Events at North Gardens, Lake Wendouree, Lake Wendouree

About North Gardens, Lake Wendouree

North Gardens (also called North Gardens Reserve) is a spacious public park on the north-western shore of Lake Wendouree in Ballarat, Victoria (www.setlist.fm). This flat, open green space of roughly 38 hectares lies adjacent to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and features lakeside scenery, walking paths, picnic lawns and wetlands (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au). Its signature highlights include the North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park (opened 2019) – the first major Victorian park dedicated solely to First Nations public art (www.creativeballarat.com.au) (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au) – and a wetland system built in 2001 to filter stormwater before it enters the lake (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au). Historic features like the “Koori Totem Poles” relocated to the north entrance (originally from the city’s Begonia Festival) and the Murrup Laar (ancestral stones circle by Wadawurrung artist Dr. Deanne Gilson) add cultural significance (www.creativeballarat.com.au) (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au). Over the decades, North Gardens has become a key community venue. Concert archives note major rock festivals here since at least 2005 (e.g. Shihad) (www.concertarchives.org) and big lineups in 2015 and 2022 featuring Hoodoo Gurus, Jimmy Barnes and other Australian rock veterans (www.concertarchives.org). Today the reserve is renowned for its summer music festivals and beer & food events, drawing locals and visitors. Its tranquil setting by the lake makes it a beloved Ballarat landmark and vibrant event site.

Events and Programming

North Gardens comes alive mainly during the warmer months with large open-air concerts and festivals. It hosts touring music tour events (often in February–March) featuring top Australian artists. For example, the Red Hot Summer Tour returned to North Gardens in early March 2023 with headliners Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, Mark Seymour, Vika & Linda, Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au). In 2022 the same series featured Boom Crash Opera, Killing Heidi, The Angels, The Living End, James Reyne and others (www.concertarchives.org). In summer 2021 the SummerSalt festival brought The Cat Empire, The Teskey Brothers, John Butler Trio, Boy & Bear, Montaigne and Emily Wurramara to North Gardens (amnplify.com.au). Each lineup reflects Australia’s rock, indie and roots music scenes. Beyond rock festivals, North Gardens has hosted other cultural and community events. Ballarat’s beer and food festival, for example, was held here with live music (headlined by Dallas Crane (funknfest.squarespace.com)) and dozens of craft breweries. In Feb 2022 the new Ballarat Funk’N’Fest brought funk, soul and R&B acts (like Kylie Auldist and Lake Minnetonka) to the lawns. Smaller community gatherings (e.g. outdoor school concerts or Indigenous cultural celebrations) can also occur. In short, expect a festival atmosphere: food trucks and beer tents, families picnicking, and stages set up for multiple bands under the sky.

Tickets and Booking

Most large events at North Gardens are ticketed through official channels. There is generally no general admission free entry to major shows – you must buy tickets in advance. Organizers often announce details months ahead, with presales followed by general sale. For instance, Ballarat City noted that tickets for the 2023 Red Hot Summer Tour went on presale in late August 2022 and sold out quickly (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au) (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au). Prices vary by event: as one example, Red Hot Summer Tour GA tickets were about $159.90 (plus fees) (www.redhotsummertour.com.au), while a VIP “Rock Bar” ticket with dinner and seating was ~$299.90 (www.redhotsummertour.com.au). Other concerts and festivals typically range from modest ($50–$100) to mid-range, depending on performers and inclusions. Always buy early for big names – popular shows at North Gardens often “sell out around the country” (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au). Ticket sales are usually online and through authorised outlets; a small on-site box office (often open only an hour or two before gates) may handle will-call or scanning only. For example, Red Hot Tour set up a box office one hour before doors but emphasized that tickets had to be pre-bought and ready on your phone for scanning (www.redhotsummertour.com.au). Beware of unofficial resellers – the Red Hot promoter explicitly warned that tickets from unauthorised sites (e.g. unlicensed resellers) are void and not accepted (www.redhotsummertour.com.au) (www.redhotsummertour.com.au). In short: check the official event announcement or Ballarat council news for sale dates, and plan to purchase through the legitimate channels early.

