A local's guide to
Ballarat: Shelby Sherritt

‘I am always seeking inspiration from nature and it is so wonderful to have a curated garden space to access whenever I need to find new muses. The flower beds are particularly stunning and a lot of the colours and shapes from the flowers make an appearance in my ceramic work’.

‘Pancho is like a guided food tour around Central and South America. The shared-plate menu includes fish tacos, pork tostada, Mexican rice bowls and grilled corn. The place always has a fun vibe with lots of kitschy decorations and pumping Latin music. I recommend getting a jug of Margarita for the group’!

‘Collins Booksellers is a mystical haven within the Ballarat CBD. I like to come here to seek out books on gardening, cooking and an inspiring biography. The store itself is underneath the historic Old Colonists’ Club and is worth a look just for the heritage front-counter, antique timber bookcases and fireplace’.

‘Aunty Jacks is another location worth checking out for the aesthetic vibe. Owner Brian Taylor is an avid antique collector and has filled this warehouse space with quirky found objects like old suitcases, vintage televisions, radios and meat grinder beer taps! This place fills with a warm atmosphere on a Friday afternoon and I will sometimes come here with friends for some beers and the massive charcuterie board’.

‘Fossick is one of my favourite local cafes. My favourite breakfast option is the pumpkin and feta toastie with a cup of coffee. Everything from the timber exterior to the hand painted lettering on the window evokes nostalgia for a Ballarat of a different era.

The owner Kristy has done an amazing job at curating interesting and unique retail products that echo traditions of the town whilst being a notable location to collect understated souvenirs’.

‘Gardenia Magnifica is a cute little florist that takes a modern approach to floral design.  They have a great variety of seasonal flowers and locally grown products. It is amazing to see this approach, as it not only puts local growers on show but is a more sustainable approach to floristry. I’m especially drawn to the locally grown zinnias, hydrangeas and dahlias’.

‘Sitting on the south of the city’s edge, this tiny little precinct has a life of its own. Hattie and the Wolf have a great selection of hand-made goods, including from local Ballarat artists and makers. Andrea is passionate about supporting local small businesses and the store is full of surprises. 

Close by is Vintage 216, which is a quaint little antique shop filled with all manner of interesting curiosities and oddities. Dee’s collection of curios are unlike anything else, often sharing a story behind each item as you happily add it to your own collection’.

‘Laiken and Carl established the farm with the aim of sharing some happiness with the world and now it’s taken on a life of its own. Walking through the sunflower fields on a sunny morning is such a surreal experience and I challenge anyone to resist smiling as the flowers gleam back at you! This is another location that provides so much inspiration in my ceramics work. The gates open just once a year from late February to early March’.