DESTINATION: Ararat

Lying east of the Grampian Ranges, and 203km NW of Melbourne, Ararat is surrounded by rich farmland noted for producing top merino wool. It is also a grape-growing region, which produces excellent wines. The town is an ideal base for exploring the Mount Cole Forest Range and the Grampians NP. It is also the gateway to the Pyrenees and Grampians Wine Trail.

Main Attractions

Details of the town's Historic Walk can be found at the tourist centre. Visitors can relax in the Alexandra Gardens, located in the centre of town. Nearby is the old bluestone J Ward Gaol, which housed the criminally insane from 1887 to 1991. In 1993, the gaol opened to the public and guided tours are available. Langi Morgala Museum was previously a Cobb & Co coach-changing station and woolstore. The museum has an Aboriginal history collection, and displays trace the stories of Chinese miners and Indian hawkers in the district, open weekends, 1pm-4pm. The Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre celebrates Ararat's gold-mining heritage.

Nearby attractions

Langi Ghiran SP, 14km east of town, has rugged granite peaks and gentle sloping woodland. It offers scenic walks and a picnic and camping area. Many of the wineries surrounding the town are open for tastings and cellar door sales. Seppelt Great Western Winery, located 17km NW, was established in 1865 and specialises in dry red and sparkling wines. Its underground cellars are National Trust-classified.

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Region: The Grampians

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The Grampians, Victoria. Main attractions include: Aboriginal Art Tours, Brambuk Cultural Centre, Dunkeld, Halls Gap Wildlife Park and Zoo, MacKenzie Falls, Mount William, The Balconies Lookout, Aboriginal Rock and Art Heritage, bush walking and scenic lookouts. Major towns nearby include Halls Gap, Dunkeld and Horsham. more

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Railway Complex, Birdwood Ave, Ph: (03) 5352 2096

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