Ballarat just got a lot splashier (and chilled)

G’day Ballarat! Let’s sprinkle a bit of Christmas magic!

We’re doing something fun this week. The top three subscribers who refer the most new readers will score a free personalised Magic Elf video (yes, that adorable greetings elf that’s all over socials).

Share your unique referral link below with friends, family, colleagues and anyone in Ballarat who’d enjoy a weekly dose of local goodness.

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The referral count closes next Wednesday, and I’ll announce the three winners in the next edition. Good luck!

– Luciano Devoto

The Snoooze Bus has rolled into Ballarat, offering a safe, warm night’s sleep for people doing it tough. Its 12-metre body holds up to nine private, climate-controlled sleeping pods each with its own lockable door and portable toilet.

The idea began as a community response to rising homelessness: locals raised roughly $100,000 to make the bus happen, determined to create an alternative to sleeping rough.

It made its public debut at SpringFest, and organisers now assess potential overnight-stay locations in central Ballarat.

Brown Hill has a brand new place to cool off, with the splash park now open to the public just in time for summer. The old pool has made way for a colourful water play zone packed with sprays, fountains and plenty of space for kids to burn energy.

It is designed as a relaxed, family friendly spot for hot days and after school fun. Swing by, get soaked and enjoy the fresh addition to the neighbourhood.

If you're after a bit of festive magic, the big man himself is set up at The Bridge Mall this season, ready for photos with the whole family.

You don’t need a booking. Just swing by during opening hours and bring your camera or phone to grab your own snap with Santa.

There are even special times when you can bring pets along, Santa’s got a suit for furry friends too!

Grampians Health has rolled out free pads and tampons across all its campuses, covering Ballarat, Dimboola, Edenhope, Horsham, Stawell, plus the Queen Elizabeth Centre.

The vending machines are part of a State Government initiative to reduce barriers and unnecessary stress for visitors. And given periods have no interest in checking your schedule before showing up, it's a pretty practical move. These machines join others already at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Library, Sebastopol Library and Mars Stadium.

Ballarat’s biggest skatepark is set for a serious upgrade, with new concept designs now out for community feedback. The revamp would expand the Len T Fraser Reserve park, add beginner friendly features, and modernise the well loved 2003 layout.

Council is especially keen to hear from women, girls and gender diverse locals to help shape a more welcoming space. Consultation is open until 23 December if you want to have your say.

If you’re heading to or from the big smoke between Sunday and Tuesday, evening trains on the Ballarat line are taking a little breather. Coaches will be replacing all services from about 8 pm through to the last run of the night.

The change runs from 7 to 9 December and covers the stretch between Wendouree and Southern Cross. If you rely on that link to Melbourne, tack on an extra 40 minutes and pack a bit of patience for the ride.

🛏 3 🛁 1 🚗 1 | 💰 $449,000

This freshly updated cottage on Park Street West is only five minutes from the CBD and a stroll to Victoria Park and Lake Wendouree. Inside you get repolished timber floors, a brand new kitchen, a sun filled open living area, and three good sized bedrooms.

Out back is an elevated deck and a surprisingly lush 542 sqm block, plus an oversized garage with a bar and wood heater.

If your negotiation skills are on point, you could snag this one in the low 400s.

This week I went digging to find the best fish and chips takeaway spots around town. No restaurants, no fancy lakeside views. Just old-school, wrapped-in-paper goodness.

Ballarat has more solid options than you might think, but here’re the ones that stand out. Cast your vote for your favourite and let’s crown Ballarat’s best fish and chips.

Handpicked activities for all ages

Ballarat Farmers Market | Sat, 13 Dec | 9:00am - 1:00pm | (Free)
Venue: North Gardens Reserve (Lake Wendouree)
Description: The region's premier produce market offering fresh vegetables, artisan goods, and hot food. Stock up on cherries, hams, and puddings for your Christmas lunch.

Barkly Square Christmas Market | Fri, 12 Dec | 4:00pm - 8:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Barkly Square (Ballarat East)
Description: A major community market featuring social enterprise stalls, food trucks, and live music. Santa will be visiting, making it a great evening for families.

Clunes Farmers and Makers Market | Sun, 14 Dec | 9:00am - 1:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Fraser Street (Clunes)
Description: A major regional market taking over the historic Fraser Street in Clunes. Just 30 minutes north of Ballarat, it's a perfect Sunday drive destination.

Christmas Comedy Gala | Sat, 13 Dec | 8:00pm–10:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute
Description: A one-night stand-up comedy event featuring a trio of comedic acts. Perfect festive season fun — expect adult-themed humour, laughter and good vibes.

The Buninyong Christmas Festival | Fri, 12 Dec | 10:00am - 5:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Buninyong Town Hall
Description: A charming village festival featuring the "Stars of Buninyong" display and a Christmas Pop-Up Shop. Enjoy a CWA Devonshire Tea in the historic surrounds of the Town Hall.

