discover ballarat’s hidden side on the
secret Ballarat Tour
At a Glance
BOOK YOUR TOUR
Adults: $97
Seniors/students: $77
Children under 6: free
We happily accept walk-up participants but please note space is limited. Tours will often sell out, so without a reservation we may not be able to accommodate you.
Explore Ballarat on the unique and fun-filled Secret Ballarat Walking Tour!
Most tours just skim the surface. But we reveal the hidden layers of Ballarat—whispered tales, forgotten alleyways, and clandestine moments from the city’s past. Experience Ballarat like never before.
highlights of the
secret
ballarat walking tour
Take an immersive journey to discover mysterious laneways and captivating historic hidden tales. Discover the early history of Ballarat, from the arrival of the railways to crime and punishment, and hidden underground shops to the outrageous antics of Lola Montez.
Perfect for families, couples, groups of friends, and solo travellers. This tour goes for approx.1.5 hours and ends at the stunning local gin distillery Itinerant Spirits with a cocktail or mocktail.
🧐 Intriguing lanes
🎊 Fun history tales
🧞 Hidden gems
🍸 cocktail or mocktail at Itinerant Spirits
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“This tour is wonderful! Our guide Jarrod was so friendly, informative and really made the stories come alive."
join an intriguing guided walking tour
Tours regularly run every week, mostly on Fridays and Sundays and go for approx. 1.5 hrs. Need a specific time/date? Book a tour here. Email us at hello@hiddenlanes.com.au or SMS/call 0455528741.
Click here for Ballarat corporate tours.
Act Fast – Limited Spots Available!
We keep our groups small for an intimate experience, and tours only run once or twice a month. Private bookings are limited—don’t miss your chance to uncover Ballarat’s hidden side.
inquire
tour bonus: get a free Ballarat art print (worth $6) + cocktail/mocktail (worth $17)
For every ticket holder, they will receive a cocktail or mocktail at Itinerant Spirits and an A6 Ballarat art print (Ballarat black cockatoo or swan). Plus we’re so confident you’ll love the tour, we offer a 100% money back guarantee if you don’t have a good time!
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The meeting point is at the Ballarat Railway Station inside the foyer. Please arrive 5 minutes early before start time.
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The tour goes for approximately 1.5 -2 hours.
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Ballarat's driving culture is a bit different - the unwritten rule of the road here is that cars have the right of way-and they go fast! When crossing the road, if a vehicle is still moving, try to establish eye contact and wait till they stop. Do not just follow the tour guide crossing the road, only cross when it is safe for you to do so, the group will wait for you on the other side of the road.
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Ballarat's weather is... infamous - be prepared for anything. Having said this, Mark Twain, the American writer was a big fan of Ballarat's weather when he visited in 1895!
However, bring a warm jacket and brolly and comfortable walking shoes. On icy winter days a hat and gloves are in order. The tour will go ahead regardless of the weather.
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This tour is family friendly. Children under 6 years old are free of charge.
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For assistance in booking please email hello@hiddenlanes.com.au or call 0455528741
With thanks to local historians Dr. David Waldron and Doug Bradby.
This tour was developed on the Country of the Wadawurrung who have performed age old cultural ceremonies, celebrations and traditions here for thousands of years. We would like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders past and present.