Things To Do

Explore Ararat

The Gateway to the Grampians, Ararat has a rich history dating back to 1800’s.

Gum San Cultural Heritage Centre

Located in the Ararat township, Gum San Chinese Cultural Heritage Centre takes you on a journey back in time to the birth of Ararat. The only city in Australia founded by the Chinese and brings to life the unique challenges faced by the miners of the area in the 19th century.

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J-Ward Old Goal

Explore J-Ward, Ararat’s oldest prison which was established in 1859 as a goldfields prison before being temporarily converted into a home for the criminally insane where the most deranged and dangerous men were kept under the highest security of the time.

Closed down in 1991, today J-Ward is a museum with both historical and ghost tours available to tell the stories of the past and to see what it was like to live as an inmate inside the notorious J-wards walls.

Aradale Lunatic Asylum

Take a guided tour through the cavernous wall and halls of the institution that treated and housed Victoria's mentally ill for over 126 years.

Aradale Lunatic Asylum was an Australian psychiatric hospital, located in Ararat, a rural city in Victoria, Australia. Now a ghost "town", Aradale was once known as the Ararat Lunatic Asylum.

Learn about the history of the asylum or dare to stare fear in the eyes on one of the famous paranormal tours.

Indulge in Our Locally Produced Wine

Sample flavours of the Grampians and Pyrenees, with world class wines grown right here in our own backyard.

The picturesque Montara Winery is only a few short minutes’ drive from the heart of Ararat and captures breathtaking views of Mount Langi Ghiran.

The iconic Best’s Wines, family operated award winning Grampians Estate and Seppelt Wines, home of the largest underground drives in the southern hemisphere are only 20 minutes from Ararat in Great Western- Head a little further towards to Grampians and you will find the newly established Pomonal Estate which has not only a large selection of wines, but locally brewed beer, cider and more.

Experience the Grampians

The Grampians National Park is just 30 minutes from the Homestead and attracts visitors from all over the world to see the natural wonder that is the Grampians.

Renowned the world over for spectacular hikes, awe inspiring views, native wildlife and picturesque waterfalls the Grampians National Park is a natural wonderland just waiting to be explored.

Hike to the top of the Pinnacle and experience the true majesty of our region, take a trip to Mackenzie Falls which flows all year round or spend the day in one of the areas many lakes which are the perfect place to cool off during the warmer months.

Halls Gap Zoo

Explore J-Ward, Ararat’s oldest prison which was established in 1859 as a goldfields prison before being temporarily converted into a home for the criminally insane where the most deranged and dangerous men were kept under the highest security of the time.

Closed down in 1991, today J-Ward is a museum with both historical and ghost tours available to tell the stories of the past and to see what it was like to live as an inmate inside the notorious J-wards walls.

The Halls Gap Zoo is another must see when visiting the area. Get up close and personal with native wildlife as well as creatures big and small from all over the world including cheetah, giraffes, red pandas, lemurs and more!

Animal encounters are available for a range of species and will surely be an experience you will never forget!