Halls Gap
The spectacular Wonderland Ranges are just 262 kilometres from Melbourne and the many canyons and rock formations make the Ranges a popular setting for those seeking adventure. Bridget and Glen scale the Wall of Fools and abseil down the cliff face with their tour guide, Earl from Hangin Out, the specialists who know these canyons and crevices like the back of their hands.

Hangin Out
Contact Earl
Ph 0407 684 831 or 03 5356 4535
www.hanginout.com.au

Giant Koala – Pomonal
Dadwells Bridge is located on the Western Highway between Melbourne and Adelaide and is home to the Giant Koala, which opened in January 1989. The icon is 14 metres in height and the work of international sculptor Ben Van Zetten.

Home of Footy – Moyston
The sleepy town of Moyston is based on the old Campbells Reef mine. With a population of around 200 and set in the Goldfields region, Moyston locals claim it was right here that many years ago the game of Australian Rules Football originated. Legend has it that a man named Thomas Wills kicked around a possum skin, which in turn became the football.

Ararat and Grampians Tourist Information Centre
91 High Street, Ararat
Ph 03 5355 0281

Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Lawrence checks out Melbourne's 20th international comedy festival. Running from 12 April to 7 May, Melbourne plays host to a bevy of international and local funny men and women. With over 200 music, theatre and stand-up shows as well as films and outdoor events, you're sure to find a laugh.

Bookings Ph 1300 660 013
www.comedyfestival.com.au

Montara Winery
After the demise of the Goldrush in the 1860s, the area surrounding Ararat blossomed with establishing vineyards. One of the finest local drops can be found at Montara Winery, a 14-hectare vineyard owned by the McRae family. In 1970, the McRaes established their Montara Vineyard on the eastern slopes of Mount Chalambar and for 34 years have been producing some of the finest wines in the region.

Chalambar Road, Ararat
Ph 03 5352 3868
www.montara.com.au

Ararat County Jail – J Ward
J Ward started its life as a prison in 1859 and is now a museum that houses the early history of the Goldrush era. You can take a guided tour around the jail and learn about the inmates of the building. After the goldrush, the Lunacy Department temporarily housed the criminally insane within the walls of J Ward.

Ph 03 5352 3357
Corner Basham and Girdlestone streets, Ararat
www.jward.ararat.net.au

Jailhouse Rock Festival
Ararat, known as the quiet Orchid City, bursts with colour in March for the annual Jailhouse Rock Festival. Lawrence and Glen put on their blue suede shoes and shake, rattle and roll with the town folk. Everything 1950s is celebrated in this town event – from Cadillacs cruising down the centre streets to the old time rockers who have travelled far and wide for some nostalgia. The street fair is nothing short of some good old time 50s fun. The town hall comes alive as people rock n roll the night away! The Festival runs 16–19 March.

High Street, Ararat
Ph 03 5355 0281

What's on

Melbourne International Comedy Festival
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival finishes in a week so get out and see some of the worlds funniest people in action at various locations throughout the city.
Where: Various locations
When: Finishes 7 May
More: thatsmelbourne.com.au

AFL World
The AFL Hall of Fame and Sensation is now known as AFL World. So during this football season come and live out your wildest football fantasies.
Where: 292 Swanston Street, Melbourne
When: Daily 9am 6pm
More: thatsmelbourne.com.au

Bright Autumn Festival
The annual two-week Bright Autumn Festival starts today. Music and entertainment will fill the streets, with a special performance by the Roulettes.
Where: Bright
When:29 April–14 May
More: Ph 1800 111 885 or brightautumnfestival.org.au