Headed for the city of gold and in need of a cosy place to kick back in with your family? Gotchu covered. Here’s a complete list of the best family accommodation in Ballarat.
Oh, Ballarat – once the city of golden dreams. Where gold seekers from all corners of the globe flocked to pursue the elusive dream of chasing the golden nugget.
Did you know that Ballarat is a city? In fact, it’s been deemed a city for 148 long years. Here I kept waltzing around calling it a town (probably offending numerous locals along the way). Oops.
Look, I get it. Most people flee in the direction of Australia’s breathtaking beaches and coastline come weekend – escaping into the deep country is not exactly the first thing that pops into mind given our landscape… BUT, I’m here to tell you that Ballarat is 100% worth a weekend trip because this place legit has some of Victoria’s best attractions for families, which is what makes it such a perfect family getaway.
Plus, who said you have to drive 4 hours to the mountains to experience snow? Kids can get a taste and feel of powdery fresh snow in the winter, right here in Ballarat.
With an ample selection of local eateries and restaurants, friendly locals, and picturesque natural scenery – I cannot recommend a visit highly enough for families looking for a place with tons of fun activities.
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Ballarat Apartment Tips
Where’s the best area to stay? There are two main areas: the City Centre or Lake Wendouree. Although they are not far apart (approx. 5-minute drive), it all depends on whether you prefer to be within walking distance to the shops and food, or if you prefer the serenity of nature and the lake. The city centre was our choice simply because we want to be close to all the food. Nomnomnom.
Ensure the place has proper heating. Especially if you’re visiting in winter (June-August) because Ballarat gets colder than a polar bear’s toenail. Okay, slightly exaggerated but you get my drift. When we visited in August, temperatures dropped to -6° Celsius, so just make sure you have a working heater to crank the hell up.
Internet can be sketchy. If you need to do any web-dependant work on your trip, make sure you read reviews on before booking because from our few experiences… Internet is not a strong point in the city (you could probably say that for all of Australia – I’m looking at you, NBN). This is largely due to the fact that many of the buildings are a century old and made from heavy bricks causing reception to be disrupted.
Plan your visit on a weekend. Not all attractions open on weekdays – Kryal Castle, for example, operates only on weekends.
Best Travel Guides for Victoria & Australia:
Lonely Planet Melbourne Guide | Fodor’s Travel Essential Australia |
Best Budget Family Accommodation
Travel in Australia is expensive. Not gonna lie. But, luckily, there’s an abundance of budget options for family accommodation in Ballarat that I’ve dug up for you.
Redruth Cottage
Ever fancied staying in a cottage? I blame the string of endless Hollywood movies for my obsession with toasty warm, cosy cottages nestled on the edge of forests. Except, Redruth Cottage isn’t completely isolated and tucked in a forest – it’s actually located at the edge of the city centre manifesting all the cottage vibes without being in the middle of nowhere.
This cosy cottage features a large double bed with the option of adding an extra bed for little humans. Plus, you’ll be pleased to know that the room comes with a split unit air conditioning unit to keep you fuzzy warm during freezing Ballarat winters and cool in the summer. There’s also a flat-screen TV and DVD player to keep the kids happy, a kitchenette, fridge, and board games.
Highlights:
- Books and DVDs are provided to keep the whole family entertained
- Includes a delicious breakfast for all guests
- Tucked in a quiet residential street but is close enough to walk to Ballarat Central
Location: 10-minute walk to city centre
Wi-Fi: Yes
Price Range: Approx. $110 AUD per night
New to Airbnb? Get $40 travel credit when you book your first stay!
Ballarat Station Apartments
For families on a budget – it seriously doesn’t get better than this self-contained Ballarat apartment situated opposite the train station. Choose between a studio or 2-bedroom home, they both feature a fully equipped kitchen, heating and air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and DVD player, plus a spa bath to relax in when the kids are in bed.
Highlights:
- Free off-street parking for cars
- Washing machine for kids who get dirty all the time
- Spa bath with jets for a relaxing getaway
Location: 400 metres from central Ballarat
Wi-Fi: Yes
Price Range: From $125 AUD per night
Barkly Motorlodge
If apartments aren’t your dig when travelling, then this is the closest thing you can get to a room with all the hotel feels. Located within walking distance to the centre of town, the Barkly Motorlodge features a minibar, flat-screen TV, and even a restaurant downstairs that serves up a mean lunch and dinner. For families, book yourselves a Triple Room which can accommodate a family of 4.
Highlights:
- Modern-styled rooms feature a minibar and coffee/tea-making facilities
- Flat-screen TV to keep the kids entertained
- Family-friendly restaurant open for lunch and dinner
Location: 900 metres of central Ballarat
Wi-Fi: Yes
Price Range: Approx. $150 AUD per night
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Best Mid-Range Family Accommodation
If you’ve got a wee little bit extra cash to splurge, then these are 3 top choice apartments for you.
Bakery Hill Apartments
The perfect modern and spacious weekend home for families, this 2-bedroom apartment is conveniently located on the fringe of the city centre. With yummy food options located directly across the road, a delicious meal is always at the ready.
