Discover delightful Ballarat when you tour Victoria with a rental car
Discover Australia’s gold rush history when you take a trip to Ballarat. This delightful city is located just an hour west of Melbourne and sits on the banks of the Yarrowee River. With the convenience of your car hire Ballarat, you can relax in nature, get up close and personal with unique wildlife, and delve into the past. Take the time to visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat, enjoy the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and let your imagination run wild at the medieval Kryal Castle.
With the freedom of your rental car, you can easily see more of Victoria and Australia. If you have the time, head to the coast to drive the famous Great Ocean Road, or travel inland to visit some off-the-beaten-track towns like Mildura and Wagga Wagga for a real Australian adventure.
Organise your car hire Ballarat with ease when you use Airport Rentals. Our powerful search feature allows you to track down your ideal car in a matter of moments. With the lowest priced vehicles shown first and our single-page display, spotting a bargain is easy. Plus, our handy filters help to narrow the results by your preferred brand and features.
Once you have selected your preferred car, pop a few details into a short form to finish up your secure reservation. When you book with us, you will gain access to our handy online reservation management system and 24/7 access to our helpful customer service team, should you need assistance.
Guide to Ballarat
Ballarat has a population of just over 100,000 people, enjoys a relaxing and welcoming vibe, and is the ideal place for a quick stop on a road trip or an extended stay. A trip to Ballarat wouldn’t be complete without exploring the city’s rich heritage at the Eureka Centre, Ballarat General Cemeteries and the J Ward Ararat’s Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum.
● Know what to do if your hired car should break down.
● You must slow down to 40 kilometres per hour when passing a stationary emergency vehicle with lights flashing and/or sirens sounding.
● In Victoria, you can perform a U-turn at any intersection unless otherwise signed.
Parking your rental car in Ballarat
Finding somewhere to park your car hire in Ballarat is easy with plenty of free and paid parking options available, including on-street spaces and off-street parking lots.
City Information
Accommodation in Ballarat
Ballarat offers a range of lodging choices including tranquil farm stays, relaxing B&Bs, and luxury hotels. Some top picks include:
● Black Cat Cottage - This charming self-contained farm cottage sits on a 20-acre working truffle farm, with beautiful gardens, and a heated pool.
● Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre - Situated in a tranquil garden setting, this upscale hotel has trendy rooms and suites, a bar and bistro, and a day spa.
● Craig’s Royal Hotel - Ideally located, this historic hotel offers luxury rooms and modern amenities and has an onsite restaurant and wine bar.
● Sovereign Hill Hotel - Located in the heart of Ballarat, this affordable hotel features comfortably furnished rooms, WiFi, and onsite dining options.
Annual events in Ballarat
There is never a dull moment in Ballarat, with a variety of spirited celebrations throughout the year. Add these favourites to your itinerary.
● Ballarat Beer Festival (January) - A fun day out, featuring more than 200 craft beers and ciders, regional wines, food trucks, and live music.
● Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival (February) - A two-day event, celebrating rockabilly culture, including live music, dancing, a car show, and trade stalls.
● Ballarat Heritage Weekend (May) - A three-day event, celebrating the city’s past with tours of the Old Ballarat Gaol, competitions, vintage fashion, and more.
● Ballarat Cabaret Festival (October) - An exciting and unique festival, with dance, music and theatrical performances showcasing talented artists.
Main attractions in Ballarat
Visiting all the top sights in Ballarat is a breeze with your rental car. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out these must-see attractions.
● Ballarat Wildlife Park - This 27-acre park features a variety of Austrian native and exotic animals, wildlife shows, and guided tours.
● GoldMuseum - A fascinating museum with an extensive collection of gold, artefacts, and an award-winning gift shop.
● Maze House - A 26-year-old hedge maze set amongst country gardens with an old-style milk bar and carnival games.
● Sovereign Hill - This outdoor living museum depicts Australia’s gold rush era, with costumed characters, a mine tour, theatre performances, gold panning, and more.