Brilliantly Unexpected Autumn Openings and Experiences in Ballarat

Ballarat and the surrounding region is bursting with exciting and brilliantly unexpected experiences this autumn. Get ready to discover new places, reimagined favourites and activities to refresh the senses. Here is what you cannot miss:

 

THE BEST PLACES TO SEE AUTUMN LEAVES IN BALLARAT
Ballarat comes alive in autumn as its historic streets, parks and gardens transform with golden-hued displays. Stroll beneath canopies of fiery foliage along Sturt Street, Lake Wendouree and the Avenue of Honour, or escape to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and La Gerche Forest Walk for a more immersive nature experience. The nearby Pyrenees wine region offers breathtaking vineyard vistas as the vines turn golden, making for the perfect seasonal escape.


TIM'S  TOASTIE EMPIRE EXPANDS WITH A SHOPFRONT
Beloved Ballarat toastie maestro Tim Bone (MasterChef Australia alumna and Good Chef Bad Chef co-host) has taken things up a notch with the official opening of Tim's Toasties shop in Delacombe.

From a fan-favourite farmer's market stall to a permanent home, the new space (seating up to 10) serves up dine-in and takeaway golden, gooey goodness with a rotating menu of toasties, championing locally sourced ingredients like Salt Kitchen's charcuterie meats and 1816 Bakehouse's sourdough.

• Trading hours: Thursday and Friday 7am - 2pm; Saturday 9am -1pm 

• Where: 1 Opportunity Close, Delacombe (10 minutes from the Ballarat City Centre)

BLACKWOOD HOTEL: A HISTORIC PUB WITH A FRESH NEW LOOK AND TEAM
Nestled in the picturesque Wombat State Forest, Blackwood Hotel has reopened its doors after a stunning refresh, bringing new life to this 1868-built country pub. From the team behind Cargo in Docklands, this 'haven in the hills' features a charming beer garden and a menu packed with classic favourites like a parma and pork belly; alongside a signature Blackwood Burger, paella and plenty of gluten-free options.

Open seven days a week, it's the perfect stop for a post-hike feed, a laid-back Sunday session or a cosy weekend getaway.

• When: Monday to Friday 12pm - late, Saturday and Sunday 11am - late

• Where: 1 Golden Point Road, Blackwood

• More information: blackwoodhotel.com.au

NOT YOUR GRANDMA'S PANTRY: A NEW CHAPTER FOR FLYING CHILLIES
Cult favourite Flying Chillies has evolved with chef and owner Lilly Wright not hanging up her apron but rewriting it with a new recipe. That new recipe being Not Your Grandma's Pantry.

 

After years of serving up soul-warming Malaysian and Indonesian dishes, Lilly is pivoting to Not Your Grandma's Pantry where you'll find takeaway pies that push boundaries (think Beef Rendang, Cambodian Fish Amok, and the award-winning Mum's Curry Laksa pie), punchy pantry staples and regular cooking classes; from dumpling masterclasses to laksa clubs.

• When: Friday & Saturday 9am-2pm

• Where:  6 Coliseum Walk, Ballarat Central

• More information: @notyourgrandmasspantry

WOODSIDE FOOD & CO MAKE PERMANENT PITSTOP
Woodside Food & Co has secured a permanent spot at 78 Bridge Mall, bringing its much-loved Middle Eastern flavours to a fixed location with dine-in or takeaway available. From falafel wraps, fried halloumi and lamb pilaf to baklava and Turkish delight, the menu is packed with favourites, including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Open Thursday to Saturday, 5pm–9pm, and available on Uber Eats, it's the go-to for bold, authentic eats. Catering remains available.

• Where: 78 Bridge Mall Ballarat (access via Little Bridge Street)

• Trading hours: Thursday to Sunday, 5pm-9pm

• More information: woodsidefood.com.au

MEREDITH DAIRY'S NEW PADDOCK TO PLATE EXPERIENCES
 Meredith Dairy has opened a new store and café in the heart of the cute little township - the perfect stop for anyone exploring Victoria's Central Highlands.

The space showcases produce from their farm, offering coffee, local honey, dips and, of course, their renowned marinated goat's cheese. The menu highlights ethical and sustainable cooking with dishes like goat adobo and pulled capretto salad with pepperberry chèvre.

• Where: 30 Staughton Street, Meredith

• When: Wednesday to Sunday 8am - 3pm 

• More information: meredithfarmstore.com
  

BEERIPMO WALK REOPENS FOR SCENIC TWO-DAY HIKES
The Beeripmo Walk in Mount Cole State Forest has officially reopened, welcoming experienced bushwalkers back to its breathtaking 21km trail. This two-day return hike is known as the gateway to the Pyrenees Wine Region, winding through lush fern gullies and towering forests. The track provides a rewarding mix of scenic beauty and physical challenge for an immersive hiking experience. Hikers must register in advance at the Park Office.

• Where: Mount Cole State Forest

CLUNES BOOKTOWN FESTIVAL
Australia's favourite regional literary festival comes alive Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March 2025, with Helen Garner, Kate Grenville, Costa Georgiadis, Heather Ewart and more well-known names leading a jam-packed program of author talks, workshops and literary debates.

Wander through 100+ book stalls, get lost in the Hay Bale Maze, or explore Clunes on a historical walking tour. Entry is just $10 for the weekend (free for locals and kids), with tickets for author talks and workshops available now.

 

• When: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March 

• Where: Clunes, Victoria 

• More information: clunesbooktown.org.au

PYRENEES UNEARTHED WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Pyrenees Unearthed Wine & Food Festival is back on Saturday 5 April, serving up a day of award-winning wines, top-notch local produce and live entertainment along the scenic Avoca River Flat. With 35+ food and drink stalls, a wine auction and family-friendly activities, it's the perfect excuse to gather your crew, lay out a picnic rug and soak up the best of Western Victoria.

• When: Saturday 5 April, 11am-5pm

• Where: Avoca River Flat, Dundas St, Avoca VIC

• Tickets: pyreneesunearthedfestival.com.au

BALLARAT CABARET FESTIVAL
Ballarat Cabaret Festival is set to dazzle audiences on 1- 4 May at the Ballarat Mining Exchange. This world-premiere showcase brings together an electrifying lineup of cabaret, circus, opera, magic and more for an unforgettable spectacle of sophistication. Tickets are on sale now for the all new Cabaret Gala, an evening of glitz, glamour and jaw-dropping entertainment. More festival shows to be announced soon. 

• When: Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 May

• Where: Ballarat Mining Exchange, 16 Lydiard St North, Ballarat Central

Tickets: visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/ballarat-cabaret-festival