Ararat

Ararat Vic 3377 (Pop 8 300)

Ararat is an attractive Grampians commercial service centre at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains. The former goldmining town is located 206 km n-w of Melbourne at the intersection of the Western and Pyrenees Hwys. Original inhabitants were the Tjapwurong Aborigines with white squatter settlement beginning in 1840s. The discovery of gold by 700 Chinese in 1857 initiated the real establishment of Ararat with the railway (1875) resulting in it becoming an important rail junction. Today the rich agricultural district produces wheat, wool, oats and wine. Jailhouse Rock Festival (Mar), Orchid Festival (Sept), Golden Gateway Festival (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Alexandra Botanical Gardens, Vincent St features attractive gardens, orchid glasshouse, fernery & lake. Langi Morgala Museum, Queen St housed within a former wool store (1874) with interesting displays & memorabilia of the history of local Aboriginals, the goldmining era and its Chinese inhabitants. Open (1pm-4pm) weekends. Historic Ararat includes ‘Dominica’ (1850s), Courthouse (1866), Old Ararat School (1867), the Shire Hall (1871), Pyrenees House (1885). Ararat Art Gallery, Barkly St located within the old town hall (1898) and focusing on local fibre and textile artworks. Open (11am-4pm) weekdays and (12-4pm) Sun & holidays. Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, Western Hwy means ‘hill of gold’ and celebrates the huge contribution the Chinese community played in establishing the town.

Nearby:
One Tree Hill Lookout (5 km n-w) panoramic views of the Grampians and surrounding district. Copes Hill (3 km s-w) excellent views. Mount Buangor State Park (30 km east) superb 2 400 ha park of eucalypt forests, Fern Tree Waterfalls, sheer escarpments and three impressive peaks (Mt Buangor, Mt Sugarloaf, Caves Hill). Flora & fauna (over 130 bird species) are abundant as are the scenic walking trails and camping is available at Middle Creek and Ferntree. McDonald Park (5 km north) a stunning flora & fauna reserve with good walking trails. Green Hill Lake (4 km east) great fishing, watersports and good recreational facilities. Former Aradale Mental Hospital, Heath St built in 1864 and closed in 1993. Langi Girhan State Park (14 km east) this 2 695 ha reserve is dominated by Mt Gorrin and Mt Langhi Ghiran (950 m) and features excellent walks & climbs, lookouts and some Aboriginal rock art.

Accommodation:
Ararat has half a dozen motels, 7 hotels and two caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre, Old Railway Station, 91 High St. Tel (03) 5352 2096 or 1800 657 158.