Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Hepburn Springs

"Sovereign Hill is a unique outdoor folklore museum recreating an era when the city was a flush with thousands of fortune-seeking gold-diggers from all over the world hoping to strike it hot and find riches. The 25-hectare park is full of recreated shops, hotels, theatres, factories, schools and underground mines as well as spectacular shows re-enacting the Eureka Rebellion on the Ballarat goldfields. A full day is needed here to soak in the Victorian history and perhaps even snare yourself some bling."

"Step back into the 1850s at Sovereign Hill – a multi-award-winning open-air museum that earns as many plaudits from adults as it does the little ones accompanying them. This immersive attraction is set across a 25-hectare site (equivalent to the size of some 13 MCGs), and plays host to more than 60 historically recreated brick and timber buildings decked out with antiques, artwork, books and papers. It’s also staffed by costumed actors who can answer your historical questions and pose for photos."

"At Sovereign Hill you’ll be on ground zero for the richest alluvial gold rush in the world. The Welcome Nugget, the largest gold nugget ever recovered, was found at this very place and weighed almost 70kg. This 25-hectare site is now an outdoor museum where you can return to the fast-moving first ten years of Ballarat’s European history."

"Located 4km (2.5 miles) from the centre of Ballarat, on the western shores of Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens covers 40 hectares (99 acres) and is one of Australia’s most remarkable cool climate gardens. Opened in 1857, the gardens are more than 150 years old and feature mature trees, a modern conservatory, a heritage statuary pavilion and the Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial. Divided into three zones, the gardens include a Victorian pleasure garden and the Prime Ministers Avenue, which features bronze busts of every PM since the Federation."

"From the lake, pebbled paths lead to the historic Ballarat Botanical Gardens. The gardens were planted in the 1860s, and on your visit, you can soak up the beauty of the grand floral displays, heritage oak trees, Italian marble statues and the iconic Prime Ministers Avenue. There are free guided tours departing from the Conservatory, and a nursery on-site where you can purchase plants to take home."

"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 large body of water on Ballarat’s west shoulder has been around since the 1850s when a patch of swamp was dammed to create a source of drinking water for the nascent town. Spreading over 238 acres and mostly shallow, the lake was adapted for water sports down the years, and hosted the rowing and canoeing events for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. The islands and reedbeds are an important habitat for waterbirds, and 166 different species have been recorded here, so don’t be surprised to pass a bird-watcher or two."

"Just like Sovereign Hill, Lake Wendouree has a little bit of history to its name. It originally started as a stream that grew into a swamp and not before long, a lake. Lake Wendouree was first opened to the public in 1864 for recreational purposes and is an artificially created urban lake that is located in the heart of Ballarat."

"Located on the banks of lovely Lake Wendouree, and just across the road from the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, lies the Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground. A small, castle-like structure, it features slides, several different kinds of swings, monkey bars, forts, climbing structures, tunnels, and more. Once you’ve exhausted the playground’s assets, take one of the walking tracks around the lake, which is home to ducks and swans."

"After you have visited the Ballarat attractions, take the kids down to Lake Wendouree for a walk. See the ducks and swans and just wonder around. When you want to sit, let the kids run wild on their huge adventure playground while you chill by the lake and just take in the stunning views."

"This monument, put up just after the First World War near the southwest corner of Prince of Wales Park, is the largest commemorative arch in Australia. The arch of Victory commemorates those who served in the Great War, and honours the Allied Victory. It stands 16.5 metres tall and 19.2 metres wide and was later updated to mark the Second World War, Korean War and the Vietnam War."

"The St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church as well as a historical building in Ballarat. It was the only Parish Church when it was established in the early 19th century and later became a part of the Diocese of Ballarat when it was formed. The church building is still the same as that of the Victorian Era."

"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."

"Are you looking for a quaint exotic spot to have your picnic and observe some good scenes too?. Wait no more for we might have an ideal location just for you. Lake Esmond Botanical Park is one of the top tourist attractions in all of Ballarat when it comes to finding a peaceful location to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.The best part of this park is the amazing lake."

"A 641 hectare park located in eastern Ballarat, accessible from Mount Clear. There are old forest trails which can be explored on foot and several mountain bike tracks. The park has a rich selection of native fauna and flora including heath, colourful wildflowers, kangaroos, echidnas and many species of birds."

"Woowookarung Regional Park is actually named after the Aboriginal language which means ‘place of plenty’. The park is open to the public and has even been established by the people of the town for others to enjoy. There are a lot of running and cycling trails here inside the park."

"Founded in 2005 by Scott and Vanessa Wilson-Browne in Purrumbete, before they relocated to Ballarat in 2011, Red Duck are one of the longest-established breweries in Australia and have been championing craft beer in the region, while also aiming to give drinkers as much variety as possible. Indeed, long before today's era of rapid-fire new releases and wanton experimentation across the country, Red Duck were already at it, playing with barrels, souring techniques, fruit, herbs and more besides. Since launching, they've released more than 170 different beers (likely higher by the time you read this!), often unlike anything you'll have encountered before."

"Located in Ballarat, Red Duck Micro-Brewery have a proud tradition of being at the forefront of real craft beer innovation and explore history of forgotten styles and tastes. Continually exploring the garden for new and traditional ingredients to add, Red Duck invent new brewing techniques or re-invent long forgotten ones."

"Located in the centre of Ballarat, the Athletic Club Brewery is the region’s leading brewpub experience. With tours, tastings, there is always something worth experiencing at the Athletic Club Brewery. Boasting an eclectic range of craft beers made on site, and brew matched food supplied by the adjoining Freight restaurant, you can take in all the atmosphere that the brewery has to offer from the comfort of the tap room, or even enjoy dinner and a beer from the brewery floor."

"When Peter Parry decided to retire in 2015, he found the days long and somewhat boring, so he made the decision to invest his retirement money in a brewery. Having made the decision, he didn’t mess around. He kitted the place out with new equipment from Australian brewery manufacturer Spark, including a 15hL brewhouse, two double batch and two single batch fermenters, a 50L pilot kit, a couple of kegarators for on the run requirements and a 12 tap setup in the bar area."