The 10 Best Museums in Ballarat, Victoria

Art House Ballarat exhibits original Australian paintings and Limited Edition prints, all of which are available for purchase. We also offer custom framing of art work, photography, memorabilia, textiles and prints. National and international delivery can be easily arranged using art courier specialists.

Raintree Art is a specialty art gallery selling Aboriginal art from Central Australia and the Top End. We also stock an extensive range of genuine souvenirs. Open by appointment.

An interesting and dynamic regional gallery where there is always lots to see. Upstairs, the gallery collection is definitely worth a visit, as the Gallery holds one of the best regional collections in the country and is always looking for interesting, thought-provoking ways of displaying it. Downstairs there are temporary exhibitions, with at least four open at any one time.

At Sovereign Hill, the story of an important time and place in Australian History, and the people who lived it, lives on. An internationally acclaimed tourist attraction, Sovereign Hill prides itself on its close attention to detail found in every aspect of this living, outdoor museum. Sovereign Hill is a glimpse of the vigour and excitement of life on Australia’s 1850s goldfields. Visitors can find real gold in the creek – gold pans are provided and it’s ‘finders keepers’, see $150,000 worth of molten gold poured into a gleaming bar, and take in the rich program of activities, shows and demonstrations. On Main Street there are working shops, hotels and a theatre – all based on original Ballarat businesses. Visitors are able to watch goldfields tradespeople in action and take a ride around the township in a horse-drawn coach. For the brave hearted, journey underground on a gold mine tour.

The Ballarat Tramway Museum is staffed by volunteer members who are dedicated to preserving and operating a part of the former Ballarat street tramways. The trams run along Wendouree Parade through the beautiful and historic Botanical Gardens on a journey of about twenty minutes. At the Tram Depot many tramway relics are on view. A variety of the Museum's trams are also on display including Horse Tram No 1 built in 1887. DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS THE MUSEUM IS CURRENTLY OPEN ONLY ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & TUESDAYS. ALL TRAM RIDES COMMENCE AT THE MUSEUM. Visit our website for further information.

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute was established in 1859 and is part of the historical and cultural heart of Ballarat CBD. During its long history, the BMI has welcomed a diverse group from founding fathers, to miners and others seeking knowledge through education. All are welcome to visit for cultural events and exhibitions. Arrange a volunteer guided tour by contacting the BMI

The Gold Museum extends Sovereign Hill’s story of Ballarat - a majestic provincial city built on the wealth derived from the great Australian gold rushes of the 1850s.An impressive glass-fronted building with commanding views, the Gold Museum offers an award-winning gift shop specialising in the sale of gold nuggets and Australian-made gold jewellery and fine giftware.Discover the beauty and power of gold as you view an impressive and valuable collection of gold nuggets, alluvial deposits, priceless gold artefacts and gold coins.‘Ballarat: Inspired by Gold’ is a major exhibition presenting the story of Ballarat from its earliest days through to European settlement and the amazing impact of the gold rushes. Entry to the Gold Museum is free with your Sovereign Hill ticket. Separate entry is also available

The Eureka Flag is housed on the historic site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade and is surrounded by the scenic Eureka Stockade Memorial Gardens. Formerly known as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, the Eureka Centre is being re-imagined for the community with a stronger emphasis on the struggle of the young miners who fought for their rights and made an indelible mark on democracy in Australia. There is a gift shop and a cafe onsite offering snacks and lunches for visitors and the local community.