Art Gallery of Ballarat

Follow the history of Australian art from colonial to contemporary when you peruse the collection of Australia’s biggest and oldest regional art gallery.

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is a leading institution in regional Victoria and is home to a major collection of Australian art. Peruse a wide array of artworks and historical artifacts in the heritage-listed gallery. Established in 1884, the magnificent Renaissance Revival building is one of oldest purpose-built art galleries in the country.

Take a moment to appreciate the gallery’s gorgeous 19th-century architecture. The grand building is constructed from bluestone bricks and decorated with a golden-yellow façade and charming cast-iron gazebos. Enter the building and begin your journey through Australian art history.

You’ll see the original flag that was flown for the Eureka Stockade in 1854, as well as a collection of artworks from the early colonial and gold-rush periods. Peruse artworks by Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts, John Glover, Louis Buvelot and Jane Sutherland. The gallery also has a collection of ornate 19th-century furnishings and decorations.

Follow the gallery’s historical timeline and see works by Arthur Boyd, John Brack and Sidney Nolan. Artworks by the notable Wurundjeri Aboriginal leader William Barak are also on display. Explore the galleries that display contemporary artworks and learn about the latest additions to the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s collection. Check out the gallery’s temporary galleries to see touring exhibitions and further showcases of contemporary Australian art, including the prestigious Archibald Prize.

Be sure to check with reception to find out about the gallery’s regular workshops and educational programs. The gallery also has an exciting program of artist and curator talks, seminars, poetry readings and musical performances.

The gallery’s café has a daily menu offering brunch, lunch and afternoon tea, as well as a selection of cakes and refreshments. Alternatively, find a table in a café on one of the adjoining streets.

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is located in the heart of Ballarat’s historic center. Walk to the gallery from Ballarat Railway Station in less than 5 minutes. The gallery is free to visit; however, some temporary exhibitions may have an admission fee. The gallery is open daily, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Art Gallery of Ballarat

Ballarat

Built on the irresistible glitter of gold, Ballarat’s stately old buildings tell the story of the city.

Gold Museum

Find out about the treasured metal that enticed thousands of prospectors to find their fortune in the gold rush of the mid 19th century at this intriguing museum.

Sovereign Hill

Strike gold at this open-air museum, which tells the story of Ballarat’s first decade as a gold rush town with recreated buildings, goldmine tours and workshops.

Geelong

The city of Geelong is Victoria’s second largest, but you won’t catch this bayside beauty in Melbourne’s shadow.

Central Deborah Gold Mine

For an exciting and immersive history experience, descend into Bendigo’s mineshafts and learn about the city’s rich gold-mining heritage on a guided tour.

Hotels near Art Gallery of Ballarat

RACV Goldfields Resort

1500 Midland Highway

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a state park, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Creswick Natural Features Reserve, Creswick Museum, and St Georges Lake Flora Reserve. Calembeen Park and Park Lake Gardens are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre

613 Main Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Golden Point (Ballarat), this spa hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Gold Museum, Sovereign Hill, and Lake Esmond Botanical Garden. Lake Esmond and Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Lake Inn Ballarat

1317 Mair Street

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Ballarat, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Ballarat Base Hospital and St John of God Hospital Ballarat. Art Gallery of Ballarat is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) away. Ballarat Station is 22 minutes by foot.

Comfort Inn & Suites City Views

101 Curtis Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Bakery Hill, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Ballarat Town Hall and Art Gallery of Ballarat. St Patrick's Cathedral and Gold Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km). Ballarat Station is 10 minutes by foot.

Quality Inn The George Hotel Ballarat

27 Lydiard Street North

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Ballarat, this hotel is steps from Art Gallery of Ballarat and Ballarat Town Hall. St Patrick's Cathedral and St John of God Hospital Ballarat are also within 15 minutes. Ballarat Station is only a 3-minute walk.

Bakery Hill Motel

1 Humffray Street South

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Bakery Hill, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Ballarat Town Hall, Art Gallery of Ballarat, and St Patrick's Cathedral. Gold Museum and Lake Esmond Botanical Garden are also within 1 mi (2 km). Ballarat Station is 13 minutes by foot.

