Sharing the Ballarat experience with loved ones | ourballarat autumn 2022

A simple invite to a friend or relative to come visit this year could be the key to Ballarat’s post-pandemic road to recovery.

City of Ballarat Visitor Economy Executive Manager Sarah Pilgrim and Visitor Services Officer Paul Mifsud explore Ballarat on e-scooters.

Our valuable visitors

Over the past five years, of all those who travelled to Ballarat, more than 40 per cent came for the primary reason of visiting residents of our city. Many of these visitors also experienced the unique offerings of our region.

The City of Ballarat's newly-formed Visitor Economy team aims to raise the profile of Ballarat as a place to visit and attract key tourism audiences to the city.

The Visitor Economy team works with the city’s business community to develop new product and experiences, and to promote the region’s tourism attractions, food and retail, accommodation and art and culture offerings to people actively looking for a getaway in regional Victoria.

Visitor Economy Executive Manager Sarah Pilgrim says by inviting friends and relatives to stay in Ballarat, the city’s residents play an important role in ensuring the local economy bounces back as Ballarat navigates its way out of the pandemic.

“For every catch-up over brunch at your favourite café, or family outing to one of the city’s award-winning attractions, that’s money being spent in Ballarat," Sarah says.

“We know that our residents want to show their visitors a good time while they are here and it’s our job to make sure they can give our visiting friends and relatives a Ballarat of which they can be truly proud."

The Visitor Economy team works to promote Ballarat as the incredible city that it is, sharing our history and attractions as well as celebrating the stories of our makers, creators and vibrant community.

Sarah and her team are working towards delivering key objectives of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2021-2024, ensuring Ballarat’s visiting friends and relatives have a great experience from the moment they set foot in the city.

“This goal is supported through our other objectives of transforming the quality and diversity of product, experiences and events in Ballarat and enhancing amenities, transport and connectivity of the region.

“We are working on a whole host of new programs, initiatives and opportunities for locals to take advantage of, to really help make Ballarat shine.”

With more and more people calling Ballarat home each year, Sarah says the time is right for Ballarat to grow its visiting friends and visiting relatives markets.

See the city on an e-scooter

You can now hire an e-scooter to explore our city.

Ballarat is the only regional location in the state selected for the Victorian Government’s 12-month electric scooter trial program.

The City of Ballarat has partnered with e-scooter operator Neuron Mobility.

Neuron is providing a 250‐strong fleet of its purpose‐built orange e‐scooters across a 25 square kilometre riding area, including Ballarat Central, Ballarat North, Lake Wendouree, Eureka, Golden Point and Redan.

Learn more about the e-scooter trial.

The new and improved Ballarat Pass

Visit some of the incredible attractions we have here in the region and share the fun with your loved ones.

The new Ballarat Pass is a bookable online experience, promoted from the Visit Ballarat website, that allows you and your guests to access the best attractions in one convenient pass.

The Ballarat Pass is a collection of six hero tourist attractions – Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park, Kryal Castle, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Eureka Centre and Creswick Woollen Mills – with a range of different packages available.

To purchase a Ballarat Pass, it's just three simple steps:

  • Step 1: Pick your attractions
  • Step 2: Pay in the one place
  • Step 3: Play and enjoy!

Find out more at www.visitballarat.com.au

A local online experience hub

There are so many great things happening in Ballarat – from world class events to new eat, drink and retail offerings opening.

These experiences are always better when shared, so be sure to follow We Are Ballarat on Instagram or head to weareballarat.com.au.

This online experience is geared to local audiences and will help our residents find the best new and exciting experiences to enjoy and to share with their visitors.

City of Ballarat Council Plan Alignment

The projects, initiatives, and ideas in this article align with the following goals of the City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021-2025:

Goal 5

A strong and innovative economy and city

Goal 6 

A Council that provides leadership and advocates for its community