Ballarat’s much-loved winter food trail, Ballarat’s Best Pie, is set to return this August. The month-long trail invites locals and visitors alike to explore the city through one of Australia’s favourite comfort foods.
Now in its fourth year and following a successful 2025 campaign that saw more than 20,000 pies sold, the initiative continues to grow in popularity. The event has become a powerful example of how collaborative destination marketing can drive visitation, support local businesses and showcase regional talent during the traditionally quieter winter season.
After an overwhelming response of pie-submissions, the finalists were selected by an independent judge against specific criteria. Resulting in 30 bakeries, restaurants, breweries and artisan food businesses competing for the coveted title of Ballarat’s Best Pie, serving up everything from classic comfort-food favourites to brilliantly unexpected creations.
As a signature initiative of Tourism Midwest Victoria, supported by the City of Ballarat, Ballarat’s Best Pie is designed to encourage visitors to extend their stay, discover new venues and experience the depth and diversity of Ballarat’s food and hospitality offering.
Tourism Midwest Victoria Chair Hon. John Pandazopoulos said the event has firmly cemented itself as a highlight of the region’s winter events calendar.
“Ballarat’s Best Pie has firmly established itself as a highlight of our event calendar, attracting visitors and showcasing the strength of our local hospitality sector. From traditional favourites to inventive flavour combinations, Ballarat’s Best Pie celebrates the producers, chefs and venues that make our region a compelling destination each August.”
For tourism operators, the event presents a valuable opportunity to work together to create memorable visitor experiences. Accommodation providers, attractions, retailers and hospitality businesses can all benefit from the increased visitation generated by the trail, while encouraging guests to explore more of the region during their stay.
The event also shines a spotlight on the passionate producers, chefs and makers who contribute to Ballarat’s reputation as a leading food destination. The competition’s growing profile has helped position food-based experiences as a key motivator for visitation, encouraging visitors to travel specifically to experience the trail and vote for their favourite pie.
Judging will take place on Saturday 1 August, with an expert panel featuring MasterChef Australia favourite Tim Bone, food writer Richard Cornish, restaurant critic Kara Monssen, acclaimed chef Alejandro Saravia and City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves. Awards will recognise outstanding creativity and quality across categories including Best Pie, Best Sweet Pie, Best Savoury Pie, Best Bakery Pie, People’s Choice Award and the Brilliantly Unexpected Pie.
Tim Bone encouraged visitors to use the event as an opportunity to discover the region.
“Winter and pies go hand in hand and Ballarat’s Best Pie is the perfect excuse to explore the region one bite at a time. The competition gets stronger every year, and that’s great news for pie lovers.”
Tourism Midwest Victoria encourages industry operators to get behind the campaign by sharing event content, promoting participating venues, and encouraging visitors to explore beyond a single stop. Whether it’s pairing a pie trail adventure with a gallery visit, overnight stay, heritage experience or local shopping trip, every interaction helps strengthen Ballarat’s visitor economy and showcases the region at its best.
Visitors can vote for their favourite pie throughout August via QR codes at participating venues or online at ballaratsbestpie.com.au. By voting you go into the draw to win a Ballarat escape for two valued at more than $1,200. The award is decided entirely by public vote, with the winning pie announced in early September.
For more information and participating venues, visit…