Lake Wendouree
Lake Wendouree
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Lake Wendouree, part of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, is an artifically created and maintained shallow urban lake.
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Top ways to experience Lake Wendouree and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
377 within 3 miles
Attractions
144 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Sio Chan L12 contributionsJust beautifulIt is a tremendously beautiful lake. The Boatshed Restaurant is a charming restaurant right by the lake. You can see the lake through big windows, and there are black swans walking around. Food and service were great too.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 10, 2023
- Simon BCity of Greater Geelong, Australia4,176 contributionsWalk or RowBusy Saturday on edge of Lake Wendouree as looked like a rowing tournament happening. Heaps of teams, boats and even food trucks and portaloos for big crowd. Nonetheless, had a good walk on part of nice garden circuit. Interesting to watch action close to shore however lose sight of most races.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 19, 2024
- TravellerMelbourne, Australia17,570 contributionsNice place for a walkMy wife and I walked along the entire 6 km track around the lake to enjoy the scenery and the exercise, during our recent holiday at RACV Resort in Creswick where we stayed for 3 nights. It took us around an hour to complete the walk. We had already walked along the Botanical Gardens next to this lake before we started walking the 6km track. We will do this again in future when we next visit.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 12, 2024
- James BNewcastle, Australia631 contributionsBeautiful autumn walk on sunny dayWe thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Lake Wendouree. It was a lovely sunny day and the autumn leaves were turning. The lake was dead calm. We parked near the boat sheds and walked around to the Pipers by the Lake cafe for a coffee. It’s an ideal walk to enjoy the beautiful lake environment and to reflect on the 1956 Olympic Games that held the rowing events at this locality. Recommend!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 8, 2024
- Moving ButlerBallarat, Australia191 contributionsWonderful walk.Just massive and wonderful to walk around. Just watch out of duck / bird poo that you will find close to where they roost. The entire lake is quite the body of water and I am sure you will enjoy it. There is a farmers market that sets up shop over selected weekends.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,155 reviews
Excellent
729
Very good
385
Average
36
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,657 contributions
May 2022
This scenic lake is located in the heart of Ballarat. It is famous for being the venue for the rowing regatta for the 1956 Olympic Games, which makes Ballarat an Olympic city. Besides regular use for competitive rowing, it is also used for sailing and fishing. There's a hiker-biker track around the lake, which is often used for cycle racing. The paddle boats are fun for families; prices are quite inexpensive. Lake Wendouree makes a scenic backdrop to the Ballarat Botanic Gardens.
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roz P
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
The lake is big and had terrific walking paths. The lake has apparently got trout in it but ran out of time to fish.
The cafe/restaurant had nice food but very over priced. $19.95 for a toasted cheese and ham sandwich!
The cafe/restaurant had nice food but very over priced. $19.95 for a toasted cheese and ham sandwich!
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C...
Victoria, Australia92,277 contributions
Jul 2020
Whilst this is an artificially created lake, it certainly has a home in the heart of Ballarat. The circuit walk is about 6 kilometres and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. My Uncle does this circuit most days and does it in under an hour, so the time frame will depend on your levels of fitness.
The area is quite beautiful and there are areas to rest or just enjoy the beauty. Along with cafes around the lake if you want to stop ... or make a day out with a friend.
An interesting and quirky fact is that the lake was originally Yuille's Swamp which supplied domestic water to Ballarat from 1852 until the 1860s.
The area is quite beautiful and there are areas to rest or just enjoy the beauty. Along with cafes around the lake if you want to stop ... or make a day out with a friend.
An interesting and quirky fact is that the lake was originally Yuille's Swamp which supplied domestic water to Ballarat from 1852 until the 1860s.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jude
Torquay, Australia606 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Such a large lake in the middle of Ballarat steeped in history. Plenty of eateries surround the lake, a walking track goes the full circumference. Opposite the Botanic Gardens, time can be enjoyed in both locations. Plenty of native black swans and other bird life, great for picnics, strolls or just contemplating life. Free on street parking. Really worth a visit.
Written January 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
933Traveller933
Sydney, Australia24 contributions
Jun 2021
There is a very good walking track around the Lake and lots of birdlife to observe. The Botalical Gardens are adjustent with the interesting row of Prime Minister"s sculpures. Unfortunately I didn't have time to do the entire walk - about 5km I think.It seems to be very popular with the local walkers. Must be lovely in summer but a bit brisk in winter.
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GC Lou
27 contributions
Jan 2022
The whole area is a credit to your city. Ample parking, shade, shelter, playgrounds and family friendly activities.
Would love to see some more accessible eateries or pop up vendors around the lake during school holidays when it is very busy.
Would love to see some more accessible eateries or pop up vendors around the lake during school holidays when it is very busy.
Written January 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,657 contributions
Mar 2021
During the 1956 Olympics, canoeing, rowing and kayaking were held at Lake Wendouree as there was no suitable aquatic venue in Melbourne. Lake Wendouree is a feature of Ballarat, it's around 3km (2 miles) from the Ballarat CBD. Ballarat is now counted as an Olympic city.
Written March 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward Y
Wetherill Park, Australia1 contribution
Apr 2021 • Couples
We stayed a week in Ballarat at Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments and was not disappointed. Our two bedroom two bath apartment was tastefully appointed with good sized lounge and eat-in kitchen. Despite the chilly weather we were warm and cosy thanks to the flame effect gas fire and electric blankets fitted to the beds. If you’re are looking for comfortable accommodation in Grove Street, a short walk from the lake, this is it! Highly recommended.
Written April 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maryan5456
Sydney, Australia158 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
This is a beautiful lake. We cycled around the lake easily (6km) and stopped often to get some picturesque photos. It is a great location for visitors and anyone wanting to have a relaxing day by the lake. Highly recommended if you are visiting Ballarat. Coffee shops are also in the vicinity.
Written April 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rushing-man
Ballarat, Australia197 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
There’s a reason this is one of the most used and visited destinations in Ballarat by locals and tourists. There’s something for everyone.
For the older members, a 6km track around the lake, beautifully manicured gardens, great views and a coffee shop.
For the younger group, an abundance of playgrounds and open areas to explore.
A definite must see whether you have 10 minutes or a whole afternoon.
For the older members, a 6km track around the lake, beautifully manicured gardens, great views and a coffee shop.
For the younger group, an abundance of playgrounds and open areas to explore.
A definite must see whether you have 10 minutes or a whole afternoon.
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have a blow up paddle boat are we able to use it on lake Wendouree?
Written April 8, 2019
Yes you can, there are several spots that you can access the water from.
Ballarat can be very windy so check the weather before going.
Written April 9, 2019
Is there a place to rent bikes on the lake?
Written June 25, 2016
Contact Ballarat Tourist Information at the Town Hall (03) 5337 4337 they will be able to answer this and more info about what else you can do whilst you are in Ballarat - I found them very helpful when I was there in May.
Written June 26, 2016
Is the lake close to the tennis centre?
Written July 23, 2015
If you mean the tennis centre in Sebastopol, it is approximately 5.5 kms from Lake Wendouree.
Written July 24, 2015
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