Bell Tower Inn

1845 Sturt Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Alfredton, this golf motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Ballarat Golf Club, Flax Mill Swamp Wildlife Reserve, and Mullawallah Wetlands Nature Conservation Reserve. Ballarat Base Hospital and St John of God Hospital Ballarat are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Quality Inn & Suites The Menzies

5-7 Humffray Street North

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Bakery Hill, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Art Gallery of Ballarat and Ballarat Town Hall. St Patrick's Cathedral and St John of God Hospital Ballarat are also within 1 mi (2 km). Ballarat Station is 10 minutes by foot.

Main Lead Ballarat Motel

312 Main Road Vi 3350

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Golden Point (Ballarat), this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Gold Museum and Lake Esmond Botanical Garden. Lake Esmond and Sovereign Hill are also within 15 minutes. Ballarat Station is 25 minutes by foot.

Barkly Motorlodge

43 Main Road

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Bakery Hill, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Ballarat Town Hall and Art Gallery of Ballarat. St Patrick's Cathedral and Gold Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km). Ballarat Station is 15 minutes by foot.

Best Western Plus Ballarat Suites

525 Main Road

Located in Golden Point (Ballarat), this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Gold Museum and Sovereign Hill. Lake Esmond Botanical Garden and Lake Esmond are also within 15 minutes.

Craig's Royal Hotel

10 Lydiard St South

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Ballarat, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Ballarat Town Hall and Art Gallery of Ballarat. St Patrick's Cathedral and St John of God Hospital Ballarat are also within 1 mi (2 km). Ballarat Station is 6 minutes by foot.

The Sebel Creswick Forest Resort

1500 Midland Highway

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Creswick, this golf apartment building is within 3 mi (5 km) of Creswick Museum, Calembeen Park, and Park Lake Gardens. The Tangled Maze and Ballarat Base Hospital are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Quest Ballarat

7-11 Dawson Street North

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Ballarat, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of St Patrick's Cathedral, Ballarat Town Hall, and Art Gallery of Ballarat. St John of God Hospital Ballarat and Ballarat Base Hospital are also within 10 minutes. Ballarat Station is 7 minutes by foot.

Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments on Webster

128 Webster Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lake Wendouree, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of St John of God Hospital Ballarat and Ballarat Base Hospital. Art Gallery of Ballarat and Gold Museum are also within 3 mi (5 km). Ballarat Station is 16 minutes by foot.

Avenue Motel

1813 Sturt Street

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Ballarat Colonial Motor Inn & Apartments

9379 Western HighwayBallarat, Ballarat

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Warrenheip, this aparthotel is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Mount Warrenheip Flora Reserve and within 6 mi (10 km) of Eureka Aquatic Center and Eureka Hall. Ballarat Wildlife Park and Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Alfred Motor Inn

1839 – 1843 Sturt Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Alfredton, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Ballarat Golf Club, Flax Mill Swamp Wildlife Reserve, and Mullawallah Wetlands Nature Conservation Reserve. Ballarat Base Hospital and St John of God Hospital Ballarat are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Eureka Lodge Motel

119 Stawell Street South

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Ballarat East, this golf motel is steps from Eureka Hall and Eureka Aquatic Center. Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka and Ballarat Wildlife Park are also within 15 minutes.

Ballarat Tranquility Cottages

115-117 Winter St

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Newington, this spa cottage is within 2 mi (3 km) of Ballarat Base Hospital, St John of God Hospital Ballarat, and St Patrick's Cathedral. Ballarat Town Hall and Art Gallery of Ballarat are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Eureka Stockade Holiday Park

104 Stawell Street South

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Ballarat cabin is located in the historical district, just steps from Eureka Hall and Eureka Aquatic Center. Ballarat Wildlife Park and Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Peppinella Motel

102 Smythes Road

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Delacombe, this motel is within 6 mi (10 km) of St Patrick's Cathedral, St John of God Hospital Ballarat, and Ballarat Base Hospital. Ballarat Town Hall and Art Gallery of Ballarat are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Sovereign Views Apartments

5 Lal Lal St

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Golden Point (Ballarat), this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Gold Museum, Lake Esmond, and Sovereign Hill. Lake Esmond Botanical Garden and Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Mid City Ballarat

19 Doveton St North

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Ballarat, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of St John of God Hospital Ballarat and Ballarat Base Hospital. Gold Museum and Sovereign Hill are also within 2 mi (3 km). Ballarat Station is 6 minutes by foot.