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5 Reasons To Take The Roadtrip From Adelaide To Ballarat This Winter

The wintertime is finally here, and so you have two options – either embrace the chilly season in all its cold splendour, or spend the next three months in utter dismay.

The wintertime is finally here, and so you have two options – either embrace the chilly season in all its cold splendour, or spend the next three months in utter dismay.

There’s plenty happening in Adelaide and surrounds this winter, but if you’re looking for a special interstate getaway, the road trip to Ballarat is just for you.

Here are five reasons we think you should take the trek to Ballarat this winter.

The Leisurely Drive

The journey to Ballarat is just a hop, skip and seven hour jump down the A8, making it a pretty ideal length for a road trip. Forget about costly airfares and luggage limitations, and load the car with all you need (and more) for a magical winter escape. Pump the tunes, enjoy the natural surrounds, take a picnic pit-stop or two, and see what tourist delights you can unearth along the way. Whether you’re going to be travelling as a family, couple, or as a group of mates, a road trip is both cost effective and relaxing.

The Ballarat Winter Festival

Ballarat will come to life in July as part of the annual Ballarat Winter Festival. The festival is comprised of more than 30 events celebrating the wintertime, including a pop-up ice-skating rink, art exhibitions and concerts, and the highly-acclaimed Sovereign Hill Christmas in July: Winter Wonderlights. Attracting tens of thousands of people every year, this event transforms the outdoor museum into a winter wonderland featuring grand-scale projections, faux snow, yuletide activities and delicious Christmas treats. If you haven’t been to Sovereign Hill in a long time (or ever), July is definitely the time!

The Food

Ballarat is perfectly-positioned as a paddock-to-plate destination. Situated smack-bang in the middle of western Victoria’s food belt, it’s surrounded by a huge range of growers, producers, winemakers, and brewers. While you’re visiting, you’ll be able to dine at the city’s most revelled eateries and experience the finest food and wine of the region.

The Ballarat Winter Festival will also play host to a number of food-related events in celebration of the region’s produce. Events include the Ballarat Potato Festival, the Salumi and Charcuterie Festival, The Red Series wine festival and the city-wide Pie Competition – sure to warm your heart, soul, and belly.

The AFL

In case you weren’t aware, Port Adelaide will be taking on the Western Bulldogs at Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium on July 29. So if you’re an avid footy fan or supporter of the Power, this in itself should provide you with ample reason to head to Ballarat during the winter. More than a footy match, the day will also include carnival rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, food trucks and loads more!

The Accommodation

If you’re wanting to make the trip interstate, you’re going to want to feel like you’re on holiday. It’s safe to say that Ballarat is one of the only places in Australia where the accommodation options range from a castle to a caravan, so you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to stay. Whether its budget accommodation or luxury living that you seek, you’ll find it in Ballarat.

For more information about things to do in Ballarat during the wintertime, visit ballaratwinterfestival.com.au

Story by Della Vreeland

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