Ararat is a city in south-west Victoria, approximately 198km west of Melbourne. The Ararat region is home to numerous towns and villages founded in the 1840's by pioneer farmers herding cattle and sheep. The area fast became a prosperous agricultural district. Ararat was founded following the discovery of gold in 1857, and the subsequent influx of Chinese immigrants. Located near the magnificent Grampians National Park, Ararat is an ideal base to start exploring the region and the best place to start this exploration is the Visitor Information Centre.

Visitors to Ararat can find short-term parking at Green Hill Lake. There is no fee to stay here, however a donation is appreciated. A dump point and potable water can be found at Green Hill Lake Reserve camping area.

When visiting Ararat, be sure to immerse yourself in the deep history the town has to offer. The Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre gives an insight into the lives of the Chinese miners who discovered one of the world's richest shallow alluvial goldfields in the area.  An interesting relic of Ararat's past, is the J Ward Old County Gaol. Originally built as a gaol, the buildings were transformed in 1887 into an asylum for the criminally insane, where chilling details of the prisoners and their crimes are on display. The Trash & Treasure Market is held every second Sunday of the month at Alexandra Hall across from McDonalds. With the Grampians so close, there are always many interesting walks to take, from the short and easy to the more advanced treks, taking in the views and the native flora and fauna. The Halls Gap Wildlife Park and Zoo, nestled at the foot of the Grampians Ranges, has a wide display of both native and exotic animals and birds.

Tourist/Visitor Centre       

82 Vincent St, Ararat VIC

Ph: 1800 657 158

tourinfo@ararat.vic.gov.au

Casual Parking       

High St near VIC & High St behind the Civic Centre, near the council offices; Ingor St alongside Safeway

Short Term Parking           

Green Hill Lake, donation, max stay 5 days without permit, if visitors would like to stay longer they need to obtain a free permit from Ararat Rural City Council, 59 Vincent St, Ararat, opposite the Visitor Centre

Dump Point  

Green Hill Lake Reserve Camping Area.  LAT: -37.296457 LONG: 142.979597.

Potable Water          

Service Stations, Alexander Ave

Hospital        

Girdlestone St, Ph: 03 5352 9300, Email: info@eghs.net.au or visit www.eghs.net.au

Doctors Surgery     

55 High St, Ph: 03 5352 2311

Dentist           

220 - 222 Barkly S, Ph: 03 5352 1024

Pharmacy     

Advantage Pharmacy, 119 Barkly St, Ph: 03 5352 1007; Healthwise Pharmacy, 137 Barkly St, Ph: 03 5352 1114

Supermarket

Aldi, 41-47 Moore St, Ph: 03 8369 3000; Fishers IGA, 41-47 Vincent St, Ph: 03 5352 1020; Safeway, Ingor St, Ph: 03 5352 4377