Christmas in Ballarat Art Trail | (ongoing) | All Day | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat CBD
Description: A gamified art trail where visitors follow a map to discover installations by artist Kathy Holowko. Answer questions along the way to go in the running for great prizes.

Santa’s Red Telephone Booth | (ongoing) | 9:00am - 5:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Visitor Information Centre
Description: Located at the Visitor Information Centre, this installation allows children to interact with the holiday theme. A perfect photo opportunity and magical moment for the little ones.

Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Book Group | Thu, 11 Dec | 10:30am | (Free)
Venue: Barkly Square
Description: The final Term 4 meeting discussing "Readers Choice - Christmas Themed Book." A great way to connect with local readers and discuss festive literature.

Op Shop Crawl | Sat, 13 Dec | All Day | (Info)
Venue: Depart from Ballarat
Description: A guided bus tour visiting the best opportunity shops in the region. Promote sustainable fashion and find unique thrifting treasures.

XMAS TOY RUN 2025 | Sun, 14 Dec | From 9:00am | ($5 - $10)
Venue: Golden Point Hotel (Golden Point)
Description: Annual community gathering and ride. Enjoy a Lions Club breakfast with bacon and egg rolls and coffee. Bring a toy to donate or register to ride for a great cause

Blue Light Disco | Fri, 12 Dec | 7:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Sebastopol RSL
Description: A fully supervised, drug and alcohol-free dance event for local youth. Tickets must be pre-purchased for this safe and fun night out.

Ballarat Christmas Fun Run | Sun, 14 Dec | 6:30am | ($10 - $65)
Venue: Victoria Park
Description: A major community health event offering 13km, 10km, and 3.2km distances. Dress up in Christmas gear and support the Grampians Health Christmas Appeal.

Tas Wansbrough: Fragments of Healing | Fri, 13 Dec - Wed, 17 Dec | From 10:00am | (Free)
Venue: Art Gallery of Ballarat (Backspace Gallery)
Description: Opening at the Backspace Gallery, this exhibition by emerging artist Tas Wansbrough explores themes of recovery and resilience through visual art. A touching exploration of the human spirit.

Energy Dance Company Showcase | Sat, 13 Dec | Various Times | ($36 - $46)
Venue: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts
Description: A major end-of-year community dance production titled "A Night To Be Our Guest." This showcase highlights the incredible talent of local youth dancers in a full-scale production.

& Juliet Presentation by Lyric Theatre | Sun, 14 Dec | 3:00pm - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat CBD
Description: A special promotional performance on the street showcasing segments from the Lyric Theatre's upcoming major production. A sneak peek into the vibrant world of & Juliet.

Please note: Always double-check with venues for any last-minute changes or ticketing requirements.)

Ballarat CBD | Confetti Western (Live Music) | Various Times | (Free)
Piano Bar | Piano By Request | 6:00pm | ($10)
The Park Hotel | Jerome Wools (Live Music) | 7:00pm | (Free)
Freight Bar | Hi-Strung Duo (Final Show) | 7:00pm | (Free)
Ballarat CBD | Creswick Brass Band | 7:30pm - 9:30pm | (Free)
Irish Murphy's | No Mistake (Live Music) | 9:00pm | (Free)

Ballarat CBD | Ballarat Memorial Concert Band | 12:00pm - 2:00pm | (Free)
Ballarat CBD | Roving Entertainment & Christmas Fairies | 12:00pm | (Free)
Ballarat CBD | Sweet Mona's Choir | Various Times | (Free)
Ballarat CBD | Little Brass Band | Various Times | (Free)
Ballarat CBD | The Gordon Gypsies | 6:30pm - 7:30pm | (Free)
The Millers Arms | Ice Embers (Rock Star Night) | 7:00pm | (Free)
Freight Bar | Pre-Drinks with ETTO (DJ) | 7:00pm | (Free)
Volta | Fall and Resist (EP Launch) | 7:30pm | ($23.75)
The Munster Arms | Russ Kellet (Live Music) | 7:30pm | (Free)
Ballarat CBD | Creswick Brass Band | 7:30pm - 9:30pm | (Free)
The Painted Lady | 11.33, Kxx & 100 Moods | 8:00pm
Irish Murphy's | Rewired Rock Band | 9:30pm | (Free)

Ballarat CBD | Roving Entertainment | 12:00pm | (Free)
Piano Bar | Beatles Legacy Tribute | 2:00pm | ($37)
Ballarat CBD | & Juliet Promo Performance | 3:00pm | (Free)
The Eastern | Too Metal For Meredith | 4:30pm | ($15 - $20)
St Paul's Anglican Church | Seven Lessons and Christmas Carols | 7:00pm | (Donation)
Freight Bar | SundaySesh with LOCKOUT | 7:00pm | (Free)

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Until next Thursday!