If you want to be near Sovereign Hill, Ballarat’s biggest attraction, pick Sovereign Hill Hotel, a 4-star property built in the colonial style that is only a few steps from the site. Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum illustrating Ballarat from the 1850s, when it was a gold mining settlement.

Those who appreciate nature, calm surroundings and walks, select hotels in close proximity to Ballarat Botanical Gardens, which are located next to Lake Wendouree. The colourful gardens occupy an impressive area that is divided into sections, making it an ideal place for a relaxing day at any time of the year. You can also walk along Prime Ministers Avenue, which is lined with the bronze busts of all Australian Prime Ministers, or visit the Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in the South Gardens. You can reach that area in 2 minutes via car from Bell Tower Inn, which is surrounded by gardens and features a pool and spa.

Lydiard Street is a popular spot in the centre of Ballarat where you can admire the architecture of historic, well-preserved buildings, such as Quality Inn The George Hotel, a 4-star hotel established at the end of the 19th century. While on historic Lydiard Street, visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat, which has a rich collection of regional and contemporary art as well as temporary exhibitions.

Those who enjoy cycling, jogging or hiking, pick hotels in close proximity to Black Hill Reserve such as Seymours On Lydiard, a stylish 4-star hotel in the city centre. Black Hill Reserve includes historic mines, a Mountain Bike Park and a lookout point from which you can take in the scenery and see Ballarat in its entirety. There are separate walking and bike tracks ranging in difficulty as well as seating areas with picnic tables.

FAQs when booking a hotel in Ballarat

Take a look at our extensive hotel Heatmaps to find the best hotels near you.

Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka is a fairly new museum that has interactive displays about Australian democracy, whose biggest highlight is the Original Eureka Flag from 1854. It is located on Eureka Stockade, about 5 minutes’ drive from the city centre. Eureka Lodge Motel is a budget hotel opposite Eureka Stockade Gardens, which puts you within a 5-minute walk to the museum.

The Gold Museum presents the history of the gold rush and is located just across the road from Sovereign Hill, so staying in that area is your best bet. Comfort Inn Main Lead is 10 minutes’ walk from the museum and 15 minutes’ walk from Sovereign Hill. It is a budget-friendly option with an indoor pool and free parking.

Visitors of Ballarat who are travelling for business, pick Best Western Plus Ballarat Suites, a 4-star property featuring a business centre and situated within a 10-minute walk from Sovereign Hill and a 5-minute drive from Lydiard Street. Oscar’s Hotel is an alternative located in the centre that is an 8-minute walk to the Art Gallery and a 10-minute drive to the Botanical Garden. It is a luxury boutique hotel with a restaurant and conference space.

Bakery Hill Motel is an affordable accommodation located near the main street and surrounded by various supermarkets, within 10 minutes’ walk to Lydiard Street. Ambassador Motor Inn is a budget hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, located within a 2-minute drive of the Botanical Gardens and 5 minutes’ drive of the centre.