Hotel Vera Ballarat

18/06/2026

"Today’s diggers face no such hardship since Ballarat has a lively hospitality scene – fuelled, I suspect, by a recent wave of craft-beer-loving Melbourne exiles. Two local eateries, Babae Ballarat and Underbar, were awarded single hats in the 2026 issue of The Age Good Food Guide, but we enjoy exploring Ballarat’s pub scene and settle on the Golden City Hotel, which is child-friendly and stumbling distance from our hotel."

Mark Chipperfield
The Age

There are far more glamorous destinations in Australia, but none quite offers the sheer variety, warmth and charm of this inland oasis.

14/06/2026

As another season gently draws to a close, we’re reminded that hospitality, like nature, moves in rhythms.

We pause to give thanks — to the land and its seasons that inspire every menu, every table, and every stay. To the farmers, growers, makers, artisans and producers whose care and craftsmanship allow us to share the very best of our region.

To our extraordinary team, whose warmth, dedication and generosity create the magic that guests experience every day. We are endlessly grateful for your passion.

And to our wonderful patrons — many of whom have become familiar faces and dear friends — thank you for choosing to spend your time with us. Your support, loyalty and trust allow us to continue doing what we love.

As the season changes, we look forward to welcoming new flavours, new stories and new moments of calm, surprise and connection.

With gratitude,
Hotel Vera & Babae

07/06/2026

THIS LUXURY STAY IN BALLARAT HOUSES IMPECCABLE AUSTRALIAN ART AND FINE DINING
Hotel Vera is the height of glamour in the Goldfields region.
When heritage is heighten by sophisticated design and delicate details that highlight the architectural allure, you know that pride is placed on a project.

This is exactly the case for Ballarat’s most design-forward, attractive accommodation, Hotel Vera.
An enterprise spearheaded by the dynamic business minds of Ballarat’s David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew, Hotel Vera is a masterclass in modern interior design, considered and respectful restoration, sustainable living, and culture-centred craftsmanship.

The sanctuary stay sits in the heart of Ballarat’s CBD. Formerly a 19th century medical building, the now revived mansion has become a bespoke destination, thanks to it’s seven elevated, personalised suites, it’s award-winning fine dining restaurant, Babae, and its gallery-worthy curation of Australian art.

A permanent resident of the Hotel Vera family is fine dining setting Babae.

Babae, the latin words for “wow” lives up to its etymological origins. Showcasing the best regional Victoria has to offer through carefully sourced seasonal produce, Babae balances bold dishes with humble roots. The intimate fine dining restaurant seats only 26 guests, allowing attention to be paid to both the dish and the diners. Their menu focuses on Australian cuisine championed by, and championing, the growers and producers from around the region, including an abundance of freshly grown produce from the on-site garden. It’s a hand-in-glove working arrangement to design and deliver the most delicious dishes.

Hotel Vera & Babae
Where: 710 Sturt Street, Ballarat

19/05/2026

We can’t believe that is been 6 months since Christian Hull stayed with us.

02/05/2026

Ballarat in its creative era.

The inaugural Ballarat Craft and Design Week (1–10 May 2026) has arrived—centred in the heart of historic Ballarat and shining a light on the extraordinary work of artists, makers, and creative practitioners.

This first edition already feels significant. Not just a moment, but the beginning of something that will grow in scale, ambition, and influence. Across the city, studios open their doors, conversations unfold, and Ballarat comes alive with design, texture, and story—reimagining heritage through a contemporary lens.

At its centre is BOUND—a major exhibition of collaboration hosted in the historic Mining Exchange (10am–4pm, 2–3 & 9–10 May). Showcasing partnerships between makers, designers, manufacturers, and producers, it explores themes of textile, memory, and restorative practices. Developed through a competitive selection and professional development program, these works culminate in a curated exhibition alongside workshops, talks, retail moments, and immersive experiences.

The 2026 program places a thoughtful emphasis on textile, memory, and restoration—reflecting Ballarat’s role as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cultural connection.

From free talks to hands-on experiences, the full program is now live:
https://www.creativeballarat.com.au/bcdw26

If this is year one, imagine what’s next.

