Ballarat’s Hot Choc Showdown is back — and the Thai-inspired hot chocolate with dark rum might be the best reason to visit Victoria this winter
More than 30 cafés, bars and bakeries are battling to make Ballarat's best hot chocolate as part of the 2026 Winter Festival. From hot chocolate bombs to a Thai-spiced dark rum creation called the Siam Tsokolate, here's why this regional Victorian city is worth the winter drive.