By Jessica Palmer,
August 4, 2023
Ballarat’s beloved Best Pie competition has returned! Taking place across the city from 1st – 31st August, the competition will see 20 pies from 19 local chefs, restaurants, cafes and venues vying for the title of Ballarat’s Best Pie.
Pie lovers can get a taste of the action by following the Ballarat Pie Trail. From savoury to sweet, and from flaky crusts to mouth-watering fillings, there will be pies to suit all tastebuds on this foodie trail. Pick up a Pie Trail map from the Ballarat Information Centre or alternatively, download it online at visitballarat.com.au/ballarats-best-pie.
Win a weekend away just by eating a pie
If you do order a pie in August from any of the participating venues on the map, make sure to post a picture to Instagram. If you use the hashtags #ballaratsbestpie and #visitballarat, you’ll go into the draw to win a weekend away in Ballarat valued at over $1,000. See here for the competition terms and conditions.
Don’t miss the Best Pie Awards
On Saturday 5th August, culinary journalist Sofia Levin will be hosting the 2023 Ballarat’s Best Pie Awards at Hop Temple.
From 2 pm, join judges and pie connoisseurs, Tim Bone (MasterChef Australia), Jack van der Heyden (radio host), Kate Davis (Plate Up Ballarat Festival Director) and Richard Cornish (food writer) to witness the exciting moment the winners are crowned.
What’s your flavour?
If you’re into sweet pies, you’re going to want to head to Kilderkin Distillery for Grandma Harriet’s Bramble and Apple Pie. It’s a traditional sweet pie just like Grandma used to make, but this one features Larrikin Gin and Apple Pie Liqueur.
For those who love a traditional pie, head to Aunty Jacks for their Beef and Beer Pie. A traditional beef cottage pie that features Aunty Jack’s award-winning ale. If you’ve got time up your sleeve and room in your belly, roll on over to Eclectic Tastes Cafe and Pantry for the Ultimate Egg and Bacon Pie.
Pie lovers seeking to try something a bit different should try the Teriyaki Duck Pie at Grainery Lane, the Sri Lankan Beef Curry Pie at Beechworth Bakery or Babi Pongteh Pie at Flying Chillies (Red Duck Brewery & Distillery).
Of course, there are many more pies on the Ballarat Pie Trail, so make sure to grab your map and make a plan.
Where to stay in Ballarat
NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park
Located just a stone’s throw from several historic attractions, the NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park is a top choice for families with a solar-heated pool, playground, bouncing pillow, free WiFi and more.
Beaufort Lake Caravan Park
Just 30 minutes west of Ballarat, Beaufort Lake Caravan Park is located right on the lake for beautiful sunrise views. This park is pet-friendly.
BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park
The BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park boasts a bush setting and even an indoor heated pool. Always popular with families, it has the usual jumping pillows and pedal carts that we’ve come to expect from a BIG4. But this one also boasts the exclusive dog-friendly zone, ‘Scentral Park’ for those travelling with their pooch. Conveniently located just seven minutes from the centre of historic Ballarat, you can’t go wrong here.
