Ballarat's Daytime Treasues

Your senses will fill with the smell of coffee as you walk into this quaint little corner cafe just a block from Lake Wendouree. Stand near the open fire or pick a spot near the window for a light lunch or sweet treat, then browse amongst the gift wares. You never know, you might find that perfect sculpture for the garden, a new piece of jewellery or a must-have handbag. Enjoy stunning views of the Lake from the outside tables. Open seven days.

The Olive Grove Delicatessen, 1303 Sturt Street

Duck into this licensed dining and gourmet food spot for a focaccia and glass of wine with friends and browse through the huge selection of specialty lines while you're there. The Olive Grove has a fully stocked delicatessen bound to make your mouth water, with everything from ham on the bone, cheeses, pastries, antipasto and, of course, a range of olives. Squeeze into a table next to the wall of produce and enjoy a little shopping while you wait for your meal. The Olive Grove also stocks freshly made pasta, a range of relishes and jams, sweet treats including imported dark chocolates and fresh home made cakes. Open seven days.

Café Bibo, 205 Sturt Street

This licensed retro diner, just down from the Town Hall, is wallpapered with old magazines and newspapers and serves consistently great coffee. Pick a meal from the eclectic menu while you soak up the laidback atmosphere in a cosy booth or table. People come from far and wide for the vegetarian fare, feasting on the hugely popular Moroccan eggs with dukkah; or kumara and lentil fritters. You can't miss Bibo - just look out for the red chairs nestled under umbrellas on the footpath. Open seven days.

Eclectic Tastes, 2 Burnbank Street, Lake Wendouree

This funky retro café and foodie store boasts five rooms decked out with junk shop treasures. It's worth a visit, and when you come, expect your chair to be covered in a furry pink cushion or trimmed with vintage material with bold green spots. And your pot of tea will be lovingly topped with a hand-crocheted pot warmer with button eyes. Perfect for a quick bite of lunch, or book ahead for a gathering with friends. Flick through the children's books on the tables and peruse the ever-changing menu, which consists mostly of Middle Eastern or Asian-inspired meals. As you wander to the counter to pay, select from the hard-to-find ingredients from Asia, the Mediterranean and the Middle East so you can replicate the delicious meals at home. Open seven days.

Chat for Tea, 25 Armstrong Street

Perch on a traditional Japanese stool at this relaxed vegetarian restaurant and prepare for a meal with a difference. The vegetarian menu has something for everyone at a great price, with a range of Chinese, Indian and Japanese meals, including the much-loved Japanese dumplings, tempura battered vegetables, chick pea curries and bubble teas. Smell your way through the huge range of specialty teas, which make a great natural remedy for run-down mums; and try the delicious chai mocha, lavender and Earl Grey blends. Tea pots and associated knick knacks for sale. Open seven days for lunch and dinner.

Sovereign Hill

Catch a coach ride, go goldplanning (it's finders keepers), venture into underground mines and marvel at a $100,000 gold pour! There are 19th century shops and hotels to discover, tradesmen to meet and goldfields cottages to visit.