Julia Zass’ Ballarat In The Know

We asked former Power FM breakfast presenter, Julia Zass, what she does when she has visitors coming to town. Keep reading to for her top tips and favourites.

Where are your favourite places to eat out when you have friends or family visiting you, and why?  

I love how many great food options we have in Ballarat! Asking me to choose one would be impossible. Some of my favourites include Pancho and Meigas, Josè never disappoints with his food and drinks, and I love that he’ll bring out something new for us to try and expand our palate. If we have family visiting, I love to eat at The North Star Hotel. It has a welcoming vibe, great menu, is child friendly, and a great big Ficus tree in the middle. 

What do you like to do when you have visitors?  

If I have friends visiting, I love to take them for a bite to eat down Ballarat’s Eat Street, Armstrong, then up for a wine or two at Mitchell Harris. Then a wander up to Hattie and the Wolf for some great shopping. They always have the most beautiful winter jumpers and great gifts. 

If you want a nature fix with your visitors, where do you go?  

It’d be remiss of me to not mention the lake. I love to walk it, run it, cycle it, I even got married by it. The Botanical Gardens across the road are always spectacular too for a wander. I also love a walk down by the Yarrowee River Trail, it’s so pretty down there with all our native flora. 

Are there any hidden gems that you like to share with your visitors? 

The Ballarat Sanctuary Day Spa is out if this world for luxurious pampering. If you ever want to treat yourself, I highly recommend to anyone getting a hot stone massage, then relaxing in the Sanctuary pool afterwards. It’s relaxation at a whole new level. 

What do you love most about Ballarat? If you were talking to someone who isn’t from here – what would you say? 

The burgeoning food and wine scene! We’ve really established ourselves as a foodie destination. You could literally go out every day and night for two weeks straight and not have the same food twice. And the quality is spectacular. We now have 3 chef hatted restaurants in town. So, whether you want exquisite fine dining, a hearty wood-fired pizza, a great pub meal, Spanish tapas and everything in between, we’ve got you covered!