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Ararat

and the Grampians

Ararat was established in 1857 and is the only Australian town to have been founded by the Chinese. Today, the thriving community serves a district renowned for its production of quality merino wool, a diverse range of agricultural crops and a range of fine wines.

source: www.visitvictoria.com

The Pinnacle - The Grampians; photo Daryl Wisely 2002 courtesy Tourism Victoria

The town is a gateway to the Grampians Wine Region, an area home to a large number of restaurants, cafes and produce stores. The Grampians region contains several protected parks and reserves including a diversity of landscape and wildlife.

Gum San Chinese Heritage Museum; photo Robert Mason 2003; courtesy Tourism Victoria

Five sandstone ridges running north to south make up the Grampians. Startling lookouts have been erected to take advantage of the views. Climbers can enjoy the challenging ridge faces while the less adventurous can rest beside picturesque waterfalls.

Attractions:

Ararat Regional Art Gallery
Grampians National Park Mt Cole State Forest
Mt Langi Ghiran State Park
Mt Buangor State Park
Ararat Hills Regional Park
Wine and wineries
Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre
Historic architecture
J Ward Gaol, once Victoria's asylum for the criminally insane
Langi Morgala Museum
Alexandra Gardens
McDonald Park, McDonald Park Wildflower Reserve
One Tree Hill Lookout
Challicum Hills wind farm (wikipedia entry
Lake Bolac (fishing, boating, sailing and windsurfing)
Green Hill Lake aquatic playground

Just the facts:

Contacts: Ararat Rural City Council
Ararat & Grampians Visitor Information Centre
Phone Freecall: 1800 657 158 Fax: (03) 53550280 E-mail: tourinfo@ararat.vic.gov.au
wikipedia entry
Getting there: 202 kilometres (2.5 hours) west of Melbourne via the Western or Pyrenees highways. Train or coach from Melbourne.