Getting There

Whatever your mode of transport, here’s everything you need to know in order to get to the Ballarat Begonia Festival.

Walk

If you are walking to the festival via Wendouree parade, Crossing Supervisors will be in place at the pedestrian crossing closest to Pipers by the Lake to ensure the safety of pedestrians.  

Train – Vline Time Table

Plan your trip to Ballarat on the Vline using this link https://www.vline.com.au/

Ballarat Train Station

A free shuttle bus will run to and from the Ballarat Train Station (Lydiard Street) to the Ballarat Begonia Festival. Timetable as follows:

Wendouree Train Station

Take a stroll to the Botanical Gardens, from Wendouree Train Station you reach the gardens in only 900m.

Drive

If you drive to the Festival, there is a Festival Car Park is located in the North Gardens, entry off Wendouree Parade into Zoo Drive. There is also ample parking around the Botanical Gardens, both along Wendouree Parade and Gillies Street. There will be no parking available on Wendouree Parade between Nursery Drive and St Aidans Drive from 6.30am to 1pm (inclusive) on the day of the parade – Monday 11^th March.

Monday 11 March – Parade Day

• Road Closures: Wendouree Parade will be closed from Carlton Street to St Aidans Drive, between 6.30am and 12.30pm ( or until safe) on Monday 11 March only.  
• Heavy Traffic Conditions: Please be aware there will be heavy traffic conditions in Carlton St, Hamilton Ave and parts of Wendouree Parade (from Carlton Street and Hamilton Av) between 8.00am and 12noon (or until safe), however these roads will not be closed.
• Parking: There will be no parking available on Wendouree Parade between Nursery Drive and St Aidans Drive from 6.30am to 1pm (inclusive) on the day of the parade – Monday 11^th March.

Tram

• Vintage tram rides will be available all weekend for your convenience and enjoyment. Travel the 1.3 km of the original track beside the Botanical Gardens on the west side of Lake Wendouree.
• Visit the Ballarat Tramway Museum to hear about the interesting facts about Ballarat’s tram history.