| ARARAT - VICTORIA - 3377 | |||
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Population: 7,040, Elevation: 342, Latitude: 37.17.03 Longitude: 142.55.42 Location: 200km west of Melbourne Highway: Western and Pyrenees Hwys Nearest Major Town: Ararat Nearest Airport: Melbourne Touring Area: The Grampians |
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 Impressive town hall in Ararat. |
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In the Pyrenees Ranges near the Hopkins River. First settled around 1840,
and gold was discovered in 1854. Became a town in 1934 a city in 1950. A major
wine and agriculture centre, it boasts the largest sheep production in Australia. Ararat is recognised for its Chinese Heritage and there is an ethnic display on the western side of the city on the highway. Ararat also housed the criminally insane in its now disused asylum and tours are conducted regularly. The Notorious 'J' Ward is a feature of the tour. Many historic buildings including the Old Gaol (1860), Town Hall (1899), Court House (1859). Alexandra Gardens & Lake, with a glass house orchid display; The Langi Morgala Museum, housing the Mooney collection of aboriginal artifacts and district memorabilia; One Tree Hill Lookout, offering panoramic views of Ararat, The Pyrenees & The Grampians; the nearby Mt Cole State Forest, 18km. N.E.; the Regional Art Gallery; and the Green Hill Lake Reserve. Harness racing, bowls, golfcourses, bush-walking, etc. Golden Gate Festival (Oct.) Orchid Show (Sept.- Oct.) Ararat Show (Nov.) Tourist Information: High St. in the Railway Station. Ararat Gold Cup Race Day Held on a Sunday in Mid-November. PLACES OF INTEREST:
INFORMATION CENTRE: In the old railway centre off High Street (The city bypass road). 91 High St. Ararat VIC 3377 Ph: 1800 657 158. Email: tourinfo@ararat.vic.gov.au HOW TO GET THERE: Rail, Light Plane, By car or coach along the Western Hwy from Melbourne or Adelaide. There is an airstrip east of town beside the highway. | ||||||||
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© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins | |