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Restaurant

The Yacht Club Ballarat

Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350, Australia

Recommended by 80 people

Updated

Find The Yacht Club Ballarat

Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 5331 2208
HoursMonday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Yacht Club Ballarat

Set directly on the edge of Lake Wendouree, this breezy shoreside venue pairs uninterrupted water vistas with casual Australian cafe dining. Snag a perch on the open-air deck to watch the yachts glide past while tucking into crisp chicken parmas or a towering seafood platter loaded with fresh oysters, scallops, and prawns. Locals drop in mid-walk around the lake for strong takeaway flat whites, while long lunches settle in over glasses of bloody marys and self-serve sparkling water on tap.

  • Lakefront Deck Dining: Tables along the waterfront deck and verandah look out over sailing yachts and scenic lake activity.
  • Heaping Seafood Platters: Shareable daytime plates come stacked with fresh oysters, prawns, scallops, and crisp fish.
  • Complimentary Sparkling Water: Diners can refill glasses freely throughout their meal from a dedicated self-service tap.
RestaurantCoffeeCafeRestaurant

What's On at The Yacht Club Ballarat

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at The Yacht Club Ballarat

Discover why visitors choose this Lake Wendouree spot for lakeside dining, family meals, and refreshing stops.

  • Panoramic Waterfront Views on the Outdoor Deck

    Direct shoreline frontage on Lake Wendouree allows diners to relax out on the open deck while watching sailboats glide across the water.

    The location right on the shores of Lake Wendouree is absolutely unbeatable, especially if you can score a table on the outdoor deck to watch the sailboats go by.

    Thomas Reeh

  • Generous Fresh Seafood Platters

    Fresh oysters, scallops, and prawns served in abundant portions provide a destination-worthy fresh seafood feast in a casual daytime cafe setting.

    our family enjoyed the lake view while having such a delicious and fresh seafood platter. The oyster and prawns, scallps are all so fresh.

    Claire Dun

  • Complimentary Sparkling Water on Tap

    A complimentary self-service tap provides unlimited chilled sparkling water for tables, offering refreshing hydration with zero added cost.

    Great place, good food and the sparkling water or tap water is free, just help yourself.

    roy fitz

  • Effortless Refreshment for Lakeside Walkers

    Quick turnaround times, quality takeaway options, and piping hot coffee make it a dependable stopover while walking the lake loop or traveling.

    Take away and take away coffee available. It was a chilly Winters day, enjoyed our lunch and hot coffee whilst we Strolled along the lake.

    Rhiannon

  • Warm and Attentive Hospitality for Families

    The staff provide attentive, warm hospitality for family groups, going out of their way to open doors and accommodate prams and highchairs.

    the staff were so friendly and accommodating - even opening the doors for me on entry and exit (which was so helpful with my pram).

    Ellen Lovett

  • Thoughtful Catering for Varied Dietary Needs

    A varied menu accommodating coeliac, vegan, and children's preferences ensures stress-free multi-generational dining for every family member.

    Meals were all fabulous, catering well to our Coeliac and Vegan needs, sparkling water on tap, great Service, easy Parking and access.

    Alethea Trigg

Signature cafe dishes and shared favourites enjoyed by the lake

  • seafood platter

    The seafood platter is 9/10. We ordered 1 person portion and it is enough for sharing. Everything in this plate is fresh! Love the scallops and oysters.

    Meilyana Xu

  • chicken Parma

    The menu offers a great mix of modern Australian cafe classics. I had the chicken Parma which was 4 stars.

    Thomas Reeh

  • crispy fish and chips

    Crispy fish and chips, salads, coffees and juice - everything tasted fresh and yummy.

    Mohan D

  • kids pancakes

    The kids pancakes were so fluffy and fresh.

    Kimberley Longe

Other favorites

Sides, starters, and beverages to complement your lakeside visit

  • sweet potato fries

    We shared a bowl of sweet potato fries, a falafel poke bowl & pork belly bao buns.

    Grantos

  • arancini balls

    The arancini balls were large, delicious and fresh with a lovely sauce & small salad.

    Suzie Dyt

  • dim sum platter

    we had just the platter plus a small dim sum platter, enough to feed 4 adults and 2 very hungry children!

    Claire Dun

  • hot chocolate

    The hot chocolate was absolutely delicious - perfect temperature and so chocolatey.

    Ellen Lovett

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitable touches that elevate dining on Lake Wendouree

  • Complimentary Sparkling Water on Tap

    Diners can help themselves to complimentary sparkling water on tap throughout their meal.

  • Hands-On Pram Assistance at the Door

    Team members step forward to hold and open doors for parents managing prams and strollers during visits.

  • Plate Warming During Table Absences

    Staff keep dishes warm under kitchen heat lamps when guests briefly step away from their tables.

  • Attentive Coeliac and Vegan Meal Accommodation

    The kitchen prepares dedicated gluten-free and plant-based dishes to ensure coeliac and vegan guests dine safely together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How generous are the portion sizes?

Portions across the menu are generous. Diners note that a single-portion seafood platter easily feeds two people, and dishes like the Southern Fried Chicken and poke bowls are substantial enough that ordering extra sides often isn't necessary.

Do you need to book a table in advance?

Table bookings are available online and are strongly advised on weekends and busy meal times, as the dining room frequently fills up. However, walk-in guests can sometimes be accommodated when tables are free.

Is outdoor lakeside seating available?

Yes, the venue features an outdoor deck and verandah right along the shores of Lake Wendouree, offering open-air seating with views of the water and sailboats in fair weather alongside indoor window seating.

Is parking easy to find?

Yes, parking is straightforward and convenient, with options including free parking right by the lake.

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