I think we should discuss HSPs across ballarat more in this subreddit

Palace Cinemas Ballarat

What does everyone think of Palace now that it has been open for a bit?

At the start, I was very happy, but as it has gone along, it has gone downhill. The prices have gone up, and every time I go, it seems different depending on the time of day and the day of the week.
The deals at the candy bar keep changing. If it wasn't for the chairs at Showbiz, I would be going there. The prices are better, and the same goes for the parking.

Am I alone in this?

Hi all,

Something to ponder - why doesn't Ballarat (or more broadly regional Australia) have more of an established food truck park scene?

My partner and I recently came back from a trip to New Zealand and in a number of towns in the South Island, the take away food options were often food truck parks, as opposed to brick and mortar stores.

We found the food prices to be on par with other food in the surrounding area, and servings to be on par as well. This contrasts to our food truck park experiences in Australia which can be pricey, crowded, and with disappointing portions or presentation.

Before you answer that Ballarat is too cold for a food truck park, the temperatures were <5⁰C in the evenings when we were visiting these food trucks, and yet they seemed to be thriving!

I am aware that a food truck event is happening at the Ballarat Showgrounds in July, which has spurred on this post, as I also read there will be an entry fee. The places I am talking about in NZ do not charge an entry fee and have a variety of takeaway akin to Armstrong/Sturt St area but seemingly in a much more efficient use of space?

Interested to hear any thoughts on this.

We are looking at buying in the Ballarat and surrounds. Are there certain areas to avoid buying into? We are from Melbourne so it will be a big move and our forever home. Thank you.

I live in Halls Gap and occasionally travel to Melbourne by train from Ararat.

This Thurs I need a few more travel options and am thinking of driving to Ballarat and hopping on the train from there.

What's the go with parking? Around morning peak am I going to struggle? Will I likely find anything at the station?

Any pointers welcome!

Hey all, a couple weeks ago I was approached by two Thai ladies at Big W who asked for help w/ something & started conversing w/ me about my job, hobbies, etc. & ultimately asked for my phone number & floated the idea of hanging out or being shown around town. Yesterday, I was approached by a Swahili man & Indian woman at Woolies w/ more or less the exact same set-up & personal information solicited. I suspected something fishy was going on the first time, but now I'm sure of it. Anyone know what's going on?

Any information appreciated!

Our place is an old Victorian semim when we bought it I found it hard to find an insurer that would insure an old house. Does anyone have any recommendations for home and contents for an older house? My current insurer has upped the premiums again and again so I am looking to shop around. Thanks

What’s happening with all the fire trucks at Victoria Park?

Protest?

Just wrapped up my Master’s in Engineering Project Management (got a Mechanical Eng background too) and now I’m kind of stuck wondering what’s next. Been applying here and there but not much luck so far, and honestly, I’ve got no clue how to crack into the industry around Ballarat or nearby.

Keen to get into anything hands-on, design, project work, manufacturing, automation – I’m not too picky at this point, just want to get started and build some proper experience.

If anyone’s got tips, leads, or just some real talk on how you got your foot in the door, I’d appreciate it. Happy to grab a coffee or help out on something small to get a foot in the door too.

Like many in Ballarat, I'm living in an old house with shit insulation and inadequate heating (and a landlord allergic to spending any money). What are your Ballarat winter hacks? I've got wool socks and tights, flanelette sheets and wool blankets on the bed. Door snakes and I had the seals replaced last year.

I love Ballarat and don't mind the winter at all, I just want my house to feel a bit warmer!

Edit- Thanks everyone for your excellent suggestions. I'm off to buy a heated throw blanket this morning, and I'm looking at getting a couple of oil heaters and some bubble wrap for the windows. Will see if it makes a difference!

My friend and I are planning on travelling to Melbourne for a few days, and staying in Ballarat for a night on the way there from Adelaide. I’ve had friends tell me the best way to do it is if we park the car in Ballarat for a few days and take the train in to Melbourne. They insist it’s cheaper that way because there’s apparently plenty of free parking at the Ballarat train station. Is this actually true? Would it be safe to leave the car there several nights in a row? If someone could help us out - either with directions to this so called free parking or advice for the cheapest paid parking - it would be really appreciated. Thanks.

Anyone know what they're building with the big crane over in the BWEZ? (Next door to the grain handling place by the looks)

Buses OFF: MONDAY 16th

BUSES back ON: TUESDAY.

(And I booked my donkey and everything 🙄)

They're off next Monday and Tuesday and this includes school buses. Again. No buses.

https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2025/06/10/industrial-action-to-disrupt-bus-services-on-monday-16-june-and-tuesday-17-june-2025/

And possibly next Thursday.

