Explore the best of the east with Ararat’s sweeping landscapes and natural beauty. Visitors are spoilt with options, from the scenic Mount Cole, Mount Langi Ghiran State Park and Ararat Hills Regional Park to the world-renowned Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. With great lakes and waterways to explore, fishing fans will be right at home.
For those fascinated with dark history, take a step back in time at the iconic J-Ward Gaol or Aradale Asylum. Alternatively, you can delve into a richer era and discover Ararat’s place in the Victorian gold rush at the Gum San Chinese Heritage Museum.
If food and wine are more your style, there is no shortage of fine restaurants and award-winning wineries for you to indulge in. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at a local cellar door by tantalising the tastebuds with wines, beers and ciders made right here in the Grampians.
Accommodation, including motel and camping options, are aplenty in Ararat. From luxury glamping and modern motels to established caravan parks. If you prefer sites off the beaten track, the eastern Grampians has plenty to offer, such as at Lake Bolac and Pomonal.
Enjoy exploring the nearby rural towns of Buangor, Willaura, Streatham and Moyston, which is the birthplace of Australian Rules Football. With so much to see and do, why not make Ararat your next holiday destination?
Located at the foothills of the Grampians and surrounded by picturesque grazing country, Ararat is the centerpiece in a region of tranquil and inspiring natural attractions, including the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Mount Langi Ghiran (Lar-ne-gerin) , Mount Cole, Mount Buangor and Ararat Hills Regional Park.
Moyston is a beautiful stopping point on the main road to the Grampians, between Ararat and Halls Gap. As the birthplace of AFL, it is no wonder that Moyston’s Longest Kick competition is a highlight of the Easter Market, with contestants travelling great distances to showcase their kicking skills and seeking to win the coveted award.
Lake Bolac is a town located on the Glenelg Highway/Ararat- Mortlake Road, 35 minutes south of Ararat and is within easy driving distance to the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and the Great Ocean Road. An important centre for the surrounding farms, the township is also an attraction in its own right.
Stop to smell the wildflowers at Pomonal, a picturesque village set against the dramatic backdrop of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and only a short 10-minute drive from Halls Gap. Famous for its native flowers and orchids, the area’s rolling green hills make a gorgeous backdrop to nature walks, vineyards visits and farm gate expeditions.
This friendly little township is located 25 minutes south of Ararat on the eastern slopes of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Willaura has a mixture of local businesses, including a wonderful local bakery, art galleries and a local candle maker.
Everyone loves a good murder mystery, but if you want to take your experience up a few notches, we’ve found Victoria’s most haunted regional town.
Just two hours from Melbourne and a gateway to the breathtaking Grampians region, Ararat is also home to some of the best (read: terrifying) midnight ghost hunts and haunted historical tours.
Luckily for you, you can unwind with a glass of red after these experiences at one of our favourite wineries. Trust us, you’re going to need it.
Established in 1968, Ararat Gallery TAMA (Textile Art Museum Australi) has a unique place amongst Australia’s public galleries, through its…
Rugged granite peaks and gentle sloping woodlands are the dominant features of this park. A pleasant walk to the mountain summit presents a view of…
Aradale Asylum was an Australian psychiatric hospital, located in Ararat, a rural city in Victoria. Aradale was opened in 1867 and served as an…
Take a guided tour of J Ward, Ararat's Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum. Hear stories of murderers, ghosts and mistreatment of mental illness.J Ward is…
Established in December 2017, Pomonal Estate owners Adam and Pep Atchison welcome you to their winery, microbrewery and cider house. Just ten minutes…
Mountainside Wines is a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery located at the base of Mount Cole at the south-eastern end of the Grampians…
Cruise for a little over two hours from Melbourne’s CBD and you’ll roll into the picturesque eastern Grampians. There’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy with sweeping landscapes, adrenaline pumping activities, unique art and of course, delicious vino.
