Need an excuse for a Girls trip? Autumn is the season of fine food and wine, and Victoria really comes to life during the fall with a whole series of festivals and events celebrating all-things food.
Ballarat’s food scene is no different, with the historic city set to host a series of luncheons over the next month providing the perfect autumn escape for the girls. So get set to stay overnight in one of the city’s luxury hotels, and savour some of the region’s premium produce and top drops straight from the paddocks, patches and vines.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Head to Ballarat
Jump in the car with the girls, or catch the train to Ballarat and check-in to one of their boutique accommodation providers. For a dose of nouveau with a Victorian-era twist, check out the newly-renovated Lascelles Terraces or Twelve Errard.
Luxury accommodation Ballarat Premier Apartments or the cosy yet contemporary Greenfield Place will also provide the girls with a stunning home base, perfect for a ultra-chic girl’s weekend.
SATURDAY
Pamper up
Start your Saturday with some much-needed pampering. Day Spas including Elysium or Sanctuary will give you the relaxing feels you’ve been searching for all week long.
If you want to venture a little further out of town, Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa also has an array of packages that will make for the ultimate down time – it’s pure bliss.
Café chills
Settle in to one of Ballarat’s prized cafes and have a coffee or two and chills. We recommend Eclectic Tastes for a warm and hearty lunch or take up a table at Europa for a caffeine hit and some tasty eats on the side.
Girls night out
Complete your day with a night out on the town. Hit up the iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre for a theatre experience or visit one of several live music venues to catch some of the biggest music acts from Ballarat and beyond.
Later, settle in to Mitchell Harris Wines and savour the award-winning vino, or wander through to the elusive Hop Temple for a casual craft-beer experience.
SUNDAY
Plate Up Ballarat
Experience the best in Victoria’s produce, food, beer and wine as part of the Plate Up Ballarat festival. The month-long event will feature 38 food, wine and beer-related events in celebration of the culinary capital of the west. Taking place throughout the month of May, the festival will showcase the city’s producers, eateries, wineries and breweries.
Experience fine dining at its best, sip on cider, wine and spirits, chow down on burgers and bagels, indulge in the hearty creations from the Pie Competition, bake your cake and eat it too, partake in a degustation feast, or learn from the experts at one of the special Plate Up workshops.
For tickets and more information, head to plateupballarat.com.au