Offering amenities to keep the whole family entertained on quiet evenings, Bakery Hills features a large flat-screen TV, DVD player, and even a spa bath for kids to splash around in. The place exudes lofty NYC-feels with high ceilings and an open-plan kitchen fitted with everything you need.
Highlights:
- Large spa bath for kids to splash around or to relax in
- Perfect location opposite a row of eateries – Nando’s, McDonald’s & more
- Free toiletries so you won’t have to lug around your own
Location: Under 10-minute walk to Ballarat Central
Wi-Fi: Yes
Price Range: Approx. $200 AUD per night (min. 2 nights required)
Greenfield Place
If you’re after a taste of luxury without paying a high sum – Greenfield Place is definitely worth considering. Nestled in a top location on the famous Lydiard Street, this 3-bedroom holiday home serves up a delightful continental breakfast served every morning. It also features cable TV, an outdoor entertaining space with a BBQ for summer grilling.
Highlights:
- Delicious breakfast included for the duration of your stay
- 3 bedrooms with 2 large double beds and 2 single beds
- Outdoor dining area with BBQ and furniture to enjoy on warm nights
Location: Under 10-minute walk to city centre
Wi-Fi: Yes
Price Range: Approx. $240 per night
Lascelles
Fancy staying inside a gorgeous restored Victorian Townhouse? Well, you absolutely can at Lascelles. This is the equivalent of what the American dream us to Aussies. But, instead of the white picket fence, we dream of living inside a grand Victorian-style home.
Bring other families along for the trip and book an entire 6-bedroom townhouse, or stay in the 2-bedroom apartment options next door. Fitted with all the modern amenities one could possibly need – I’m talkin’ – Netflix built into the TV, a capsule coffee machine, electric blankets, and more.
Highlights:
- Entertainment for the whole family: XL flat-screen TV with built-in Netflix, DVD player and movies
- Option to book an entire 6-bedroom townhouse or a 2-bedroom place next door
- Outdoor entertainment space featuring BBQ and furniture
Location: 12-minute walk to city centre
Wi-Fi: Yes
Price Range: Approx. $160 per night
Compare prices of accommodation in Ballarat below:
Luxury Family Accommodation
If you’ve got the cash to splash and make it rain dollar bills, then take a look at this range of luxe family accommodation in Ballarat.. Because, who doesn’t enjoy the finer thangs in life?
RACV Goldfields Resort
For families who are all about that all-inclusive resort life, then look no further. You can live up the resort life without the need to fly anywhere.
Situated on 150 acres of land, this luxurious property features top notch wellness facilities and rooms fitted with relaxing spa baths. Take a dip in the pool or play a round of tennis – this place has everything to keep little ones entertained.
Highlights:
- 18-hole championship golf course on-site
- Enjoy the swimming pool, tennis court and gym
- Games room with TV and activities for kids
Location: 11km from Ballarat – close to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
Price Range: Approx. $345 AUD per night
East 34
Wrap yourself in 1000-thread count sheets as you snooze off and wake up to the smell of coffee and breakfast cooking in the kitchen – East 34 is a lavish 2-bedroom apartment with all the comforts of home, but better.
Featuring a patio with a BBQ – it’s the perfect space to enjoy with the family during warmer months of the year. The place also offers entertainment for kids, extra long beds, a cosy fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Highlights:
- Continental breakfast served every morning for the duration of your stay
- Books, DVDs, and board games for children
- Outdoor dining area with a BBQ to enjoy in summer
Location: 1km from city centre
Wi-Fi: Yes
Price Range: Approx. $370 AUD per night
Craig’s Royal Hotel
Want to feel like royalty for a weekend? Live it up at this ornate 5-star hotel fitted with boutique-style rooms and classical furnishings to make anyone feel like a million bucks. Known as Ballarat’s grand dame, the historic hotel boasts restaurants, bars, and lounges decorated in magnificent Victorian grandeur.
Enjoy daily continental breakfast and head downstairs at 3pm every Sunday for high tea.
Highlights:
- Free valet parking
- Daily continental breakfast included
- Freel luxe toiletries so you won’t have to bring yours
Location: City centre
Wi-Fi: Yes
Price Range: Approx. $350 AUD per night
Psst.. Check out these Must-Do Tours in Ballarat:
So, there you have it – hopefully we’ve given you enough choices to make a decision on the best family accommodation in Ballarat according to your budget. Don’t forget to tell me about your experience and where you decided to stay when you get back – I would love to hear what you thought.
Watch: Top 5 Attractions in Ballarat for Kids
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3 comments
All of these are great options! I don’t have kids yet, but if I was traveling with a group of friends, I’d definitely want to stay at Lascelles!
Great options for such a cute town! I love the apartment in the station, I really like the freedom of having more space like that .
Ohh I really want to visit Ballarat. I’m fascinated with the geology so massive gold finds are really interesting to me. I feel like I need the luxury all in inclusive resort – I could do with using that spa 🙂