Ararat

Quick facts

• Population approximately 8,000
• 202 kilometres west of Melbourne
• Grampians National Park
• Mt Langi Ghiran, Mt Cole and Mt Buangor
• Wine and wineries.

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.

For a glimpse of Ararat’s unique past, visit the town’s cultural experience, the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre.

Activities and attractions

• Explore Ararat's gold heritage, reflected in the town's impressive architecture, some of which is recognised by the National Trust
• View unusual exhibits of fibre and textile art at the Ararat Regional Art Gallery
• Discover the town’s unique Chinese heritage at the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre and the Langi Morgala Museum
• Inspect J Ward, formerly Victoria’s asylum for the criminally insane
• Take a wander through the beautiful Alexandra Gardens, which feature the famous orchid glasshouse
• Play a round of golf at the Chalambar Golf Club, rated one of Victoria’s top 50 golf courses
• Meet the winemaker at one of the region’s wineries
• Tour Australia’s largest wind farm at Challicum Hills.

Major events

• Ararat Gift – February
• Jailhouse Rock Festival – March
• Montara ‘Scarecrows in the Vineyard’ – May
• Ararat One Act Play Festival – August
• Cymbidium Orchid Festivals – September and October
• Golden Gateway Festival – October
• Ararat Chinese Racing Festival – November

How to get there
Ararat is approximately 2.5 hours from Melbourne via the Western or Pyrenees highways. Train and coach services are available from Melbourne.