12 epic Ballarat pubs and bars to quench your thirst

Stylish cocktail bars, independent breweries, otherworldly speakeasies, stalwart gastropubs – the best Ballarat pubs and bars are all-too inviting.

A storied city with glorious heritage buildings and a burgeoning cafe culture to boot, Ballarat often tops Melburnians’ weekend getaway hitlists. But there’s plenty more to this former gold rush town, particularly when it comes to finding a great spot for a tipple. Add these Ballarat bars and pubs to your next itinerary to ensure you tick off the hottest spots.

1. Ellington’s Wine Bar & Rooftop

You may stumble across it in search of top-shelf vino to devour while on tour, but Ellington’s Wine Bar & Rooftop is so much more than a bottle shop. A divine neighbourhood wine bar in the heart of the city, the Ballarat bar is an old hand at unearthing some of the most delectable local and international drops. Inspired by the irresistible hole in the walls of Europe, the space is moody downstairs as candles flicker and rich timbers evoke warmth. Upstairs, views across the street cement an easy, breezy vibe that’ll keep you topping up those glasses again and again. A menu of masterfully crafted dishes made from seasonal ingredients — think pâté, cheese plates and a produce plate full of olives, meats and pickled vegetables sourced locally — is also ready to be devoured.

Address: 405A Sturt St, Ballarat

2. Itinerant Spirits

alfresco drinking spot at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Sit at one of the al fresco tables and imbibe premium liquors. (Image: Itinerant Spirits)

A striking dark brick facade amongst the Goods Shed events space houses the wonderful Itinerant Spirits , an outstanding Victorian distillery knocking up the likes of Gallivanter Wild Botanical Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Vansetter Coffee Liqueur — three standout creations found in good liquor stores nation-wide. Sample the deliciousness straight from the source inside this sophisticated space, which nails crafty cocktails in addition to its core spirits range. Additionally, there’s a menu of pizza, charcuterie and other share plates including shoestring fries and heirloom tomatoes with stracciatella. Got little ones tagging along? A dedicated kids’ menu will sort them out, too.

Address: Inside The Goods Shed, 200 Lydiard St North, Ballarat

3. Sip Champagne Bar

holding two glasses of cocktail at Sip Champagne Bar, Ballarat — Sip your way through the extensive cocktail menu at Sip Champagne Bar. (Image: Edwina Willox)

Paying homage to Paris’ famed bohemian bar scene, Sip Champagne Bar is a wonderful spot to toast your next Ballarat escape. Art Deco-influenced and boasting an all-important ‘Fancy Pants’ champagne menu filled with the fizzling bubbles of your dreams (Taittinger, Moet, Veuve, Bollinger, Pol Roger — the gang’s all here), the Ballarat bar is the place to go if you’ve got something to celebrate. Wash down your decadence with caviar bumps, oysters, dips, dumplings and other share dishes. Plus, if you’re not a fan of champagne, rest assured the extensive cocktail and wine menu will sort you out.

Address: 428A Sturt St, Ballarat

4. Grainery Lane

clinking cocktail glasses at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Cheers to flavoured gin tipples at Grainery Lane. (Image: The Common Wanderer)

Nestled in the thick of one of Ballarat’s main strips, Grainery Lane is a drama-filled distillery and cocktail bar you won’t forget. Step through the dark wood facade and into another era, dotted with chandeliers and roaring 1920s-inspired furnishings, as prohibition speakeasy vibes completely transport you. Sample the team’s house spirits, including eight flavoured gins, with your favourite mixers, or dive right into the cocktail menu to experience further creativity. Food-wise, there’s a surprisingly long list of internationally inspired dishes including curries, plus much smaller bites.

Address: 35 Armstrong St North, Ballarat

5. Roy Hammond

burgers and a glass of cocktail at Roy Hammond, Ballarat — Pair Asian-inspired plates with a refreshing beverage. (Image: Roy Hammond)

Just a few doors down from Grainery Lane lies Roy Hammond , an equally alluring spot to sample a tipple or two while visiting beautiful Ballarat. While the vibe is warm and friendly, it’s the glowing procession of liquor bottles standing behind the bar that’ll rope you in. Stacked six rows high, the selection is outstanding and stretches all the way from the grassy fields of Scotland (this Ballarat bar’s whiskey game is strong) to the canteens of Mexico where mezcal soars. A tight edit of Asian-inspired plates ensures there’s really no reason to leave anytime soon.

