IN & AROUND ARARAT

Located in the heart of Ararat in the historic Town Hall building, Ararat Regional Art Gallery offers an exciting program of exhibitions across all area of the visual arts. Established in 1968, the Gallery has a unique place amongst Australian public galleries through a long standing commitment to supporting and promoting contemporary textile fibre art.  Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 12pm to 4pm.

Aradale Asylum was an Australian psychiatric hospital that housed Victoria’s mentally ill for over 140 years. Now a ghost “town”, Aradale was once known as the Ararat Lunatic Asylum. It was opened for patients in 1865 and was closed in 1998. Aradale had up to 900 patients yearly and is a large complex with up to 70 interesting historic abandoned buildings. Day tours are run each Sunday and Wednesday at 11am and 2pm. Tours are 90 - 120 mins duration. Ghost night tours are run on Friday and Saturday nights

The world-class Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, tells the stories of those miners and their arduous journey from Southern China to Australia, where they dreamed of finding gold. See the wonderful textiles, embroideries and relics from this rich culture. Discover the fun and delight of gold panning, try your hand at calligraphy and much more. The Gum San Chinese heritage Museum provides an authentic snapshot of the Chinese culture form the 1800’s. A truly interactive experience for visitors of all ages. Open 7 days, 11am to 4pm.

J Ward is the premier tourist venue in the Victorian town of Ararat. Relive its past by taking a tour conducted by the Friends of J Ward volunteers. Our volunteers tell its story of people who lived, broke the law, who feared and who died. Tours run every day at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm. Ghost night tours are run on Friday and Saturday nights.

Situated 45 mins from the Grampians Ranges, on the rich red loam foothills of Ararat. You can absorb the breathtaking views from McRae’s 20 hectare Montara vineyards and winery which were established in 1970. A visit to the mudbrick cellar door tasting room will let you experience the challenging new wine styles of winemaker, Mike McRae, who presents his handcrafted Montara wines with emphasis on lively fruit characteristics and persistent length of flavour. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Sunday 12pm to 4pm.