The historic city of Ballarat is a popular destination close to Melbourne, just a 90 minute drive to the northwest. The discovery of gold here in 1851 sparking the Victorian gold rush and these days the city is part of the Goldfields region, along with the fellow city of Bendigo. Find out what to do and where to stay when visiting Ballarat with a dog.
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Ballarat
Two of the biggest attractions in and around Ballarat are Sovereign Hill and Kryal Castle. Unfortunately though, pet dogs are prohibited at both, even in outdoor areas. So, what can you do instead when visiting Ballarat with a dog?
#1 Stroll Through the Botanical Gardens
In the 19th century, every prosperous town in Victoria aimed to have their own botanical gardens, and the booming gold rush city of Ballarat was no different. The Ballarat Botanical Gardens were designed and planted in the 1860s.
Dogs are welcome to join you on a stroll around the gardens, as long as they are kept on a leash. Thanks to their long history, these cool-climate gardens are home to many large mature trees. Another focus of the gardens are begonias, with the Ballarat Begonia Festival held each year in March.
#3 Walk Around Lake Wendouree
The gardens are located on the western side of Lake Wendouree. This lake on the northern side of Ballarat was artificially dammed in 1851 during the gold rush, and ever since it’s been a popular leisure spot, including for boating and fishing.
The 6km-long Steve Moneghetti Track loops around the lake. It’s great for a long on-leash walk with your pup – just make sure you keep your pup on a leash. Or just take a short stroll around one section.
A great dog-friendly cafe to visit at the lake is Pipers by the Lake, across the road from the Botanical Gardens (see below). Or make a booking for the Boatshed Restaurant, which also has a dog-friendly deck overlooking the lake.
Another popular lake but far smaller lake in Ballarat is Lake Esmond – aim to walk around this lake if 6km is too far for your pup!
#3 Visit the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park
One of the most important events in 19th-century Australia took place in Ballarat. The Eureka Rebellion was an uprising by gold miners that led to the establishment of white male suffrage, and is considered a pivotal moment in Australian democracy.
The Eureka Centre is a history museum that explores more about the events around the Eureka Rebellion. Naturally, dogs are not allowed inside, but it’s still worthwhile visiting the surrounding Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, the site of the original Eureka Stockade, although the precise location of it is disputed.
At the park I recommend viewing the Eureka Circle, an interpretative sculpture commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of the Eureka Rebellion. Walk around it with your dog to view the steel panels exploring its history, with the Eureka Flag flying above.
Don’t also miss the nearby Pikeman’s Dog memorial. With a loyal terrier at its centre, Wee Jock who refused to leave his dead master’s side, the memorial features 22 large golden stockade posts, representing the number of dead diggers.
#4 Hike Up Mount Buninyong
There are plenty of bushland reserves around Ballarat, home to some great dog-friendly walks. One great spot to visit is the Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve, about a 20 minute drive southeast of the city. This reserve wraps around Mount Buninyong, an extinct 745m-high volcanic mountain.
There’s multiple walking tracks to choose from. One of the most popular is the Zig Zag Trail, which starts at Blackberry Lane Reserve and ascends to the mountain’s summit and a lookout tower. The walk is just over 1km each way, and can be combined with the 2.6km-long Summit Loop Walk. Keep your dog leashed in the reserve.
#5 Go Walking in Creswick Regional Park
Another dog-friendly reserve near Ballarat is the Creswick Regional Park, about 20 minutes north of the centre of Ballarat. Like most regional parks in Victoria, dogs are permitted throughout the park, as long as they are kept on a leash.
There are multiple short walks to choose from, including the 1km-long Landcare Trail, the 2km-long La Gerche Circuit Walk and the 1.8km-long circuit around St Georges Lake. Or walk part of the 210km long Goldfields Track, that joins together Bendigo, Ballarat and Buninyong.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Ballarat
One of the best off-leash dog parks in Ballarat is Pioneer Park. This large park in Wendouree, not far from the freeway, is great for an adventurous time with your pup. Mainly (but not fully) fenced, it contains two ponds, gravel walking paths and water fountains for pups.
Dog-Friendly Cafes in Ballarat
One of the most dog-friendly cafes in Ballarat is Pipers by the Lake. Located on the western side of Lake Wendouree near the Botanical Gardens, dogs are welcome on the partially covered back deck facing the lake. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, check if they have any dog ice-cream available and check out their “dog by the lake” notice board.
I’ve also heard great reports about LYDIARD general, on Lydiard Street in Soldiers Hill. This cafe is open most days for breakfast and lunch, although it closes early on Saturdays and is closed all day Sunday. Sit at a table in the laneway, with outdoor heating, and enquire after their puppy chinos and dog biscuits.
Dog-Friendly Bars & Breweries in Ballarat
A great dog-friendly spot to head in the evening is Hop Temple. This colourful laneway venue in the city centre is open in the evenings from Wednesday to Sunday, plus from midday on Saturdays and Sundays. Dogs are welcome in the laneway area.
On offer inside are 17 rotating taps and over 200 craft beers – take your time choosing what to drink! There’s also a casual dining menu, with a range of burgers, tacos, pizzas and their own in-house smoked meats.
Another dog-friendly brewery in Ballarat is Cubby Haus Brewing, located in a small industrial area in Mount Pleasant. Open on Thursdays to Sundays from 2pm, the onsite bar has an outdoor area and also serves up food.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Ballarat
One of the best dog-friendly caravan parks in Australia is located in Ballarat, the BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Caravan Park. The park is home to multiple fully fenced powered sites, large enough to fit your caravan and car. The sites are located in Big Paws, their special pet-friendly precinct – note that pets aren’t allowed on sites in the rest of the park.
If you don’t have your own caravan or tent, the park also has multiple two-bedroom pet-friendly cabins. Each cabin sleeps up to six people, with dogs allowed inside, but not on the furniture. The verandahs are enclosed, and at least one of the cabins (Dogwood) has its own dog run – enquire when making a booking.
The pet-friendly area is also home to its own Camp Kitchen and Toilet facilities. Best of all there is a pet-friendly billabong area at the rear of the park, where both humans and dogs can have a splash in a natural setting.
The BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Caravan Park is located on the western side of Ballarat. There are also another five caravan parks on the eastern side of Ballarat, all that allow pets without any seasonal restrictions. Enquire directly for more details.
Alternatively, if you’re after something more luxurious for your stay, make a booking well in advance at the Hotel Vera Ballarat. This hotel located in an historic 19th-century mansion in the heart of Ballarat allows pets in one of their rooms, the pet-friendly Lonarch Suite.
Your dog will be pampered with their own lounge pet bed and pet shower, plus enjoy access to a private, secure courtyard. Note that only a single pet is allowed, and direct bookings are required.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.