Seating and Layout

North Gardens is an open, grassy venue without fixed seating. Events use a festival-layout field with a stage on one side and audience space on the lawn. Most tickets are general admission, meaning you stand or sit on the grass. Concert organizers often encourage you to bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. In fact, for the Red Hot Summer Tour Ballarat 2025 show the promoter’s site noted that GA areas were entirely unreserved and advised patrons to “bring a camp chair” for comfort (www.redhotsummertour.com.au). Important note: many events ban low-profile chairs or large shade structures. For example, SummerSalt’s rules explicitly prohibit “low back (low to the ground) chairs” (summersaltmusic.com.au) and umbrellas or pop-up tents (summersaltmusic.com.au). If you want a guaranteed seat space, some festivals offer a paid upgrade or “Premium GA” with reserved seating area. For SummerSalt, premium ticket holders got their own dedicated zone near the stage and could bring a high-back folding chair (summersaltmusic.com.au). Otherwise, score a spot on the grass – near the middle of the field usually gives the best sound and sight lines, while seats near the front can have louder volume. There may also be a raised stage or sound towers, but no permanent bleachers. For drinks and toilets, look for set-up vans or stalls at convenient corners away from the grass.

Getting There and Parking

Location: North Gardens Reserve is located at Wendouree Parade and Zoo Drive, Lake Wendouree (Ballarat VIC 3350) (www.setlist.fm). It lies about 3 km west of Ballarat’s city center. The Ballarat Botanical Gardens lie just to the south of it. Key landmarks: the Ballarat Base Hospital is a short distance to the north, and the Ballarat Clarendon College campus fronts Wendouree Parade nearby.

Public Transport: Ballarat’s CDC bus network serves Wendouree. Routes 10, 11, 12 and 26 all connect Ballarat Railway Station / Civic Hall with Wendouree areas (via Wendouree Parade or Howitt St). For example, the Line 26 bus from Ballarat Station runs to Wendouree Parade (Central Square in the city to St. Patrick’s College in Wendouree in ~14 min) (www.rome2rio.com). If coming by V/Line train, get off at Ballarat Station and catch a bus heading toward Wendouree. On-foot, the lake is about a 30–40 minute walk (2.8 km) from the train station. Rideshare/taxi drop-offs are typically done around Wendouree Parade (near Zoo Drive or Gregory St). Ballarat also runs a heritage tram down Wendouree Parade on weekends, but that’s more a tourist ride than a transit service.

Parking: On most event days there is limited on-site parking at North Gardens itself. The City often shuts off the nearby Botanic Gardens parking for event use. For major festivals, the venue page usually advises that general public parking is unavailable. For example, SummerSalt organizers specifically warned “no public parking” and offered free shuttle buses from Ballarat Civic Hall for attendees (summersaltmusic.com.au). If you do drive, your best bet is to park in nearby street locations (e.g. along Wendouree Parade, Lake Gardens Ave or Wellington St), then walk in. There is a small public car park on the eastern side of Lake Wendouree (near Plantation Point), but it can fill up quickly. Street parking along adjoining roads often requires an early arrival. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up is an option; event planners sometimes direct drop-off to a specific spot (e.g. the corner of Wendouree Parade and zoo Drive). Plan ahead: traffic in Ballarat can be busy after a show. The 2022 festival guide warned drivers to “allow time to leave the venue” as queues form on the surrounding streets (summersaltmusic.com.au).

Inside the Venue

Entry and Safety: Most events have fenced entrances with security checks. Expect bag screening and wristbands. You will likely need to show ID if the event serves alcohol. For example, the Ballarat Beer Festival required proof of age at entry (drivers’ license or passport) (funknfest.squarespace.com). Tickets are checked (often via mobile device), so charge your phone. At Red Hot Summer Tour shows, the box office opened 1 hour before gates for scanning tickets (www.redhotsummertour.com.au) – so arrive early if you need to pick up or print a ticket. Note that many events do not allow ticket re-entry: once you leave, you often cannot return without a new ticket.

