Our selection is of course subjective. The only criteria we had is the views needed to be publicly accessible - although there is a price to pay for some.

Think we have missed any must-sees? Do let us know. Shoot us an email on cos.thecourier@fairfaxmedia.com.au, or comment on our Facebook page - with a location and your own pictures if you can. We're only too happy to have an excuse to check out some more!

Dana Street with Lydiard

Several of our main thoroughfares offer a great perspective towards Mt Warrenheip - perhaps the landmark that makes Ballarat feel most like a country town. But we argue the best of all is at the intersection of Dana and Lydiard Streets, where the road plunges down and the iconic mount looms directly in front.

Prepare to admire it fleetingly, however, most likely from the car window. It's a busy roundabout - also notable as the home of one of the city's original gas gas lights - but the views are no less spectacular for that.

Craig's Royal Hotel

The grand dame of the Ballarat's accommodation scene, this historic hotel has had a stream of notables stay under its roof since it first opened in 1865, from royalty (the future George V) to literary, including the peripatetic Mark Twain.

The turret rooms - again looking towards Warrenheip - are best for those who want to wake up to a view. These are special treat territory only, with rooms going for around $550 a night.

Craig's Royal Hotel

Lake Wendouree

At the west end of town, this is one of Ballarat's most popular places for a leisurely picnic or stroll. With good reason too, especially at the end of the day - the sunsets here are reliably spectacular.

We suggest staking a spot on the eastern edge of the looking looking west as the sun goes down, with light glinting across the surface of the lake.

City of Ballarat information on Lake Wendouree

Black Hill Reserve

Once a pockmarked, semi derelict slab of land, disused after open cut mining stopped, this is now a haven for mountain bikers. It is also probably the best close-up panorama over central Ballarat that you will get.

Walk down behind the gates at the top of the hill for an expansive view over the city. A little further up, you should be able to catch a glimpse of Lake Wendouree shimmering in the sunlight (not always guaranteed in these parts).

Black Hill Reserve

Sovereign Hill

The best known visitor attraction in the city, the eponymous hill also proves useful for those who want their day-trips and 19th-century historical recreations to come with a view. Entrance $57, concessions $45,60, child 5-15 $25.60

Official Sovereign Hill website

Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum

Situated near to Sovereign Hill, the observatory offers views that are out of this world - quite literally. With light pollution in Ballarat still relatively low - certainly when compared to the Melbourne metropolis - the observatory lets you revel in the extraordinary detail of the southern night skies. Adult $25, child $12. Booking in advance is essential. See the website for more details.

Official observatory website

Woowookarung Regional Park

Only recently declared a Regional Park, this old plantation and mining area is one of the unsung gems of the city. There are exciting plans afoot led by the park's passionate advocates at the Friends of Canadian Corridor and Parks Victoria, including a dementia trail and more clearly defined walking tracks. You can park at this particular scenic look-out, but you will discover others when you wander the trails.

Parks Victoria: Woowookarung Regional Park

Mount Warrenheip

One of the constant sights from Ballarat CBD, Mount Warrenheip is also a great place to head to look back down. Don't expect too much from the summit. Standing more than 700m above sea level, it has already been monopolised by two mobile phone towers - and the eucalyptus foliage restricts the view. Instead, stop at a layby about half way between the Kryal Castle and the top, with sweeping views below towards the Western Freeway in the distance.

We can't help wondering if more could be made of this distinctive Ballarat landmark. Roads are potholed and generally very quiet - it seems a shame it does not have more use.

Fitness fans can experience it by foot on the Mountain of Fun Run, held every year in March.

Mount Buninyong

This extinct volcano, known as the spiritual home of the Keyeet Balug clan of the Wadawarrung people, is a little further out from the city but well worth the journey. You can drive right up to the summit, where a look-out offers a terrific 360-degree panorama over the forest and the paddocks beyond.

Note: this footage was taken in 2019, before the installation of wind turbines.

You can also work for your view and trek from the car park at the foot of the hill, with a few marked trails - of varying degrees of difficulty - to guide you. There is still the occasional koala to spot, although they are much fewer and further between than they once were.

Mount Beckworth

Near to Clunes, this is a granite outcrop with a strikingly remote feel. With huge boulders scattered around the landscape, and a view towards Waubra wind farm, this aptly named "scenic reserve" is also a sanctuary for native plants and animals.

Parks Victoria: Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve

Pittong

Further out still, Flagstaff Hill in Pittong is also known for its far-ranging views and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. This picture was taken a few years ago by Hudson Sharp, then a Phoenix P-12 College student.

Photos showcase region's beauty

Nimmons Bridge

A spectacular timber trestle bridge, known as one of the finest of its kind in Victoria. It is located on the Ballarat Skipton Rail trail.

Any we have missed? Contact us by email at cos@thecourier.com.au, or comment on our Facebook page. Please supply a location - and your own pictures if you can.

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