Ballarat is a popular getaway from Melbourne offering a journey into Victoria’s heritage with Victorian and Edwardian buildings, along with galleries, parks, gardens, the 1850’s mining town Sovereign Hill and so much more. Here is how to get there
Melbourne to Ballarat by Car
The drive from Melbourne to Ballarat is a straightforward drive following the Western Fwy/M8.
Journey Time: 1 h 23 min (116 km) via National Highway M8
Melbourne to Ballarat by Train
There are regular services throughout the day that depart from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat. The service is within the Myki area meaning there is no need to book tickets in advance. For payment, you can use your Myki card or buy paper tickets at the station. Journey time is 1 hour 19 minutes on average and cost around $22.60 with Myki.
- For timetables and fares see ptv.vic.gov.au/journey/
Melbourne to Ballarat by Coach
V/Line offers a coach service that departs Southern Cross Station and stops in Ballarat before continuing on to Mildura. Journey time is 1 hour 32 minutes and costs around $22.60 with Myki.
- For timetables and fares see ptv.vic.gov.au/journey/