New hop-on hop-off bus making exploring Ballarat easier this Winter

Ballarat locals and visitors now have a new, affordable way to experience the city, with the launch of a Hop-On Hop-Off bus loop connecting four of Ballarat’s most popular attractions.

The service commenced on 27 June, in time for the iconic Ballarat Winter Festival, with the bus loop operating between 11am and 3pm, offering a continuous connection between Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park, Eureka Centre and the Ballarat Town Hall.

With an approximate 25-minute circuit, the service allows passengers to hop on and off throughout the day, making it easier to explore multiple attractions at their own pace and their own schedule.

The trial has been designed to remove common barriers for visitors, such as parking, navigation, public transport issues and time constraints, while also making it simple for locals to share Ballarat with friends and family.

Affordable day passes provide unlimited travel across the loop:

• Adults (16+): $10
• Children (15 and under): $5
• Children (4 and under): Free (but do require a ticket)
• Family (2 adults + 2 children): $23

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves, said the initiative was an exciting step forward for the city.

“This new hop-on hop-off service makes it easier than ever for people to experience the very best of Ballarat in one simple journey,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for locals to encourage their visiting friends and family to explore more of our city, while also showcasing how we continue to invest in tourism and visitor experiences, to benefit our community.”

John Pandazopoulos at Tourism Mid West Victoria said the trial presented a valuable opportunity to strengthen visitor experiences across the region.

“By improving connectivity between key tourism experiences, we can encourage people to stay longer, discover more and contribute more to local businesses and the broader visitor economy,” he said.

Eureka Centre CEO, Anthony Camm, welcomed the initiative as a strong example of collaboration across Ballarat.

“This pilot reflects what can be achieved when Ballarat’s tourism partners work together to improve the visitor experience,” he said.

“We’re proud to be part of a connected network that encourages people to discover more of Ballarat’s rich history, culture and attractions.”

The trial is part of a broader effort to strengthen Ballarat’s tourism offering, encourage visitor dispersal across the city, and support local businesses.

For locals, it offers an easy way to experience the city from a fresh perspective – or to recommend a seamless itinerary to visiting friends and family.

The service will operate as a three-month trial, with performance and community feedback informing future opportunities, including the potential for a permanent offering.