You know when spring arrives in Ballarat because the city comes alive with a burst of colour. It’s that very reason why it’s the most popular season to photograph.

To celebrate all the colour of spring in Ballarat, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite photo backdrops.

1. Cherry blossoms

You’ll find blooming cherry blossoms all around town, but there is one location photographers have been flocking to for years that never fails to impress. Head to the bottom of Sturt Street and not only will you find trees in blossom, but you’ll discover they are set perfectly against the backdrop of Ballarat’s beautiful heritage buildings.

2. Lake Wendouree

It doesn’t matter what time of year, Lake Wendouree always makes for a great shot. But throw in fluffy cygnets and its springtime you want to visit.

3. Ballarat International Foto Biennale

There’s so much to love about the Ballarat International Foto Biennale. For us, it’s the fact the photography festival isn’t confined to one single building, in fact, it almost takes over the entire city. You’ll discover works in the city’s laneways, inside cafes and restaurants, projected onto buildings, on display in the Sturt Street gardens and even at the Ballarat General Cemetery.

You shouldn’t leave without snapping a photo in front of the Abbey Road zebra crossing that can be found at Police Lane.

4. Picnic in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens

We’ve been dreaming of a return to springtime picnics among blossoming flowers. There’s really no better time to dust off your picnic rug and to get together with friends and family, especially after all this time apart. Sit among century-old trees and colourful flowers and capture the moment to one day look back on.

5. Canola fields

Picture-perfect fields of canola on the outskirts of Ballarat are almost always guaranteed in spring – so what are you waiting for, grab your camera, jump in the car and keep an eye out for these fields of gold. You’ll likely come across fields of flowering canola between Ballarat and Daylesford, Creswick and Beaufort.

Please be mindful that many fields are located on private property and you should not venture in without permission.