GRAB your winter woolies, pack your thermos and head to Ballarat this month for the town's annual Winter Festival.
Just an hour and 15 minutes west of Melbourne, the historic Goldfields city was named as one of the best holiday destinations in Australia last year beating Sydney, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns and the Red Centre in a nationwide poll.
And in July the city turns into a winter wonderland, with everything from flame-throwing jousting to potato and whisky tasting.
Here is our guide to some of the highlights of the month-long festival:
1. Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights: Christmas in July
Watch as Sovereign Hill's Main Street is immersed in a sea of light, colour and sound. The event will take place every night in July, with building projections taking you on a journey through a winter wonderland, and 'snow' cascading
at regular intervals to complete the cool experience.
2. Knights of Fire - Joust of the Flame
See knights on horseback armed with flaming jousting sticks battle it out in Kryal Castle's main arena to cure the icy heart of the Snow Queen. Taking visitors back to a time of myth and legend Kryal Castle is a replica medieval castle about eight kilometres east of Ballarat. This show is only on in July.
3. The Potato Festival
Showcasing the versatility of the spud, the Potato Festival on July 1. 3pm-8pm at Ballarat Mining Exchange elevates the humble spud beyond just chips and mash. If ever you wanted an excuse to carb load, this is it. Experience the potato in a variety of dishes and forms and watch as the produce of the region is put under the spotlight.
4. Whiskey, wine and beer
Savour the region's top drops and meet the award-winning winemakers behind the glass as part of The Red Series wine festival on July 29 or taste the hops, ales, and liquid gold that have become synonymous with Ballarat at the Ballarat Brew Festival on July 22. Both events are 1-6pm at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.
5. Ice, ice, baby
With a frozen forest, ice skating rink and an igloo haven the festival is a chance to snuggle up in your winter woollies, wander through the mystical forest, lace up your skates and take to real ice in the CBD, and explore the Antarctic wonders on offer.
Getting there: Driving from Melbourne, take the 110k journey along the Western Freeway. The road trip from Tullamarine or Avalon airports to Ballarat takes about an hour. Book a hire car or take the Airport Shuttlebus (www.airportshuttlebus.com.au) from Tullamarine Airport. Alternatively hop on a direct train for a 90 minute trip from Melbourne's Southern Cross station.