DesignAndCraft SupportLocal UNESCOCreativeCity

01/05/2026

2 must-visit festivals are coming to Ballarat

Ballarat is turning it on. The historic goldfields city is hosting two standout festivals, offering the perfect excuse for a culture-filled getaway. Expect art, design, great food and plenty of reasons to linger longer in one of regional Victoria’s most character-rich destinations.

DAY 1 Evening

Treat yourself to a pre-dinner drink at Grainery Lane. The saloon-style bar has rich, period-inspired decor (including an original bar top sourced from Chicago) and drinks reminiscent of 1900s classics, crafted with local ingredients.

Head back to Hotel Vera Ballarat for a seven-course feast at Babae Ballarat. This intimate dining room serves up a refined, ever-evolving menu made with exceptional produce and is a truly memorable experience.

By Gemma Kaczerepa for Australian Traveller

Visit Ballarat Visit Melbourne

Ballarat Heritage Festival Ballarat Craft & Design Week

https://www.australiantraveller.com/vic/goldfields/ballarat/ballarat-craft-and-design-week/?

Come for Ballarat Craft and Design Week, stay for a long weekend of dining and exploring all the heritage-rich glory Ballarat has to offer.

29/04/2026

Ballarat, you’ve done it again.

From an incredible debut in 2024 with 4,700 runners, to over 9,000 in 2025, and now more than 12,000 participants in 2026 — the rise of the has been nothing short of extraordinary. What started as a bold new event has quickly become one of Australia’s premier running festivals, now the fourth-largest marathon in the country.

The energy across the city last weekend has been electric — heritage streets alive, crowds lining the course, and a community showing up in full force. This is what Ballarat does best.
We were incredibly proud to host Melbourne’s South Yarra–based for a special pre-event gathering — coffee, banana bread, and a chance to come together before hitting the start line.

Then, front row for the action as an official Cheer Zone — bringing the noise, the encouragement, and the momentum when it mattered most.

And of course, welcoming runners back post-race — tired, elated, emotional — to celebrate what they’ve just achieved.

To be part of this event, year on year, and to witness its growth into a true destination marathon… it’s something special.

Ballarat is well and truly on the map.

Many thanks to

27/04/2026

✨GIVEAWAY TIME! ✨

To celebrate Mother’s Day we are teaming up with a boutique photography studio to create an amazing Getaway Experience Package valued at $1,350!

Stay, explore and relax at the luxurious Hotel Vera in the Goldfields region of Ballarat.

ENTER HERE: https://kellyjordanphotography.com.au/giveaway-mothers-day-2026/

Enter and you can win:

$350 voucher at Hotel Vera for an overnight mid-week stay for two at the hotel named Best Hotel in Ballarat in 2025.

✨PRIZE ✨ One night accommodation, and continental breakfast for two people.

$1,000 voucher at Kelly Jordan Photography for a portrait photography experience and designer artwork.

Total Major Prize valued at $1,350

Plus the chance to win $400 runner-up photography prizes!

To enter just simply follow the link below.

✨ ENTER HERE: https://kellyjordanphotography.com.au/giveaway-mothers-day-2026/

✨Entries close midnight Friday 1st May 2026✨

Good luck!

07/04/2026

Now that public transport is free in Victoria throughout April, there's never been a better time to slow-travel your way across our beautiful state. Next stop: BALLARAT

Babae Ballarat Grainery Lane Visit Ballarat Visit Melbourne

29/03/2026

Where to eat and drink in regional Victoria this Easter long weekend

From sandwich delis to bustling farmers’ markets and two-hat fine diners, here’s where to pull over on your next regional road trip.

Central Victoria
From highly walkable Castlemaine to the regional cities of Ballarat and Bendigo, central Victoria is known for its gold rush history, galleries, and bush trails. But it also has plenty to offer on the dining front including top restaurants, cafes, bars and bakeries, thanks to keen diners and tree-changing tastemakers. These are a few of our favourite venues to add to your hit list next time you’re planning an adventure out of the city (bonus: most are easily accessible from VLine stations).

Featuring:
Babae Ballarat, MrJonesdining and Underbar

Article by The Age and Good Food

Photography by Meda Design Au