Ballarat's Night Time Pleasures

Drop into this trendy bar and café overlooking picturesque Lake Wendouree for a quiet glass of wine with friends. This gorgeous spot is the ideal place for a cocktail to start your night, or settle in for the afternoon and watch the swans on the Lake as you eat your way through a generous cheese platter. The menu is small, but all meals are made with fresh ingredients and are very reasonably priced. It's definitely worth trying a slice of delicious cake with cappuccino. Open Tuesday to Sunday.

Her Majesty's Theatre, Lydiard Street South

This beautiful theatre, listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, is the pride and joy of Ballarat. Opened as the Academy of Music in 1875 to avoid the negative moral connotations attached to theatres at the time, today it is the city's focus for the performing arts. Concerts and live shows are held on the stage where Dame Nellie Melba once performed. You can enjoy a selection of professional touring and local productions in the elegant auditorium and the Long Room bar is open for interval drinks. Informative tours of the Theatre are offered regularly. The Box Office is open Monday to Friday. You can receive a comprehensive list of Ballarat's art exhibitions and cultural performances by subscribing to Ballarat's 'On Show e-news'. To register, visit www.hermaj.com

Craig's Bar, Bath Lane

It has taken five years and millions of dollars to restore this Victorian landmark first built with gold-era wealth in 1853, but it's been well worth the wait. Craigs' Royal Hotel has hosted poets, princes and prime ministers over the decades, but these days it's locals and visitors who enjoy the opulence within. Wander into the newly refurbished bar and sit in the corner for a couple of cleansing ales and marvel at the old world ambience. Or relax in the huge leather couches with your mates and while away the evening in style over some refreshments. Check out the restored Australian red cedar bar with marble top. Open seven days until late.

Haida, Camp Street

Locals luxuriate in chocolate leather lounges in cosy-corners for a wine after work. This three-storey bar operates from one of the most historic buildings in one of the first streets constructed in town. This is the perfect spot for whiling away lazy nights, with every conceivable mixer you've ever heard of on offer. While you're here make sure you check out the incredible view over the city from the new deck upstairs. Stave off your hunger with tapas-like cajun grilled lamb cutlets with lemon dressing, Mediterranean risotto balls served with garlic aioli, or cumin-dusted squid. Open seven days until late.

Heritage on Lydiard, Lydiard Street

This stylish new boutique hotel and bar is just a few doors down from Ballarat's historic Regent cinema, and is surrounded by the city's grandest buildings. The building was once home to the Bank of New South Wales and dates back to 1862, but has been transformed into an architecturally designed hotel and bar with a European influence. Soak up the ambience in the elegant wine bar, featuring Venetian chandeliers and grand piano. Expect top service while selecting from a long list of fine wines and spirits. Open Tuesday till Saturday, 5pm until late.

Phoenix Brewery, 10 Camp Street

Located in the historic Camp Street, opposite the arts precinct you'll find this eatery offers something to satisfy every palate. On street level the enormous gabled windows open to create the perfect spot to linger with a chilled glass of Pinot Gris on warm afternoons. Benches and chairs on the footpath cater for those who prefer to dine alfresco, while the bluestone cellar downstairs is popular for functions. Phoenix Brewery includes a menu of modern cuisine, but it's the gorgeous tapas menu that has cemented this place as a favourite among locals. Open for lunch weekdays and dinner Monday to Saturday.

L'Expresso, Sturt Street

This funky little Italian eatery serves up some of the best meals in town whether it's morning, noon or night. Locals cram into this dining institution, and in the summer months, sit at the tables out the front and watch the world go by. The restaurant is transformed after dark, with candle-lit tables casting a soft glow over your dining buddies. Enjoy a list of local and international wine while feasting on an ever-changing menu, which features locally grown and produced goods. Peruse the wall of CDs while you're there. Open seven days for breakfast and lunch, and dinner Fridays and Saturdays.