Art and culture – Grampians

Great landscapes inspire artistic endeavour. The mountain ranges, the open plains, the forests and flora of the Grampians have inspired a tradition that will enthuse and entertain visitors, provide special gifts and souvenirs and provide the setting for personal enrichment.

Admire Australia's finest regional galleries
The quality and presentation of the arts is a delightful surprise. Beautifully presented regional galleries in Horsham, specialising in contemporary Australian photography with examples by Max Dupain and other distinguished photographers; Ararat, specialising in contemporary fibre and textiles; and at Hamilton, famed for its collection of decorative arts and rich bequests are considered as some of the best regional galleries in Australia.

Explore an eclectic mix of works
All the galleries have splendid permanent collections along with their areas of specialty, and regularly feature touring exhibitions worth a very determined detour. The natural beauty of the Grampians has always attracted artists, which, in turn has encouraged a large number of private galleries and art spaces, some housed in roadside cellar doors, some with coffee, set in extensive gardens, others again with specialist focus, such as the painted bone china works at the Mount Lonarch gallery, near Lexton, the textile workshops in Wartook or the eclectic mix of medium and subjects at Ros McArthur’s studio tucked away at Mirranatwa.

There are reminders, too, of other cultures, such as the purpose-built Chinese Heritage Centre in Ararat that tells the story of Chinese miners coming to local goldfields more than a century ago or the multi-medium arts festivals held throughout the region.