Address: 24-28 Armstrong St North, Ballarat

6. Renard

a look inside Renard cocktail bar in Ballarat — Sink into one of the cosy forest-green velvet banquettes at Renard. (Image: Lachlan Phyland at MediaProvided)

A super sleek spot that wouldn’t feel out of place in Melbourne’s inner north, Renard is a must-visit while you’re touring Ballarat’s best. Pull up a pew at the terrazzo bar counter or sink into one of the cosy forest-green velvet banquettes, below whitewashed brick walls. A self-proclaimed ‘cocktail bar & social club’, Renard is, quite frankly, a go-to for any occasion, however big or small. Almost every cocktail on the menu features a splash of native ingredients, from Davidson plum gin to river mint syrup, wattleseed and macadamia liqueur, or anise myrtle. While you’re there, snack on some continental-inspired small plates (mussels in Spanish sauce, a revolving door of house made terrines or Meredith Dairy goat’s cheese doughnuts drizzled with truffled honey, perhaps?) and maybe throw in a larger dish (let’s say the 250-gram porterhouse steak with red wine jus) for good measure.

Address: 209 Mair St, Ballarat

7. Hop Temple

A cavernous, industrial-chic ode to frothy creativity, this Ballarat brewery has the largest range of craft beer and cider in all of Victoria, with more than 220 brews available either on tap or by the bottle. Set in a converted stables and hidden down a laneway adorned with a canopy of umbrellas and string lights, Hop Temple has plenty of personality: bicycles hang from the ceiling, a cluster of antique doors makes for a feature wall, an indoor trellis is draped with greenery, and murals dot its exterior. Order a handful of comfort food (we’re talking ‘hopcorn’ chicken, mac and cheese, fried chicken burgers, tacos and more) before settling in with one of the 17 beer blends served on tap at any given time.

Address: 24 Armstrong St North, Ballarat

8. The Crypt

crafting cocktails at The Crypt, Ballarat — The Crypt shakes up killer cocktails from more than 600 superb internationally sourced spirits.

A completely fabulous gothic bar found inside the space that once housed The 18th Amendment Bar, The Crypt shakes up killer cocktails from more than 600 superb internationally sourced spirits. Some will smoke, others will shimmer, but no matter what you order, you can expect something truly special. A backlit bar and Chesterfield sofas remain from the previous fit out, but there’s now a rotating roster of events to get stuck into, including spooky games nights, cocktail classes and live music spanning all genres.

Address: 14 Camp St, Ballarat

9. Aunty Jacks

Hankering for a fuss-free cold one? The team at this Ballarat brewery, led by Peter Aldred who is widely considered a doctor of beer, know what’s up. Aunty Jacks consistently offers a stellar line-up of unfiltered lagers, pale ales, and IPAs. Curious drinkers thirsty for more knowledge of the brewing process can sign up for a brewery tour or beer education class. There’s also plenty of indulgent foods on the menu here, including pizzas, fried chicken burgers and loaded fries with chipotle chicken, avocado and sour cream.

Address: 315-317 Mair St, Ballarat

10. Piano Bar Ballarat

two glasses of cocktails at Piano Bar Ballarat — Step into the soulful ambiance of Piano Bar Ballarat. (Image: Peter Foster)

Get those pipes thoroughly lubricated at Piano Bar Ballarat —its unique sing-a-longs will demand serious enthusiasm. Attracting a mix of locals and out-of-towners, the Ballarat institution stages regular events including Drag Bingo, bottomless brunch and, of course, piano by request every Friday and Saturday. Drink-wise, there’s an extensive wine, beer and spirits menu to peruse, plus cocktails. Meanwhile, locally sourced produce is transformed into sharable dishes to sufficiently line tummies for the night ahead.

Address: 31 Sturt St, Ballarat

11. Royal Hotel

Though it’s not strictly in Ballarat, but rather a 20-minute drive down the road, The Royal Hotel Snake Valley still more than merits mention. A character-filled old country pub, this roadhouse has a beer garden for hot summer’s days, and a dining room with an open fire for escaping winter’s chill. Sit down for a filling pub meal and gaze around at all the knick-knacks, trophies and photos that line the walls while enjoying a crisp pint of Carlton Draught.

Address: 886 Linton-Carngham Rd, Snake Valley

12. Royal Oak Hotel

the bar counter at Royal Oak Hotel — Crack open a can of craft beer at this old-fashioned pub. (Image: Royal Oak Hotel)

When only a good old-fashioned pub will do, make a beeline for this great all-rounder and local’s favourite dating back to 1866. The Royal Oak Hotel , a dog-friendly establishment, has made a name for itself based on the friendly service, solid food options (pub classics like fish and chips, burgers and 10 individual Parma varieties, for example), convivial atmosphere and an ample selection of beers on tap.

Address: 402 South St, Ballarat

Originally written by Chloe Cann with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Discover the best things to do in Ballarat

Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.

If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.

Staying in Healesville

the lounge in one of the cosy villas at Healesvillas — Inside one of the cosy villas.

If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.

Dining out in Healesville

small plates at No. 7 Healesville — No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)

For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe , a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville , a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.

Drinking in Healesville

a cocktail at Four Pillars Gin Distillery — Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)

Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin . If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.

the Boat O’Craigo winery — Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

Healesville highlights

If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.

Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway .

Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)