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| The Shared Table Photo: Chris-MccConville |
Now in its fourth year, the month-long culinary celebration invites visitors to discover creative pie creations from local bakeries, restaurants, breweries and artisan food producers, making it one of Victoria's most mouth-watering winter events.
With 30 participating venues, celebrity judges, public voting and the chance to win a luxury getaway, Ballarat's Best Pie has become a must-visit food festival for travellers looking to combine regional flavours with heritage charm.
A Month of Delicious Discoveries Across Ballarat
From 1 to 31 August, visitors can follow an edible trail through Ballarat, sampling everything from traditional bakery favourites to innovative gourmet creations inspired by international cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.
Last year's competition attracted enormous public interest, with more than 20,000 pies sold throughout the city, highlighting Ballarat's growing reputation as one of Australia's leading regional food destinations.
This year's expanded competition welcomes several exciting new entrants alongside returning favourites, ensuring there is something to tempt every palate.
Whether visitors prefer rich savoury fillings or indulgent sweet treats, the competition showcases the remarkable diversity and creativity of Ballarat's thriving hospitality industry.
Top Culinary Experts to Crown Ballarat's Best Pie
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| Craigs Royal Hotel Photo: Chris-McConville |
Food enthusiasts are invited to attend as an impressive judging panel crowns this year's champions.
The expert panel includes MasterChef Australia contestant Tim Bone, Herald Sun food and wine editor Kara Monssen, acclaimed Melbourne chef Alejandro Saravia, respected food writer Richard Cornish and City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves.
Together, they will evaluate entries across five major categories:
- Ballarat's Best Pie (First, Second and Third Place)
- Ballarat's Best Sweet Pie
- Ballarat's Best Savoury Pie
- Ballarat's Best Bakery Pie
- Brilliantly Unexpected Pie
The awards celebrate not only exceptional flavour but also creativity, presentation and craftsmanship.
Extraordinary Flavours Take Centre Stage
One of the highlights of Ballarat's Best Pie is the remarkable variety of fillings created by participating venues.
Among this year's standout savoury contenders is Kilderkin Distillery's Highland Bramble Lamb Pie, featuring tender lamb, blackberries and Scottish herbs served alongside mint pea mash.
Craig's Royal Hotel brings Korean flavours to regional Victoria with its Korean Galbi-jjim Pie, combining slow-braised short ribs with root vegetables in a rich savoury gravy.
The Shared Table offers an inventive Sher Wagyu Reuben Pie inspired by the famous sandwich, blending braised wagyu beef, sauerkraut, cheese, pickles and pastrami flavours inside flaky pastry.
Seafood lovers can enjoy Tuki Trout Farm's Rainbow Trout Escabeche Pie, while Aunty Jacks delivers a playful Chicken Parmigiana Pie wrapped in buttery pastry and finished with mozzarella velouté.
Sweet Creations Worth Travelling For
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| Flying Chillies Photo: Chris McConville |
Returning after winning Ballarat's Best Pie in 2025, Mrs Browne Bakes presents its Banana and Honey Caramel Miso Gold Fever Hand Pie, combining rich caramel flavours with feuilletine crunch for added texture.
Flying Chillies introduces a unique Drunken Pandan Onde Onde Pie featuring palm sugar gin caramel, pandan cheesecake and coconut whipped cream.
Meanwhile, Mondegreen Café offers the delightfully nostalgic Off The Wagon Ice Cream Pie, complete with biscuit crust, chocolate ice cream, raspberry jam and fluffy marshmallow.
These imaginative desserts demonstrate why Ballarat continues to earn recognition as one of Victoria's leading culinary destinations.
Vote for Your Favourite and Win a Luxury Escape
The judging does not end with the experts.
Visitors are encouraged to taste as many pies as possible before casting their vote in the People's Choice Award, running throughout August.
The winning pie will be announced in early September, while everyone who submits a vote will automatically enter the draw to win a luxurious Ballarat escape for two valued at more than $1,200.
This interactive element encourages visitors to explore multiple venues across the city while supporting local businesses and discovering Ballarat's vibrant food scene.
Why Ballarat Should Be on Every Food Lover's Travel List
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| Kilderkin Distillery Photo: Chris-McConville |
Ballarat's Best Pie combines regional produce, culinary innovation and community spirit into a unique winter festival that attracts visitors from across Victoria and beyond.
Whether planning a weekend getaway or a dedicated gourmet road trip, travellers will find plenty to savour as they explore Ballarat's cafés, bakeries, breweries and restaurants, one delicious pie at a time.
Ballarat's Best Pie 2026
Dates: 1–31 August 2026Awards Ceremony: Saturday 1 August 2026, 3.00 pm
Venue: Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat
People's Choice Voting: 1–31 August 2026
Winner Announced: Early September 2026
Location: Participating venues throughout Ballarat, Victoria
Ballarat's Best Pie
Website: https://ballaratsbestpie.com.auVisit Ballarat Website: https://www.visitballarat.com.au
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