Ballarat City Tales Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Step beyond the main streets and discover a side of Ballarat that most visitors walk straight past.
This guided walking tour brings the city’s Gold Rush history to life through the places it actually happened - from grand Victorian buildings to tucked-away laneways and overlooked corners filled with stories.
Led by a local guide in period Victorian attire, the experience is personal, relaxed and engaging, focusing on the details, characters and moments that give Ballarat its distinctive atmosphere.
Midway through the tour, pause for a coffee, hot chocolate or chai inside one of Ballarat’s oldest hotels, before continuing to explore more hidden corners of the city.
You’ll also receive a small locally designed Ballarat art print to take home.
The walk runs for approximately 2-2.5 hours (around 1.5km) at an easy pace with regular stops. Suitable for couples, solo travellers and small groups.
Children under 6 are free (drink not included).
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Bakery Hill
Visit the place where the city of Ballarat first started at Bakery Hill, Ballarat. Discover the stories and wander inside historic buildings still standing that were built during the Goldrush period.
Bakery Hill
Visit the hidden spot where Peter Lalor made his Bakery Hill speech that kicked off the pivotal Eureka Stockade and rebellion in Australia. Learn about the history behind the rebellion and how it changed the future of Australia.
What‘s Included
Access to selected historic buildings and interior spaces
Coffee, tea or chai at a historic Ballarat hotel
Small locally designed Ballarat art print
Guided walking tour of historic Ballarat
Local guide in period Victorian attire (English)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional food and drinks
Transportation to/from the meeting point
Options
Ballarat City Tales Walking Tour
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Walk into history
Kathleen B,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Historical stories and nicely paced walk. Ballarat is an interesting and architectural place. Enjoyed a coffee in the oldest hotel in Ballarat which was included in the price of the tour.
Great tour of Ballarat
220irenee,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jarrod was a great tour guide. He gave us a lot of really interesting information about Ballarat in an engaging way. Would definitely recommend to anyone else.
Amazing experience based on detailed knowledge of Ballarat's history
stevebH9388OQ,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very impressed with Jarrod as tour guide - his knowledge of and passion for Ballarat and its history was catching. The walk was well-paced with visits to the interiors of several buildings enhancing the overall experience. An excellent experience - highly recommended.
Terrific Ballarat walking tour
Jane-Frances O,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a terrific walking tour of Ballarat. Our tour guide, Jarrod, was excellent - knowledgeable, engaging and paced both the information and walking just right. Jarrod didn’t shy away from the difficult parts of the history. He balanced this with his love of the city telling quirky, humorous tales. Jarrod took us to hidden gems and presented a really interesting picture of Ballarat. Highly recommended.
Informative
572lincolnh,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative and Jared’s pride for his city and job is a subtle bonus
A must-do in Ballarat
janc27,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friend said, “It's the best tour I’ve ever done”, and I have to agree with her. Jarrod was a great guide and storyteller and all three of us learnt so much about Balla Arat and enjoyed it all. Highly recommended.
Entertaining and Captivating.
pcarrie85,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An engaging and thoroughly enjoyable experience walking the streets of Ballarat with Jarrod. Kept us entertained with colourful stories of the people,places and events of the 1800's during the gold rush. Visiting the Mechanics Institute and Craig's Hotel definite highlights.
My eyes were opened
L5052QAcathyg,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jarrod was a wealth of information. He shed a new light on my limited history of the area. I have a greater appreciation for the early miners/settlers in this area. Will definitely be visiting this arra again.
Fun Ballarat and Gold Rush History Tour
Cindy B,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great time on this tour and learned a lot about Ballarat's history and the history of the gold rush era. We were lucky enough to be the only people on the tour and it was a relaxing and informative time.
Great walking tour of Ballaarat
JellyRollJane,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic walking tour of Ballaarat, Jarrod is very knowledgeable, has done his research and has many entertaining and interesting stories to tell! Great for those from out of town but also for locals - we all learnt much and enjoyed the pace. Highly recommend.
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