Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Bacchus Marsh

"One of the most famous things to do in Ballarat with kids is to visit Sovereign Hill and you should set a whole day aside just for this attraction. Step back in time to the Goldrush days in Ballarat when you visit Sovereign Hill, Melbourne’s most amazing outdoor museum. Pan for gold to see if you find a lucky gold nugget, and if you do it’s yours to keep."

"Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum in Golden Point, Ballarat. It portrays the first 10 years of Ballarat after gold was discovered there in 1851. Sovereign Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ballarat, people come from all over the world to visit it."

"Ballarat’s Botanical Gardens are one of Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens. Located about four kilometres from the centre of town on the shore of Lake Wendouree, they cover 40 hectares and are a popular heritage and recreation destination for residents and visitors. The Gardens are open all day, all year, and until 9pm from October to April, and are free to enter."

"The blooms of the Camellia, emerald green grass, and the tall tree cover filled with lichen are but few beautiful features of the Botanical Gardens. Situated approximately 2.5miles (4km) from the CBD, the Botanical Gardens are one of Australia’s remarkably peaceful climate gardens. The gardens occupy a massive 99 acres, presenting a perfect place to unwind and quiet the mind."

"Spend some time wandering (and letting the kids loose) in these beautiful botanical gardens, located on Lake Wendouree. Broken into four zones, it is easy to see why these gardens are loved by locals. Take a guided tour through the gardens or just enjoy the plant life and marble statues on display."

"Situated in the centre of Ballarat is the picturesque Lake Wendouree. This beautiful lake was not only home to the rowing in the 1956 Olympics but continues to be used for many recreational and competitive events. The Lake has a circumference of 6kms and is home to the Steve Moneghetti walking and running track and every day come rain, hail or shine you will see people walking, running and cycling around."

"Originally a stream and then a swamp, this urban lake was first used recreationally in 1864. Since then, Lake Wendouree has hosted rowing and canoeing events in the 1956 Olympic Games and the 2014 World Masters Rowing event. Today, the lake offers a variety of activities including the 6km (3.7 mile) Steve Moneghetti walking and cycling track, bird watching, a playground and barbecue facilities."

"Adjoining the Botanical Gardens, you’ll find Lake Wendouree. Get your heart racing on the 6km Steve Moneghetti running and walking track or enjoy a picnic by the water with public BBQs – the day is yours. The lake is also a great spot for fishing, sailing and rowing, and the kids will love the adventure playground."

"The main feature of this playground is the large aeroplane play structure, named Grove Wings 3029. It has a climbing structure, swings and cockpit built for some imaginative play. Aeroplane Park, Stanhope Road, Tarneit"

"Ballarat has some of the best scenes for you as you have seen by now. But, there is one more thing quite popular to the tourists who come to cherish the unexplained beauty of Ballarat- the Black Hill Reserve.An empty space of almost 260 acres- Ballarat is one of the best places you could go to if you want to be close to nature. Also, there are a lot of unknown wildlife species along with some of the exotic migratory birds nesting right here."

"Bring them out to Black Hill reserve to try out their mountain bike moves. Dirt tracks wind through bushland giving kids thrill as the ride downhill. Parents, bring along a picnic and sit at one of the picnic tables on site."

"Located on the Serviceton line in Victoria, Ballarat Railway Station is one of Australia’s most awe-inspiring heritage railway stations. The railway station showcases the architectural and historical magnificence of Ballarat. This 19th century railway station has most of its features intact and is registered in the Victorian Heritage Register."

"Arrive in Balarat by train and you’ll be given a stately welcome. The railway station is a wonderful piece of heritage in a staggering state of preservation. The building, with a portico, pediment and Italianate tower, has changed little since it opened in 1862, and there are tons of details that have stood the test of time."

"Curlew Community Park has play equipment, a sand pit and water pump, basket swing, half basketball court and a track for scooters, roller skates and more. Curlew Community Park, Epsom Street, Laverton"

"Located on Mair Street East and open Wednesdays to Sundays, Freight Bar & Restaurant includes indoor and outdoor dining in an a la carte setting...."

"Located on the corner of Mair and Pleasant Streets, Ballarat in a heritage hotel, the City Oval is the perfect venue for a leisurely lunch or decadent dinner."