There’s so much to love about winter. Like rediscovering your favourite wool coat and that feeling of a hot coffee in hand.

Yet, there’s also something about that (chilled) dose of nature that leaves you refreshed and rejuvenated.  

When you think about it, as long as you’re dressed for the occasion, embracing those uninterrupted views and chasing waterfalls really should be high on your radar this winter.

Check out the sunrise from the top of Mount Buninyong

The view from the top of Mount Buninyong is spectacular, but the view from the top of Mount Buninyong as the sun rises is even more magical.  

But don’t take our word for it, set the alarm, pull on those hiking boots and soak up that crisp winter air on this short walk up an extinct volcano.  
 
HOT TIP: If snow is forecast on a cold winter’s day, Mount Buninyong is the ideal place to enjoy the spectacle. 

Chase waterfalls

You’re guaranteed one thing in winter, and that’s rain! But it’s not all that bad, because with rain comes roaring waterfalls.  

There’s really no better time than winter to go chasing waterfalls in the region, so jump in the car and discover Lal Lal Falls – a 20-minute drive from Ballarat. A short drive north and you’ll also find Moorabool Falls.

Join a walking ghost tour

Unearth the dark side of Ballarat during an Eerie Ghost Tour. In a town steeped in history, there is no shortage of spooky stories and gripping tales that will have you engrossed right ‘til the very end.

Lakeside wandering

Do like the locals do, and don your puffer jacket and mittens for a 6km circuit around beautiful Lake Wendouree. Grab a Ballarat-made Grounded Pleasures hot chocolate from a lakeside cafe and wander the winter displays in the Robert Clark Conservatory, open daily from 9am – 4.30pm.

A forest adventure

Ballarat’s Woowookarung Regional Park is a 641-hectare park that flanks the eastern suburbs of Canadian and Mt Clear. With accessible, well-maintained gravel walking and riding trails, this park is a great choice for a winter adventure.

Start at the Dementia-Friendly Forest and Sensory Trailhead (entry off Katy Ryans Rd) or park at the scenic lookout on Bakers Road for panoramic (or misty!) views over Ballarat.

Creswick Regional Park is situated 20mins north of Ballarat near the historic village of Creswick. The La Gerche Forest Walk is an easy 2.2km loop which winds through a mix of native forest and old plantation nursery which changes colour with the seasons.

While the undulating trail is well signposted, the canopied gullies can get a bit muddy in the shaded spots, so pack your hiking boots if you’re visiting in the winter.

You might have the trail to yourself at this time of year, so be sure to check out the Parks Victoria website for any changes in park conditions and always let someone else know your plans before you set out.

Doggo owners take note: pooches are welcome in both parks but must be kept on leash.

Fish for lunch at Tuki Trout Farm

Fishing can be fun… when the fish are biting. So, what if we told you there was a guaranteed way you could hook a rainbow trout and then have someone cook it for you? We thought that might grab your attention. 
Enjoy the unique pond to plate experience at Smeaton’s Tuki Trout Farm. Once you’ve hooked your catch of the day from one of their aerated spring water ponds, you can have it cooked in the restaurant for lunch or cleaned and packaged to take home. 

Search for truffles

The arrival of winter marks the start of truffle season, a time to unearth the aromatic delicacy that is French Perigord truffles. This careful extraction can only be done with the help of a truffle dog, so not only do you get to search for and dine on truffles, you get to hang out with some new furry friends for the day.  

Black Cat Truffles is situated just 15 minutes drive north of Ballarat. Renowned Ballarat chef Liam Downes has taken the reins at this stunning property at Wattle Flat, bringing fresh expertise and enthusiasm to the restaurant and on-site providore. Morning truffle hunts are followed by bubbles and a six course degustation, while afternoon hunts are paired with a chef’s selection grazing menu, charcuterie and wood fired pizza. Downes has also introduced Friday long lunches at the truffiere, with an ever-changing menu focusing on local and foraged ingredients.