauchamp Falls. +visitotways.com

Beauchamp Falls Mark Watson

A Botanist's Journey To Gin with Mrs Baker's Still House

Now and Then

In the former goldmining city of Ballarat, discover crafts from the past and new gourmet experiences.

Rachel Grose Jewellery Design

Famous as the home of one of the state’s most popular attractions, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat is in a period of renaissance. Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, or a relaxing trip on the V/Line rail service, the city has seen a raft of new openings and experiences create an atmosphere even more welcoming for visitors.

History Reimagined

Named after co-owner David CookDoulton’s grandmother, Hotel Vera opens this spring. Four years in the making, it features seven suites, each with its own personality, that blend the heritage bones of the property – a gold rush era medical building – with contemporary decor, Australian art and memorable additions, like the hotel’s signature petunia fragrance. Downstairs, there’s a purpose-built dining space that is home to the reimagined Underbar. Acclaimed chef Derek Boath’s intimate finedining restaurant focuses on some of the region’s best small food and wine producers.

Never Forgotten

Adjacent to Sovereign Hill is the new Australian Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades, where artisan makers are keeping alive many trades almost lost to time. Here, you can book a workshop to learn the ancient Japanese art of netsuke wood carving, handcraft a knife, make a cane fishing rod or silversmith a ring of your own design.

Produce Perfection

Wondering what’s happened to Underbar’s former digs? It’s now home to Pencilmark Wine Room, overseen by Derek Boath and Anthony Schuurs. The bar has room for just 20 guests, who’ll enjoy local produce and drops – charcuterie from Salt Kitchen, wines from Latta, Atwoods and more – alongside the best from around the globe. For those eager to find out more about what’s made and grown in the region, there's a new series of artisan producer experiences. Book now to blend a signature gin, experiment with bush foods or forage for truffles among oak trees. +visitballarat.com.au