Ballarat is set to transform into a smorgasbord of all-things food as part of the inaugural Plate Up Ballarat. Running throughout the month of May, the food festival will showcase the finest producers, eateries, winemakers and brewers of the western region.
While a road trip to the city could bring with it endless possibilities, here we give you some inspo for your Plate Up Ballarat stint.
Travel Tips
The ultimate Food Festival in Ballarat
Check into comfort
Settle into Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments, nestled a stone’s throw away from the CBD. The luxury accommodation features newly-renovated self-contained rooms that will provide a comfortable home base during your Ballarat stay.
Morning walks
Since you’re perfectly positioned, make sure to take a stroll or two around Ballarat’s iconic Lake Wendouree where you can admire the local swans as they glide along the glistening waters. Take a peak in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and meander through the historic oak trees, floral displays and marble statues, soaking up all the natural beauty of the lake and gardens precinct.
Brunches and lunches
Many of the Plate Up events will take place during the daytime. Indulge in some breakfast and bubbles or laneway lunches, and make sure to accompany your meal with a warming cup of coffee.
Dinner dates
Whether it’s a food truck fiesta, a warehouse festoon, an exclusive fine dining event or an immersive food and art experience, Plate Up Ballarat will have a dinner event to delight the palette and excite the senses. Make sure to coincide your visit with one of the program’s dinner events, and secure your place pronto, because places are selling out fast!
Pie goodness
20 of Ballarat’s eateries have created special pies as part of the Plate Up festival pie competition. Take a look at the list of offerings and eat your way around the town as you indulge in a pastry (or few) conjured up using fresh and local ingredients. And don’t forget to cast your vote!
Workshop wonders
Harvest your own produce, create a pizza, bake your own cakes, create a curry or get insights into the brewing process. Whatever your end game, you’ll get there, with an array of workshops taking place throughout the city for foodie lovers and budding chefs alike.
Plate Up Ballarat will be held between May 1 and 31, 2018.
Head over to their website plateupballarat.com.au for more info.
