10 Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia for Animal Encounters



Ballarat, Australia is a city full of adventure, culture, and wildlife. Home to the beautiful Grampians National Park, Ballarat is the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of nature and the joy of animal encounters. From swimming with dolphins to bird watching, there are plenty of amazing activities to enjoy in Ballarat. Here are 10 of the best animal encounters you can have in Ballarat.

1. Visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park

The Ballarat Wildlife Park is a great place to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Here, you can feed kangaroos, pat koalas, and even hand-feed the friendly emus. The park also offers an array of interactive experiences, such as a snake show and a koala cuddle.

2. Swim with Dolphins

Swimming with dolphins is one of the most unique animal encounters you can have in Ballarat. You can join a dolphin tour to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures, and even take a dip in the ocean with them.

3. See the Penguins at Phillip Island

Phillip Island, located just a short drive from Ballarat, is home to a large colony of Little Penguins. You can take a guided tour of the island to see the penguins in their natural habitat, or join a night tour to watch them come ashore to feed.

4. Visit the Eureka Aquatic Centre

The Eureka Aquatic Centre is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s marine life. Here, you can swim with tropical fish, stingrays, and even sharks.

5. Go Horse Riding

If you’re looking for a more active animal encounter, why not go horse riding? There are plenty of horse riding tours in Ballarat, where you can explore the region’s stunning countryside on horseback.

6. Take a Bird Watching Tour

Ballarat is home to an array of unique bird species, and a bird watching tour is the perfect way to spot them. You can join a guided tour of the region’s wetlands and forests to see some of the most spectacular birds in Australia.

7. Visit the Ballarat Botanical Gardens

The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and echidnas. You can take a guided tour of the gardens to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s native animals.

8. Join a Wildlife Safari

If you’re looking for a more immersive animal encounter, why not join a wildlife safari? You can join a guided tour of the region’s national parks to spot some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas, and even emus.

9. Go Whale Watching

Ballarat is the perfect destination for anyone looking to go whale watching. You can join a whale watching tour to spot some of Australia’s most majestic creatures, such as humpback whales and southern right whales.

10. Visit the Ballarat Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ballarat Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Here, you can take a guided tour of the sanctuary to spot koalas, kangaroos, emus, and even platypus.

Ballarat is the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of nature and the joy of animal encounters. From swimming with dolphins to bird watching, there are plenty of amazing activities to enjoy in Ballarat. Whether you’re looking for a more immersive experience or a more relaxed one, there is something for everyone in Ballarat.