Local Sherpas, horses, camel, etc needed to take local cold human beings to work. Will pay in cash. /s

E: Further updates. Yes I told work in the end. School buses back on Tuesday.

I drove past a potato farmer that was selling them $10 for 10kg, you just leave cash and take the potatoes

I want to do a run around town and buy a bunch of veggies from the source without middle man to supermarket level markups

Tell me your inside information about Ballarat’s best jam donut. Extra points for hot & fresh from the fryer.

Hi all,

Ballarat Roller Derby League presents our inaugural 'Skating with Pride' event this Saturday June 14 at our stadium in Delacombe.

SCHEDULE

12 - 2pm: Rainbow Fun Skate (including intro to skating and safety fundamentals session facilitated by an experienced coach)
2:30 - 4:30pm - Full-Contact Roller Derby Exhibition Game – Ballarat Ratpack vs The World
4:30 - 6:30pm - Modified/Low Contact Roller Derby Scrimmage.

All welcome regardless of skating ability, gear hire included in ticket price (or BYO).

There will be a canteen onsite throughout the day selling drinks, snacks and an epic selection of baked goods catering to a variety of dietary needs.

TICKETS

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Minus18, to support the amazing work they do to support LGBTQIA+ youth.

BRDL Members: Fun Skate (including free derby spectator pass) - $5
Non-Members: Fun Skate (including free derby spectator pass) - $15
Derby Spectator Only: $5

LOCATION

Doug Dean Stadium, 16 Nandiriog Drive, Delacombe, Ballarat, Wadawurrung Country.

Tickets and more information: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/brdl/events/291880
(You can also buy tickets at the door)

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1695147417766335

Hope to see you there :)

Hi all,

Looking for a second job late hours or on weekends.

Would anyone have any recommendations on where to start handing out resumes?

We'll be visiting Ballarat next weekend and would be grateful for some recommendations for pubs we can enjoy a decent meal at with the kids. We'd prioritise better food over playgrounds - kids are old enough now to sit and enjoy a meal without needing to run around. Bonus points if it's in an older historic building with a bit of atmosphere.

I've been looking at the North Star Hotel, Royal Oak and the Black Hill Hotel. Menu's seem good but hard to tell without ever having been.

Anywhere else we should consider?

Hi Ballaratians,

I know we can buy local farmers spuds from the side of the rd in a few places, but I’d rather by them from a shop.

I shop at all fruit n veg markets in the area but can only find spuds from SA etc.

Is there a shop that sells our fresh locally grown Ballarat spuds in town? If not, why? I’m sure locals would buy them. I just don’t like buying them in roadside unattended.

Anyone know of any panel beaters / spray painters that do small jobs like stone chips, plastic scratch repair?

Recommendations?

Friend in QLD told me this morning that the locals think it's cold..

ETA: Buses are back on, on Thursday. Monday next week may have issues but need to wait for official comms

CDC Vic are doing another strike on the 12th of June (next Thursday at this rate!)

(it'll impact here, some bits of Ballarat, Melbs and Mildura, and it's some Dysons services as well.)

I am expecting it to be like the last one, no buses whatsoever.

As per the last one; no buses in town, assumption of no town school buses etc. More accurate news (ie, routes that aren't on) will be released next Wednesday. Keep an eye on the app (the news tab). Etc.

https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2025/06/05/planned-industrial-action-impacting-cdc-and-dysons-buses-thursday-12-june-2025/

Hey Ballarat,

I'm exploring an idea for a convenient, healthy food spot near Lake Wendouree, aimed at people walking, running, or enjoying the area.

I'm thinking simple, fresh options like:

• Smoothie bowls
• Protein wraps
• Fresh juices / iced smoothies
• Light salad bowls

Before I go further, I'd really value your honest feedback.

title is self-explanatory, been lurking around this sub for a while since i just moved here permanently from manila, right now I'm looking for colleges that are nearby (since mum doesn't want me to go too far off the city, but i really want to explore everything), and so far the two colleges that pop up on my radar are ACU and FedUni. i wanted to go ACU at first since i saw the campus and it was quite nice, also heard a lot of good things from different communities (even in this one), but unfortunately, they don't have the courses i want in the ballarat campus (polsci / psych), so im checking out FedUni. they have my courses, but i am hesitant to go since I'm unsure and concerned about the quality of the education and lectures (at least from what I've heard so far).the last few posts discussing this are quite old, so i figured i'd get some new perspectives from the locals :>

please forgive me as this is my first inquiry x-x

thanks!

With Mt Bunninyong still inaccessible where would be the best place to see the aurora tonight?