Make Ballarat Your Family Getaway Destination This Winter School Holidays

This winter, Ballarat is coming alive with a host of wonderful events and activities perfect for a family getaway. From Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights to Kryal Castle’s Knights of Fire spectacular, there’s plenty to see and do in Ballarat this winter.

So rug up, embrace the chill and make Ballarat your destination of choice this winter school holidays (Saturday 24 June – Sunday 16 July). This magnificent regional city is just 75 minutes west of Melbourne, making it the perfect destination for a mini-break.

When are the Victorian Winter School Holidays 2023?

The Winter school holidays 2023 in Victoria are from Saturday 24 June to Sunday 9 July 2023.

BALLARAT WINTER FESTIVAL

Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill's Christmas in July celebration is back! Throughout the day, visitors can wander the streets as ‘snow’ falls and enjoy pantomimes and theatre shows, Christmas-themed arts and crafts, the chance to share a photo with St Nick, and wonderful wintry treats like mulled wine and gingerbread.

As the sun goes down, ever-changing projections will bring Sovereign Hill’s streetscape to life as a spectacular light show illuminates the much-loved living museum.

Book your tickets to Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights.

When: Friday 24 June – Sunday 16 July
Where: Bradshaw Street, Ballarat

Ballarat Winter Festival Ice Rink

Experience the thrill of gliding across the ice rink to great tunes and disco lights in the all-weather marquee this winter!

Ballarat Winter Festival Ice Rink's pop-up ice skating rink will be on from Saturday 24 June – Saturday 15 July, with Child-friendly sessions, sensory sessions, Bollywood on Ice sessions, Latin Fiesta on Ice sessions and disco sessions also available.

Book your Ballarat ice skating tickets now.

When: Saturday 24 June – Saturday 15 July
Where: Armstrong Street South, Ballarat (between the Town Hall and Myer)

Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle

Ignite your imagination with Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle during these winter school holidays.

Watch the spectacular ‘fire’ joust, be dazzled by flaming swords and fiery tricks in a festival of flames, knights, queens, princesses and wizards in a battle between good and evil

Pre-book your tickets to Kryal Castle.

When: 10 am – 4 pm Saturday 24 June – Sunday 9 July
Where: 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek

MORE TO EXPLORE in Ballarat these winter school holidays

The Sound of Music

For the 2023 Ballarat Winter Festival, the Ballarat Lyric Theatre is bringing the beloved family musical “The Sound of Music” to the stage!

Only on for a limited time, families can catch their performances from Friday 30 June – Sunday 9 July 2023. This show is a hit with kids and grown-ups alike, so be sure to book your tickets now to avoid missing out and get ready to sing along to some timeless tunes.

Pre-book your tickets to The Sound of Music

When: Friday 30 June – Sunday 9 July 2023
Where: Ballarat Civic Hall, Ballarat, Ballarat Central

Winter Camp #26

Made just for kids from ages 8 to 14, get ready for an exciting five-day, four-night residential school holiday camp at Winter Camp!

Get your heart racing with outdoor activities like canoeing, abseiling, forest bike rides, and archery. Take on the challenge of climbing a giant's ladder or balancing on low ropes. If you're feeling brave, go on a night walk or show off your talents in the camp talent show. And don't forget to relax with a movie or two.

Pre-book your tickets to Winter Camp #26

When: Monday 3 Jul – Friday 7 July 2023
Where: Cave Hill Creek, 110 The Glut Road, Raglan

Winter Wonderland Market

Looking for a cozy market experience this winter? Ballarat's most amazing indoor winter market has got you covered!

Cozy up at Winter Wonderland Market‘s outdoor courtyard and indulge in some delicious food truck goodies and warm, spiced mulled wine. Plus, once you've satisfied your taste buds, head inside to check out the amazing local vendors, enjoy some festive entertainment & more!

Pre-book your tickets to Winter Wonderland Market

When: Friday 21 July 2023
Where: Barkly Square, 25 Barkly Street, Bakery Hill

Ballarat fAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING 

From playgrounds and colouring-ins to crowd-pleasing kids’ meals, dining out in Ballarat with kids is easy.

From cafes and burger grills to hearty pizza and pasta, browse these fun family dining options. 

PLAN YOUR ballarat TRIP NOW

Rug up and embrace the cold as Ballarat transforms into a winter playground with a myriad of experiences to warm your heart, soul and belly.     

For further information on events and activities these winter school holidays and beyond, check out visitballarat.com.au  

This post was published in collaboration with City of Ballarat