Top Rated Parks to Visit in Hepburn Springs

"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."

"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."

"Summer days are best spent splashing around in the centre’s three outdoor pools (a heated 50-metre pool, a learn to swim pool, and a shaded toddlers pool) in the outdoor water play park with its sprinklers and fountains, or even the centre’s playground. Post-swim, relax in the shaded areas that line the poolside or visit the neighbouring Eureka Stockade park. Cost: $5 per adult, $4.20 per child (aged 5-16 years old), $15 for a family; kids under five enter free."

"And, if you love indoor waters- then this is your chance to splash into some of the best pool waters in all of Ballarat, and give it a go!. Wanna swim like a professional?. Did you know they give out swimming lessons too?"

"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."

"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."

"Home to a water play area, multiple large play spaces that provide activities for all abilities. Large Sandpit, swings, areas to climb, balance, slides, rope ladders. Beside one of the play spaces there a great collection of musical instruments, drums, xylophones, cymbals, and bells."

"Victoria Park is a great space to go and burn off some built up energy. Featuring an all-inclusive playground, it is a fabulous place to spend some time outdoors in Ballarat. Kids will love the swings, slide and double flying fox, as well as the imaginative water precinct."

"The Midlands Reserve and Water Park is one of the best places to take your children to and have a fun day with them. It is placed in the north of Ballarat, and children love this park!. The Midlands Reserve and Water Park attracts people of all ages honestly."

"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."

"Housed in a fully refurbished 19th century blue stone warehouse. The Bluestone Bar, Club and Lounge is locally owned and decked out as a 'total entertainment' ..."

"The Main Bar is a bar and restaurant, specialising in sourdough pizzas and regional wines. Recently revamped, it has retained its wood-panelled, old-fashioned boozer atmosphere, and hosts a range of entertainments including live music, comedy and performances. Open Thursday to Saturday, 6pm to 11pm."

"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."

"The guys from The Forge have teamed up with baker and entrepreneur Josh Chapman to open an artisan bakery, patisserie and cafe next door on Armstrong Street North. 1816 Bakehouse is a temple to all things dough: take your pick of pumpkin loaves; semi-sourdough focaccia loaded with fetta, basil and olives; Nutella and pistachio cruffins; pork pies; or pear and apple crumble pies."

"1816 Bakehouse is Ballarat’s go-to artisan bakery and ‘the’ place for anything warm and golden from the oven. There are hand-shaped sourdough loaves, hand-rolled pastries, freshly made sandwiches, plus locally roasted coffee. Must-try is their beef brisket and cheese pie and pumpkin sourdough."

"Artisan bakery with a great selection of pies, sandwiches, breads and sweet treats, as well as coffee and other drinks. 1816 Bakehouse, 18 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat, 03 4372 9292"