Ararat
Westgate Vineyard - Ararat
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Ararat is the only Australian town to have been founded by the Chinese who flocked to Victoria during the gold rush, and it retains the impressive architecture of the era. Known as "The Orchid City", leave time to view the beautiful orchids and taste fine wines from local vineyards.
Explore Ararat's gold heritage with a stroll through the town, past impressive gold rush era buildings, some of which have been recognised by the National Trust. You can find out more about Ararat's unique past with a visit to the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre and the Langi Morgala Museum.
There's plenty to occupy you in town: Wander through the beautiful Alexandra Gardens, which feature the famous orchid glasshouse, or view unusual exhibits of fibre and textile art at the Ararat Regional Art Gallery. For something unusual, Inspect J Ward, formerly Victoria's asylum for the criminally insane.
Ararat is also a good base from which to explore the Grampians National Park or the nearby Mount Langi Ghiran, Mt Cole and Mt Buangor. Take a tour of Australia's largest wind farm at Challicum Hills or meet the winemaker at one of the region's wineries. Play a round of golf at the Chalambar Golf Club, rated one of Victoria's top 50 golf courses.
Don't miss the Jailhouse Rock Festival in March, the Cymbidium Orchid Festivals in spring and the Scarecrows in the Vineyard Festival in May.
Ararat is approximately 2.5 hours from Melbourne via the Western or Pyrenees highways. Coach services are available from Melbourne.
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