THE city is set to come alive for this year’s inaugural Ballarat Winter Festival. A celebration of the colder months, the month-long event in July will entice holiday-goers and locals to embrace the winter season with an array of activities and experiences, set against the historic backdrop of Ballarat. Here’s our guide to some of the best.
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Ice, ice, baby
A frozen forest, ice-skating rink, and an igloo haven – is there anything that more epitomises the cold season? Snuggle up in your winter woollies, wander through the mystical forest, lace up your skates and take to real ice in the CBD, and explore the Antarctic wonders on offer.
The Potato Festival
Showcasing the versatility of the spud, the Potato Festival will stimulate all your senses and go way beyond a humble bowl of fries or potato salad. Experience the potato in a variety of dishes and forms and watch as the produce of the region is put under the spotlight. If ever you wanted an excuse to carb load, it’s here.
Whisky, wine and beer
Sit back at Victoria’s oldest and largest regional art gallery – the Art Gallery of Ballarat – and delight your palette with whisky tasting among the gilt-framed artworks, savour the region’s top drops and meet the award-winning winemakers as part of The Red Series, and taste the hops, ales, and liquid gold that have become synonymous with Ballarat at the annual Winter Beer Festival.
Children’s fun
Ballarat’s major attractions will host winter-themed activities during July. Watch the penguins roam around Ballarat Wildlife Park, admire the knights as they enter a fiery joust in the Kryal Castle arena, and take to the Zorb Balls and inflatable slide in the heart of the city.
- For more information about the Ballarat Winter Festival, visit ballaratwinterfestival.com.au.