Details:

As part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival, Wootten will open its doors on the two Sundays in May during the festival for Workshop Tours with bootmaker, Jess Wootten. Join the tour to gain an insight into the workings of one of Australia’s last remaining shoemaking workshops.

Learn about leathers and their tannage, the machinery and processes used and the importance of all the bits you don’t see. From the structural leather used to the difference between a hand welted construction to a goodyear welted construction through to the unique McKay welted construction used by Wootten.

Head bootmaker Jess Wootten will take you through the process from start to finish, sharing insights from the business’s 50 year operation, and explaining what to look out for in modern production shoes. This informal walk-through will involve a ranging conversation centered around provenance, durability and longevity.

Tours will take place three times each day and bookings are recommended as only approximately 20 spots available per slot.

Times are 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Tours go for one hour, so please allow yourself the time. The shop will be open for guests after the tours.

Dates: Sunday 18th and Sunday 25th May 2025 at the Ballarat workshop: Shed 1, 20 Elizabeth Street Delacombe

Please note children under 5 are free and do not require a ticket, but if you could please leave a note at the Check out section of your order if there is to be a child with you it would be appreciated. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Cancellations are accepted up to the end of April. Refunds will be less the processing fee charged by the online payment provider. After April, all bookings are final. By booking you accept these conditions.