Ballarat Vintage Fashion Tour: Shopping & Women's History

Shop Ballarat's hidden vintage stores while learning the women who built its fashion past

A 3-hour guided walking tour of Ballarat's vintage and antique shops paired with stories of the pioneering women (including Tilly Thompson, Victoria's first travelling saleswoman), who shaped Australia's fashion industry. The tour includes exclusive 10-15% discounts at selected stores, a complimentary craft gin and tonic (or bubbly or non-alcoholic option) and sweet treat at a 1920s-style bar, and a custom Ballarat art print to take home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ballarat's vintage fashion history

• Learn about Ballarat's fashion pioneers
• Visit vintage shops with discounts
• Relax at 1920s-style bar with drinks

The experience

What draws people to Ballarat's fashion past? The guide walks you through the city's finest vintage and antique shops while uncovering the stories of the remarkable women who drove the industry forward since the Goldrush era. You'll learn about figures like Tilly Thompson, who became Victoria's first travelling saleswoman: a trailblazer in an era when women had few options. The 3-hour route weaves through the city's architecture and retail landscape at a deliberate pace, stopping at shops where you get 10-15% off purchases.

The tour wraps up at a 1920s-style venue where you sit down with the group for a complimentary house-made gin and tonic, premium bubbly, or a non-alcoholic drink paired with a local sweet treat. Everyone leaves with a custom Ballarat art print as a keepsake: a tangible reminder of the afternoon's discoveries and the stories you've heard.

What’s included

• Full 3-hour guided walking tour led by a live English-speaking guide.
• exclusive 10-15% shopping discounts at selected vintage and antique stores.
• complimentary craft gin and tonic, premium bubbly, or non-alcoholic drink with a sweet treat at a 1920s-style bar.
• custom Ballarat art print for every guest.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 23 Jan 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Hidden Lanes

Is this one for you?This tour suits vintage enthusiasts and fashion history lovers who want to shop at their own pace while learning the stories behind Ballarat's style heritage. The 3-hour format and walking route work best for travelers with moderate fitness who can comfortably explore the city on foot. Those with spinal injuries should check accessibility before booking.

Top questions

Who were the women that shaped Ballarat's fashion industry?

The guide highlights pioneering figures including Tilly Thompson, Victoria's first travelling saleswoman, and other trailblazing women who drove Ballarat's fashion industry forward from the Goldrush era onward, revealing how their ambition and innovation shaped Australian style.

What kind of shopping discounts do you get on this tour?

You receive exclusive 10-15% discounts at selected vintage and antique stores along the walking route, applied at the point of sale in each shop you visit.

What's included in the drink and treat at the end?

The tour finishes at a 1920s-style bar with a complimentary craft gin and tonic, a glass of premium bubbly, or a non-alcoholic option, served alongside a local sweet treat.

How much walking is involved over the 3 hours?

The tour is a guided walking route through Ballarat's vintage shops and architecture at a slow-travel pace. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, and the tour is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries.

Do you get to keep anything from the tour?

Yes, every guest takes home a custom Ballarat art print as a souvenir, plus any purchases you make at the vintage and antique shops along the route with your exclusive discounts applied.