Ballarat City Tales Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 15 minutes

Mobile ticket

Discover mysterious laneways, quirky local shops, and captivating hidden tales on a Ballarat City Tales walking tour. Get exclusive access to historic sites such as the Ballarat Town Hall, Ballaarat Mechanics Institute, historic Main Road (where Sovereign Hill is based), the site of Peter Lalor's Eureka speech and more.

Perfect for adventurous couples of all ages, families, groups of friends and solo travellers. Small groups ensure a fun and engaging time, with plenty of mysterious tales told during your journey. Mid journey you will stop for a coffee, tea or chai (included) and discover more fascinating tales of Ballarat. Includes a beautiful Ballarat art print.

Children under 6 are free (no drink included). Easily catch the train to Ballarat and walk to the tour starting point (15 minute walk).

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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Ballarat art print

Guide

Entry into the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute & Ballarat Town Hall

In-person Guide in English

Cup of tea/coffee/chai included.

Private transportation

Options

Ballarat City Tales Walking Tour

Reviews

5.00

15 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Terrific Ballarat walking tour
Jane-Frances O,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This 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
5.00
Very 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
5.00
My 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
5.00
An 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
5.00
Jarrod 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
5.00
Had 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
5.00
Fantastic 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.
Five star walking tour experience.
chriseH8863HC,,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful walking tour experience. Jarrod, dressed in character, was an excellent storyteller. I felt immersed in the interesting stories of Ballarat, such an historic City. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Highly recommend.
Tales of the spider dance and history at every corner
Christophor J,,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
An easy walking tour learning how Ballarat grew to the town of today with stories of interesting people and places. Loved the coffee stop at the Graig Royal Hotel and the access to buildings you would.normaly walk by.
Best country town tour!
Hamish H,,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A superb guided tour of Ballarat. Local guide, who knew his stuff! Small group, easy pace, covered different parts of Ballarat and gave us access to some of the buildings which you wouldn’t get to see on your own. Highly recommend. Locally owned company as well.