If you’re looking for a quick family getaway from Melbourne this weekend, Ballarat is a golden choice—literally. Just 90 minutes from the city, this regional gem is packed with wildlife, history, adventure, and enough energy-burning activities to keep the kids happy all day.
Travelling with three boys? We’ve got the ultimate Sunday itinerary for you—tailored for laughs, discovery, and just the right dose of adrenaline.
1. 🦘 Get Wild at Ballarat Wildlife Park
Start your morning at the incredible Ballarat Wildlife Park, where over 100 free-roaming kangaroos bounce at your feet and exotic creatures await around every corner.
Highlights:
• Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies
• Watch “Crunch” the crocodile’s dramatic feeding
• Koala cuddles, reptile shows, and penguins
• Meet meerkats, tree kangaroos and Tasmanian devils
🕘 Open from 9am 🎟️ Adults $40, Kids $13, Family $100 📍 250 Fussell St, Ballarat East
2. ⛏️ Travel Back in Time at Sovereign Hill
From the wildlife, head 10 minutes down the road to the iconic Sovereign Hill—a full-blown 1850s gold rush village where your kids can pan for real gold, ride in horse-drawn coaches, and explore underground mines.
Must-do:
• Gold panning with guaranteed tiny treasures
• Underground mine tour (perfect for curious minds)
• Redcoat soldiers firing muskets in street reenactments
• Lolly-making at the original-style candy shop
🕛 Allow at least 2–3 hours 🎟️ Tickets can be pre-booked online 📍 Bradshaw St, Ballarat
3. 🚋 Ride the Vintage Trams at Ballarat Tramway Museum
Next stop: Ballarat Tramway Museum, where restored heritage trams run around Lake Wendouree. Your kids will love hopping on and off these rattling beauties, while you enjoy a nostalgic, scenic loop of the lake.
Why it’s great:
• Unlimited tram rides on Sundays
• Historic fleet with volunteer conductors
• Right next to the gardens and playground
🕒 11am–4pm Sundays 🎟️ Family Pass $40 📍 Wendouree Parade, Ballarat
4. 🌳 Adventure Playground & Botanical Gardens
Right beside the lake is the Apex Adventure Playground, a massive wooden fortress of climbing walls, slides, tunnels and swing sets. It’s adjacent to the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens, perfect for mum and dad to enjoy some peaceful greenery while the boys go wild.
💡 Don’t forget a footy or frisbee—plenty of open lawn!
📍 Gillies St N, Lake Wendouree
5. 🎮 Go-Karts, Laser Tag & Arcade Mayhem
Still got energy to burn? Head to the Ballarat Indoor Go-Karts & Laserforce centre for racing fun and laser tag battles. It’s the perfect way to finish the day if the weather turns or you need a high-octane wind-down.
What to expect:
• Full-size and junior go-kart tracks
• Epic Gen7 Laserforce arena
• Huge arcade area with prize games
🕘 Open Sunday 9:30am–6pm 📍 502 Howitt St, Ballarat North
🚗 Getting There & Planning Tips
Distance: 90 minutes from Melbourne via M8 Western Freeway
Best Route: Take the M8 directly to Ballarat – it’s a straight, easy drive
Timing: Start early (8am departure) to maximize your day
Budget: Allow $200-300 for a family of 4-5 including fuel, food and admissions
Pro Tip: Check Ballarat Wildlife Park and Sovereign Hill websites for any special weekend events or feeding times!
✅ Why Ballarat is Perfect for Sunday Family Fun
Ballarat delivers everything you want in a family day trip: education disguised as adventure, hands-on experiences that engage curious minds, and enough variety to keep everyone from toddlers to teenagers entertained. Plus, you’re back home in time for Sunday night dinner!
Quick Links:
🌐 Ballarat Wildlife Park
🌐 Sovereign Hill
🌐 Ballarat Tramway Museum
🌐 Visit Ballarat Official
Pack the car, grab the kids, and get ready for one of the best Sunday adventures Victoria has to offer!
