Oak, pine and cypress trees fill these beautiful 19th-century botanic gardens planted on the summit of the extinct volcano. Panoramic views over the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from the top of the 1938 Pioneers' Memorial Tower and there are plenty of cool-climate plants to admire as you wander the carriage drive, paths and fernery.
Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
22.33 MILES
You’ll need to set aside at least half a day to visit this fascinating re-creation of Ballarat's 1860s gold-mining township. The site was mined in the…
19.72 MILES
Looming from its commanding hilltop location, the Old Castlemaine Gaol is the town's most notable historical landmark; dating from 1861, it closed its…
19.59 MILES
Housed in a superb art deco building, this gallery (established in 1913) features colonial and contemporary Australian art, including works by such well…
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24.45 MILES
An ancient and evocative feature in the landscape, the extinct volcano formation known as Hanging Rock is a sacred site for its traditional owners, the…
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21.96 MILES
Established in 1884 and moved to its current location in 1890, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest provincial gallery in Australia. The…
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25.38 MILES
Here's one for cider purists: the owners of this family-run orchard are on a mission to introduce Australians to real dry ciders. They grow 43 varieties…
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Red Duck Brewery & Kilderkin Distillery
24.39 MILES
These guys have been brewing craft beer since 2005 – way before it was cool – and continue today with ever-changing, inventive seasonal brews to…
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21.21 MILES
Standing on the commemorative site of the Eureka Rebellion, this modern museum focuses on the momentous 1854 Battle of the Eureka Stockade. Multimedia…
Nearby attractions
0.2 MILES
Surrounded by pretty, flower-filled gardens, the 19th-century Holy Cross Convent on Wombat Hill now functions as an art gallery. Its Bad Habits Café and a…
0.5 MILES
In the 1890 Technical School Building located next to the visitor centre, this volunteer-staffed museum houses local historical-society memorabilia and…
0.75 MILES
On the banks of Lake Daylesford, this is the most easily accessible natural spring in town. There's a pump to sample its mineral-rich water, but be warned…
4. Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
2.14 MILES
Located in Hepburn Springs, this 30-hectare nature reserve is known for its historic bathhouse and is home to the Soda, Sulphur, Locano, Wyuna and Argyle…
2.4 MILES
Views of the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from this lookout within Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve.
6. Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
5.39 MILES
Drop by this scenic Swiss-Italian farm to visit its gardens full of produce, watch the farm animals, take a stroll between lavender bushes and stay for…
9.77 MILES
Just a short drive from Trentham, this is one of Victoria's highest single-drop waterfalls. Situated in Coliban River Scenic Reserve, it cascades 32m over…
12.02 MILES
One of the historic gardens and nurseries managed by the conservation-focused Diggers Garden and Environment Trust, this flower-filled garden in Blackwood…