How to get to Ararat from Melbourne?

Ararat is around 2 hours’ drive from Melbourne along the Western Highway, or accessible by V/Line trains.

Ararat, Grampians region

On the edge of the mighty Grampians, Ararat is where history, nature and culture meet. This iconic destination has some of Victoria’s most beautiful landscapes, heritage sites and cultural experiences. As you walk through the Grampians National Park and surrounding areas, you’ll find a thriving community and plenty of activities that showcase the town’s history and natural beauty.

Get Outside

Ararat has some of the most beautiful natural environments in Victoria at your fingertips. From the rugged mountains of the Grampians National Park to Mount Cole and Mount Ararat, it’s all here. The Grampians’ wildflowers, wildlife and landscapes are endless. For views try Reed Lookout and Boroka Lookout for views of this natural wonderland.

A History

Ararat has a European and Indigenous history. The discovery of gold in the 1850s was a major event and brought settlers and Chinese miners to the area. The Chinese miners left a lasting legacy in Ararat, and their influence is still present today. The town also celebrates its agricultural pioneers and their part in the development of the region. Historical sites like J Ward and Aradale Lunatic Asylum are a reminder of Ararat’s complicated and fascinating history and a window into the past.

Natural Beauty

The mountains around Ararat are beautiful. The peaks of Mount Stapylton, Mount Arapiles and Mount William are spectacular and endless to get outside. From walking through the wildflowers in spring to gazing at the grandeur of the Grampians’ cliffs, Ararat’s natural landscapes are a nature lover’s heaven.

Attractions

Ararat has many attractions, historical sites, cultural landmarks and natural wonders. Visit the Alexandra Gardens for a peaceful spot in the middle of town, or J Ward, Ararat’s Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum, for a scare. For wine lovers, Seppelt Wines and Norton Estate Wines offer wine tastings of the best of the West, famous for its sparkling wines and winemaking history.

Mountainside Wines

Perched on the eastern side of the Grampians, Mountainside Wines is Ararat’s best winery. They produce rich reds, crisp whites and special wines. Visit and get amongst the vines, taste and enjoy the local terroir. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just a wine dabbler, their Shiraz will blow you away, their Sauvignon Blanc will refresh you or their sparkling wine will impress you.

As well as tastings, Mountainside Wines offer private vineyard tours which take you through the winemaking process from grape to bottle. The tour guides are often the winemakers themselves and will share the challenges and rewards of winemaking in the Grampians cool climate. The mountain backdrop is the perfect setting for anyone who wants to get more out of wine in a beautiful place. Whether you sit down for a tasting in the cellar door or enjoy a glass on the vineyard verandah, you can’t go past the wine and view.

J Ward, Ararat’s Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum

For history buffs or those who like the dark side J Ward is a must see. Built as a prison in the 1800s J Ward later became a mental institution for the criminally insane, housing some of Victoria’s most notorious and those deemed unfit for regular prison. Today it’s a museum that tells the stories of its former inmates, from the famous to the forgotten and a commentary on societal attitudes towards mental health and criminality at the time.

You can see the original cells, the gallows and the creepy corridors of J Ward as it was when it closed. Ghost tours are held after dark and are very popular for those who want to experience the paranormal side of the site. Day tours are more educational and focus on the history of the prison, the lives of the inmates and the conditions within. The building itself is a time capsule of what these institutions were like in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

It’s not just about the ghosts. It’s also about how mental illness was treated in the past and how we’ve moved on. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Victoria’s history of punishment and rehabilitation.

Alexandra Gardens

For a peaceful break Alexandra Gardens is a beautiful and well maintained park. In the heart of Ararat the gardens are a quiet haven, with manicured lawns, colourful gardens and shaded areas perfect for a family picnic or a lazy afternoon. The lake in the middle of the gardens is an invitation to take a quiet walk around the edge, feed the ducks or just sit and enjoy the reflections of the sky on the water.

The Alexandra Gardens also have a playground for kids, a skate park for teens and BBQ areas for family gatherings. For nature lovers there are many native plants to sit or take a quiet walk. Throughout the year the gardens host local events and markets so it’s a great community hub. A must visit for anyone looking to unwind and get to know Ararat’s local vibe and green spaces.

Outdoor Activities

The countryside has loads of outdoor options. From the Grampians National Park walking trails to the mountains of Mount Langi Ghiran and Mount Cole, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Golf courses, cycling routes, and Lake Fyans Holiday Park also offer plenty of activities. Whether you like to walk, bike or golf cart, Ararat’s got it all.

Festivals and Events

Ararat has several festivals and events throughout the year to celebrate its culture and community. The town is famous for its wine festivals where locals and visitors get together to celebrate the regions wine – Seppelt Great Western being one of them. These are a great way to experience Ararat’s vibe and meet the locals.

And there are smaller community events throughout the year like art exhibitions, farmers’ markets and historical reenactments. The Ararat Jailhouse Rock Festival is a 1950s rock ‘n’ roll tribute where locals and visitors dress up in their best retro outfits for a weekend of dancing, car shows and live music. These are a great way to meet the community and experience Ararat’s vibe.

Arts and Culture in Ararat

Ararat’s arts and culture is rooted in its history. The Ararat Gallery TAMA (Textile Art Museum Australia) is a major cultural hub and has a vast collection of textile art from decades ago to contemporary fabric sculptures. The gallery has rotating exhibitions for local and international artists and is a living and breathing art scene.

In addition to the arts, Ararat has many cultural heritage sites, from European settlement to the long history of Aboriginal communities, such as the Jaadwa and Jadawadjali people. Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre is another cultural gem, looking at the Chinese who came to the region during the gold rush. The centre has exhibitions on Chinese history, culture and their part in Ararat’s history, making it a fascinating stop for those enjoying Grampians tours from Melbourne.

Where to Stay

Ararat has something for everyone, from boutique hotels to family friendly caravan parks like Acacia Caravan Park and Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. If you want to rough it Lake Fyans Holiday Park is perfect for campers and those who want to get back to nature. Whether you want comfort or adventure Ararat has it all.

How to Get Here

Ararat is only 2 hours from Melbourne and is a destination for day trips or longer stays. The Western Highway is the main road to the town, and V/Line trains from Melbourne are another option if you prefer public transport. Once you’re here, community services make it easy to get around public and private land to explore.