Craig’s Royal Hotel Building Tour and Devonshire Tea – Hidden Rooms and Hidden Stories

Step behind the doors of one of Ballarat’s most iconic landmarks and explore rarely accessed spaces within Craig’s Royal Hotel as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the basement, dining room, historic guest rooms and upper levels usually hidden from the public. This small group, storyled experience uncovers the hidden histories woven through the hotel’s walls, from the working-class people who kept it running to the colourful characters who once stayed here.

Along the way, discover tales of fortunes won through the racehorse Lightfoot, prophetic dreams linked to the building, notable visitors from Ballarat’s early Goldrush years, and famous moments such as Dame Nellie Melba singing from the balcony. Ghost stories and local legends deepen the hotel’s rich past.

Developed exclusively for the Ballarat Heritage Festival, this building exploration concludes with a hosted Devonshire tea, an opportunity to reflect on the stories uncovered and enjoy the hotel’s longstanding traditions of hospitality.