Ballarat Beer Festival

Overview

The historical city of Ballarat is home to one of the most widely anticipated brewing festivals in Australia. And on Saturday, Janaury 19, it'll return for its fourth instalment, serving up a mind-boggling selection of Aussie craft beers and ciders.

The Ballarat Beer Festival is set to showcase 43 makers in the picturesque new location of Ballarat's Northern Gardens. Expect to see offerings from old hands such as Little Creatures, Grand Ridge and Bright Brewery alongside newer ventures like the ever-growing Stomping Ground Brewery, and many others.

But it's not just for hopheads — artisanal cideries including Flying Brick and Cheeky Rascal will also be popping up to pour a few, and wine lovers can look to the stalls of Taltarni, Blue Pyrenees Estate and The Mallow Hotel for some top-notch tipple. There'll also be a number of beer education events, beer trivia and beer-fuelled yoga sessions on offer.

A food garden, hosted by brewing powerhouse Hawkers Beer, will take care of your appetite with a wide variety of food trucks and stalls available from Benny Burgers, GoGo Icecream, Opa Greek Food, East India Trading Company and more. Plus, live music and DJs will perform throughout the day, with such acts as nine-piece band Butterfunked, crooner Frank Sultana and blues artist PJ O'Brian.

Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD, you could easily make Ballarat Beer Festival a day trip — but then there's the awkward conversation of who'll be designated driver. Instead, use it as an excuse for a weekend jaunt, then check out our guide of other things to eat, see and do while you're there. Getting there early will also mean you can get a head start on the beer festivities with a special degustation on Friday, January 18. Held at Housey Housey, this dinner will feature two craft beer specialists taking guests through five beer and food pairings ($125 per person).

General admission tickets for Ballarat Beer Festival cost $51.37, with discounts available for group bookings. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.