Prohibited Items & Policies: Every event has a strict event policy. A good rule of thumb (from festival guides) is that no outside alcohol, no glass containers, no weapons or illicit substances are allowed. For instance, the SummerSalt 2022 rules forbid aerosol cans, outside alcohol, professional cameras, large coolers or eskies (only small ones ≤20 L), glass, large prams, weapons and similar items (summersaltmusic.com.au). Low shopping or tripod umbrellas and large shade tents are also banned (summersaltmusic.com.au). Most festivals implement a zero-tolerance on illegal drugs and underage drinking (summersaltmusic.com.au). If in doubt about a specific item, check the event’s official website or info page. Generally, plan to pack light and only bring essentials (camera phones are usually fine, but bring any higher-end camera only if explicitly allowed). You will also likely be asked for photo ID if you purchase alcohol on site.

Food, Drink and Other Services: Concessions are plentiful at North Gardens events. You can almost always count on food trucks, coffee stalls and bars inside the grounds. For example, the Ballarat Beer Festival boasted over 150 craft beers on tap along with award-winning local wines (funknfest.squarespace.com), and dozens of food stalls (from pizzas to Asian BBQ). Most venues have multiple water refilling points and snack vendors. Merchandise stands are common at music shows: Red Hot events even offered a $25 merch voucher as part of a VIP package (www.redhotsummertour.com.au). Facilities like portable toilets or mobile drug testing (for headlining concerts) will be set up; permanent restrooms are also nearby in the gardens. There is usually no ATM on site, so bring credit/debit cards or cash beforehand (summersaltmusic.com.au). Remember that this is a public park – large shade trees provide sun cover, but if rain is forecast events typically go on rain-or-shine (bring a raincoat). The terrain is flat grass, so wear comfortable walking shoes.

Nearby Amenities

Just beyond the park you’ll find plenty of amenities. Wendouree Parade leads into Ballarat’s centre, where dozens of cafes, pubs and restaurants await. A short drive or taxi ride along Sturt Street and Lydiard Street North reaches the city’s main dining strip (trendy Mercato bakery-café, Queen Victoria Market-style eateries, pubs like the Royal Hotel). Closer by on Wendouree Parade is the historic Golden City Hotel (a classic Aussie pub), and The Caterer Hotel. For a quick bite, there are a few takeaway shops and a bakery (Miguel’s Bakehouse) half a kilometre south on Gillies St. If you have a late finish, Ballarat has several 24-hour service stations (“service stations”) with snacks on-entry, though expect lines after a big show.

Accommodation options abound in Ballarat. The city centre (around 4 min by car) has large hotels and motels: for example, Mercure Ballarat and Quest Ballarat are modern midrange hotels, while the historic Craig’s Royal Hotel on Dawson Street offers a pub downstairs. Closer to the lake are smaller motels and guesthouses: the Ballarat Motor Inn and the Bell Tower Motel are within a few minutes’ drive. If you plan to stay right by the water, the Lake View Motel or Warrenheip House B&B overlook the lake. Of course, (if you’re really clever) tent sites or caravan parks at Ballarat Tourist Parks can also be booked for a camping-style stay near North Gardens. In general, try to arrange lodging in Ballarat at least a few months ahead if an event is expected (hotels fill fast around big festivals).

What Makes This Venue Special

North Gardens is special because it blends natural beauty, local culture and community spirit. Unlike a concrete auditorium, its open-air lawns placed right on Lake Wendouree give every event a relaxed lakeside ambience. Artistically, it houses Victoria’s only Indigenous sculpture park designed for First Nations artists (www.creativeballarat.com.au). Aboriginal artist Deanne Gilson’s “Murrup Laarr” – a circle of basalt stones symbolizing Wadawurrung ancestral stories – stands as a focal artwork (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au). Ten carved “Koori Totem Poles” also stand as guardians at the park entrance (www.creativeballarat.com.au). These installations make North Gardens a living cultural space, so even on non-event days it’s a place for quiet reflection on local heritage.

