In case you haven’t heard, Ballarat is set to come alive in a kaleidoscope of light, colour, music and movement as part of regional Australia’s first White Night.
According to White Night artistic director and executive producer David Atkins, the city’s stunning Victorian architecture coupled with its wide thoroughfares and historic laneways make it the perfect canvas to host the dusk ‘till dawn event.
We’ve compiled a special 48-hour itinerary so you can accompany your White Night experience with a culturally rich getaway.
Two day itinerary for White Night Ballarat
Friday
Evening
Get comfortable at one of Ballarat’s award-winning restaurants or romantic wine bars such as The Forge or Mitchell Harris Wines and order yourself a locally-produced gourmet dinner accompanied by a glass of the region’s top drops. For a cultural experience that’s second-to-none, visit Australia’s best Thai eatery Catfish, devour dumplings by the mouthful at Fu Man Lou or embrace the Latino feels at the Spanish experience that is Café Meigas.
Night
Before the city comes to life in light, make sure to check out Ballarat’s premier live music venues including Karova Lounge or Suttons House of Music. Wander through the elusive laneways and discover more sound, movement and art.
Saturday
Morning
Take a tour of the oldest and largest regional art gallery in Australia, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, and admire the permanent collection of contemporary and colonial art. Then wander the many celebrated independent galleries in the CBD such as The Lost Ones or Post Office Gallery.
Afternoon
What’s a getaway without some retail therapy? Ballarat’s ever-growing boutique shops will leave you speechless with the likes of Blanc, Such ‘N’ Such and Wen and Ware stocking the most on-trend threads while retailers including Lark, Antipodean Love, and Gems + Jewels offer a plethora of unique and quaint gift ideas. Ballarat is also home to Australia’s only regional boutique perfumery Sweet Fern. Stocking a range of niche perfumes from Australia and overseas as well as an extensive range of Aesop products, this little shop is full to the brim with charm
White Night
Explore Ballarat’s heritage streetscapes and architecture in this 12-hour celebration of culture and creativity. Telling stories of a rich and golden history through light and sound, White Night Ballarat will see prominent buildings come to life, historic laneways glow alight and the spirits of yesteryear come to the fore.
Sunday
Morning
Start off with a wholesome breakfast and premium coffee at one of Ballarat’s prized cafes. Hit up Little Bird for a vintage diner experience or take up a table at Webster’s Market and Cafe and sip your coffee while admiring the tree-lined autumn street or head to Yellow Expresso and indulge in one of their locally-renowned souvlakis.
Evening
If you’re up for the drive, head out to the Pyrenees Wine Region where wineries and wonderments are ample. Admire the rolling hills and stunning vineyards before you find your place at a local winery or restaurant and indulge in the best food offerings straight from the paddocks, patches and vines.
So after your White Night Melbourne experience, make sure to make your way to Ballarat and experience White Night in a different light – literally!
White Night Ballarat will be held this year on March 4 from 7pm to 7am.
For all the deets, visit their website here.
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Cate
Love this city. I didn’t know that Wen&Ware sold clothes though… and I’m pretty sure Vegas & Rose are closed Sundays, although there are heaps of other great cafes peeps can visit. I love Le Petit Patissier because croissants and coffee and their dark rye is divine. Hope everyone has a great night.
Nikita Hall
This was enough to convince be to head back to Ballarat ASAP; White Night being held there is just a bonus!
I always forget how much I adore that town ❤
Emily Collie
We love Ballarat too! ❤