Major city · Australia
Linton
Skip as a base: no beds, no public transport. Come by car from Ballarat (35 min) for a half-day of gold-rush history, then sleep in Ballarat.
Linton is a small Goldfields town of about 580 people on the Glenelg Highway, roughly 35 km south-west of Ballarat. It has a pub, a takeaway, a timber rail bridge and a gold-mining story, but no hotel or motel and no public transport. Treat it as a half-day drive from Ballarat, not a place to stay.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, few services open)
- Airports
- MEL · AVV
- Nights
- 0
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Linton000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Linton, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are the drive (wildlife at dawn and dusk, long gaps between fuel) and heat in summer.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMEL Melbourne Airport (About 1 h 45 min by car via Ballarat; no public transport to Linton.).
- Getting aroundCar only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or cappuccino, takeawayA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Beerschooner in a pubA$7–11 (≈ US$5–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, Ballarat, a night, per personA$40 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub double room, Ballarat, a night, per roomA$170 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel or pub double room, Ballarat, a night, per roomA$280 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$70 (≈ US$50) · Mid A$140 (≈ US$95) · High A$260 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MEL Melbourne Airport (About 1 h 45 min by car via Ballarat; no public transport to Linton.) · AVV Avalon Airport (About 1 h 45 min by car; check hire-car desks before booking.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Feb
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Mar
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Jul
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Aug
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Sep
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jul (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Feb (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Linton: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Feb
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Mar
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Jun
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
Jul
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Aug
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
Sep
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Dec
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car only. There is no public transport to or within Linton; the railway closed in 1976. Drive the Glenelg Highway (B160) from Ballarat. The main street is walkable in 10 minutes.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 35 min
Car via the Glenelg Highway (B160)
Sovereign Hill, the Art Gallery and the lake; the obvious base for Linton.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
Car via Ballarat and the Midland Highway
Better as its own stop than a return day from Linton.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Car via Ballarat and Creswick
Lakes, gardens and spas; pair it with a Ballarat night.
Dunolly
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Car via the Pyrenees Highway
Another small gold town; only worth it if you are collecting the region.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Ballarat (35 km)
The practical base: hotels, motels and hostels, plus trains to Melbourne.
Ararat (about 60 km)
Alternative base west along the highway; fewer services than Ballarat.
Historic Linton Post Office
A holiday rental in town; availability is limited and must be booked ahead (check).
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$60–100 (≈ US$40–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$100–180 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- High
- A$180 (≈ US$120)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub double room, Ballarat1 × 1 night × A$170 | A$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$140 | A$280 |
| Fuel, Ballarat return (about 70 km)1 × A$15 · check | A$15 |
| Pub meal and a drink2 × A$35 | A$70 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$58 |
| Trip total≈ A$317 per person per day, bed included | A$633≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; Linton has almost no beds, so most travellers budget for a Ballarat night. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or cappuccino, takeaway | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Hamburger or takeaway meal | A$10–18 (≈ US$7–12) |
| Pub meal (parma, steak) | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Beer, schooner in a pub | A$7–11 (≈ US$5–8) |
| Fuel, unleaded per litrecheck | A$1.70–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No public transport: without a car you cannot get here or leave.
- No hotel or motel in Linton; the nearest beds are in Ballarat or Ararat.
- Many main-street shops are closed or empty; fuel and food options are limited.
- Mobile coverage is good on Telstra, patchy on Optus and Vodafone.
- Kangaroos and wildlife on the highway at dawn and dusk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
LintonLinton
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No consulates in Linton; embassies and consulates-general are in Melbourne (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ballarat → Linton by car: about 35 km (22 mi), 35 min, no public transportabout 22 mi (35 km), 35 min, no public transport
- Ballarat → Melbourne by train: about 1 h 15 min, A$10–20 (≈ US$7–14) (check)
- Fuel, Ballarat return: about A$15 (≈ US$10) (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the Railway Hotel? — Where is the pub?
- Are you serving food? — Is the kitchen open?
- Do you take card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where's the closest servo? — Where is the nearest fuel?
No public transport and no beds in town: arrange both before you drive out.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Linton. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, few services open) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Field-check the Railway Hotel kitchen days and the Linton Takeaway hours before publishing them as facts.
- Confirm the Nimons Bridge access point and surface on the Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail.
- Add a Ballarat-to-Linton driving loop with fuel and toilet stops marked.
- Verify whether the Historic Linton Post Office rental is still listed.