Historically, North Gardens has hosted iconic events for Ballarat. In 1958 the city’s “Sound Shell” (bandstand) was already a concert site, and the 1956 Olympics’ rowing course finishes just offshore (so the park saw celebrations back then). In recent decades it became the go-to open-air stage for rock&roll in regional Victoria. Many Australians recall seeing their heroes here under the sun or stars. On 4 March 2023 alone, 12,000 fans came to enjoy veteran acts (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au). Economically and culturally, the venue draws tourism – for instance the Red Hot events pumped an estimated $1.9 million into the Ballarat economy in 2022 (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au).

For performers, North Gardens is beloved for its friendly crowd and scenery. Artists often mention how warm the Ballarat audience is, and how great it feels to play with palm trees and the sunset as a backdrop. Locals love it because it’s their Big Local Venue – familiar as a summer hotspot and as a gathering place for generations. Every event here has a picnic-like, laid-back vibe that you just don’t get in an indoor arena. As one councilor put it, the park is a “venue for gatherings to celebrate the spirit of the Lake Wendouree landscape” (www.ballarat.vic.gov.au). The mix of lake views, parkland and public art make North Gardens truly one-of-a-kind in Ballarat’s scene.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: North Gardens is largely flat and paths are generally level. If you or someone with you needs wheelchair access, there will be designated viewing areas and entrance lanes as needed. Major events often offer complimentary carer tickets and accessible toilets (summersaltmusic.com.au). Organizers advise contacting ticketing staff ahead of time if you require assistance during entry (summersaltmusic.com.au). Most of the reserve is pram-friendly (though very large prams may be limited – small baby strollers are OK (summersaltmusic.com.au)).

What to Bring: Plan for weather: wear layers and a hat, since Ballarat weather can heat up by afternoon or get chilly at night. Bring sunscreen, water and insect repellent. You are welcome to bring chairs or blankets for seating – just note that many events ban very low-profile chairs (for safety/visibility (summersaltmusic.com.au)). A small cooler bag (≤20 L) for snacks or drinks is usually fine (summersaltmusic.com.au), but don’t bring alcohol or large eskies. Phones and cameras are allowed, but check if professional cameras are banned (some events forbid DSLR/video gear (summersaltmusic.com.au)). Cash is handy, but remember that many events are now cashless – as one concert guide warned, “no ATM on site” (summersaltmusic.com.au), so bring a card. Always pack your tickets (printed or digital) and ID (if you plan to drink).

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t underestimate the walking: the grounds can be big, so wear comfortable shoes. Arrive early for big shows to get good spots and parking. Don’t arrive expecting to buy last-minute tickets at the gate – most big concerts sell out and on-site ticketing (if any) is limited (www.redhotsummertour.com.au). Also, leaving late at night means heavy traffic – plan a ride or night bus. The venue notes specifically said to anticipate exit delays by car (summersaltmusic.com.au). For family outings, double-check age policies: beer or wine festivals are usually 18+ (the Beer Fest required photo ID (funknfest.squarespace.com)), whereas music events might allow children or charge a child fare. If bringing kids, small picnic blankets are fine, but be prepared that grass can get dusty or muddy during big crowds.

Event Policies: Every event will have posted rules. Common ones include no outside alcohol, no glass or sharp objects, and no illegal drugs. Attendees often must be sober on entry, and undercover police may be present (summersaltmusic.com.au). Photography rules vary by show – some are casual about handheld phones, but professional cameras or video recording are often not permitted (summersaltmusic.com.au). Smoking is usually allowed only in designated outdoor areas (you may see smoking sections near fences). If an event uses RFID wristbands, keep it dry and don’t share it. And remember: things like large umbrellas, tents or drones are almost always banned at these open-air festivals. Finally, always respect the space and others – Ballarat crowds tend to be friendly, and organizers expect everyone to enjoy the event responsibly.