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From Lake Wendouree to the Art Gallery, here's how to enjoy Ballarat without spending a cent.
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With the cost of living still biting hard-ABS data released Thursday showed household spending in regional Victoria dipped 1.8 per cent in June-Ballarat's free attractions are getting more popular by the week. This weekend, July 11-12, offers at least a dozen ways to entertain yourself without opening your wallet.
Lake Wendouree remains the city's best free drawcard. The 6.4-kilometre walking track is busy by 8am on Saturdays, but there's always room. The Ballarat Foundation's Free Fitness Fun Run starts at the Boathouse shelter at 9am Saturday, no registration required.
Over on Sturt Street, the City of Ballarat installed three new public sculptures last month as part of its Percent for Art program. The works-by artists Sally O'Neill, John Smith and the Waraing Collective-are scattered between Sturt and Mair streets, each with a small plaque explaining the piece. No entry fee, no booking needed.
The Ballarat Botanical Gardens, at 102 Wendouree Parade, are in full winter bloom. The Conservatory is open 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday, showcasing the annual Winter Tulip Display. Entry is free, though donations to the Friends group are welcome.
Ballarat Art Gallery on Lydiard Street North remains free for its permanent collection. The current highlight is 'Gold, Grit and Grace', a selection of 19th-century works from the gallery's own collection that opened June 20. The gallery is open 10am-5pm Saturday and 1pm-5pm Sunday. Special exhibitions cost $12 adults, but the main galleries cost nothing.
The Ballarat Library at 178 Doveton Street runs free story time for kids at 10:30am Saturday, followed by Lego Club from 11am to noon. No library card required for either. For adults, the library's MakerSpace offers free drop-in sessions on Sunday from 2pm to 4pm, with 3D printers, sewing machines and a podcast booth-first come, first served.
The Gold Museum on Bradshaw Street usually charges $10 adults, but this weekend it's part of the 'Free Entry Weekend' program run by the state government's Department of Transport and Planning. The museum is open 10am-4pm both days, featuring the permanent display on the Eureka Stockade and a temporary exhibition about Chinese miners in Ballarat.
At the Ballarat Tramway Museum in the Botanical Gardens, rides cost $6 for adults on normal weekends, but the volunteer-run operation is offering free rides for children under 16 this Saturday only, from 12pm to 4pm. The museum's depot is at 102 Wendouree Parade.
On Sunday afternoon, the Ballarat Backyard Music Club meets at the Uniting Church Hall, 102 Errard Street South, from 2pm to 5pm. Entry is free, though they pass a hat for the hall hire. BYO instrument or just bring a chair and listen.
For keen walkers, the Ballarat Bushwalking Club leads a free 8-kilometre loop from the North Gardens car park at 10am Sunday. No membership required-just turn up with sturdy shoes and water. The walk ends at the North Gardens barbecue area, where several families typically fire up the free electric barbecues.
Weather forecast for Ballarat this weekend: partly cloudy Saturday, top of 12°C; Sunday 14°C with possible showers after 3pm.
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