Top Things to do in Ararat
- 1. J Ward Museum Complex
- 2. Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre
- 3. One Tree Hill Lookout
- 4. Aradale Ghost Tour
- 5. Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre
- 6. Alexandra Gardens
- 7. Aradale Lunatic Asylum
- 8. Montara Winery
- 9. Lantern Ghost Tours, J Ward Lunatic Asylum
- 10. Ararat Regional Art Gallery
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Ararat, Australia
Discover the best top things to do in Ararat, Australia including J Ward Museum Complex, Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, One Tree Hill Lookout, Aradale Ghost Tour, Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre, Alexandra Gardens, Aradale Lunatic Asylum, Montara Winery, Lantern Ghost Tours, J Ward Lunatic Asylum, Ararat Regional Art Gallery.
Restaurants in Ararat
1. J Ward Museum Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By Mim L - Melbourne, Australia
The tour guide we had was full of information and stories about this dour place. J Ward was first a prison then a place to keep the criminally insane. To think there was once a "department of lunacy'" in the government defies belief but then again.....
Loved the old dungeon-like kitchen said to be haunted. Thoroughly enjoyed all of it.
The place is well tended and organized. Brilliant.
2. Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre stands as a monument to the contribution by the Chinese to the establishment and economic and cultural advancement of Ararat. It tells a story of deprivation, hardship and the incredible tenacity of thousands of men from the south east of China that made their way to Victoria, in the 1850s in search of gold. Become engrossed in the courthouse stories and see the original Canton Lead Mine tunnel uncovered during the construction of the Centre. A truly interactive experience for visitors of all ages. Open 7 days a week except Christmas Day 11am-4pm 31-33 Lambert Street (Western Highway) Ararat 3377 03 5352 1078
Reviewed By Chris K - Adelaide, Australia
It is a must if you are visiting Ararat. The building is stunning quite authentic in design and construction. The history is well presented numerous authentic items of the era. The staff are very helpful. The chinese history in the gold fields is well presented...MoreThank you for your recommendation, I will pass on your kind words to the staff. Isn't the building amazing? And so full of the little quirks and needs of Chinese custom and superstition in it's design. Thanks again.
3. One Tree Hill Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Jon M
This lookout is an easy drive from Ararat, and has magnificent views all round, including across towards the Grampians and back towards Ararat, Green Lake, and Langi Ghiran. Well worth a diversion to visit it.
Be aware that the top is exposed and can be quite windy. I'd also recommend the short walk from the parking spot to the next hill (Snake Hill). Going there I saw a large kangaroo and some impressive trees.
4. Aradale Ghost Tour
Overall Ratings
4 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By Roadruna - Melbourne
We came to Ararat specifically to do the ghost tour.
It was very interesting and our guide was very informative. I think she had the right amount of facts but also theatrics. She didn’t go over the top trying to be funny, but just enough so that some younger kids in our group didn’t freek out. Lol.
It’s sad what went on here all those years ago. Makes you really appreciate the freedoms we have now.
Overall,, very interesting, very much worth doing. And if your lucky enough not to get any comedians in your group, I’m sure the experience as a whole, will be enjoyed.
5. Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Travelbarista - Sunshine Coast, Australia
We stopped here with a few questions and left with a mine of information. Grant, the volunteer was amazing. We learned about the area and more. Ask him about why neighbouring Moyston claims to be the original inspiration for footy. Or about the lovely free...MoreThank you for your feedback. Grant is one of our many amazing staff at the information Centre. He has a passion for the area and loves promoting the region. Please drop in and say hi next time you come to town. Kind Regards Tim McDougall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
The Pyrenees Caravan Park offer Deluxe Ensuite Cabins,Disable unit, Ensuite power site, drive thru site,Power&unpower site, Our peaceful and quiet garden setting with excellent facilities and proximity to shops, restaurants and all attractions will ensure a pleasant stay. Our undercover camp kitchen look onto garden and the Black Cockatoo aviary
Reviewed By Jacqueline J - Eden, Australia
We had a pleasant walk through the Gardens while visiting Ararat, and found these Gardens to be a tranquil haven so close to the city centre. The trees with their autumn colours were beautiful, and the landscaping and design of the Gardens were excellent. It is a very pleasant way to spend an hour or so.
7. Aradale Lunatic Asylum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Anita T - Forster, Australia
Our guide at Aradale was so knowledgeable and had so many stories which helped bring this to place to life. Built in the 1860s some of the architecture of the buildings is amazing. It was hard to believe that this lunatic asylum was not closed until 1993. The conditions in the place were remarkably good and the inmates were given lots of freedom.
It was really a town in itself being self sufficient in most things such as fruit, vegetables, and livestock. You visit the big butchery and huge kitchen where hundreds of meals were prepared each day. It was also interesting that Aradale was a Nursing Training School.
Certainly worth spending the two and a half hours learning about this very interesting institution.
8. Montara Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
9. Lantern Ghost Tours, J Ward Lunatic Asylum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Be incarcerated in J Ward Lunatic Asylum, home of the criminally insane *J Ward Division of Aradale Lunatic Asylum *First and oldest Ararat ghost tour *Ararat's most visited attraction *Multi award winning tours *As seen on Postcards, Coxy's Big Break, Eat Play Stay
Reviewed By Sharon M - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Not for the faint hearted. This tour is very informative, providing a lot of history.
The tour guide was phenomenal in the way she conducted the tour, kept everyone in line and created the scarey atmosphere and told the story of the asylum. She certainly had everyone on edge and held our attention.
10. Ararat Regional Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
This attraction is temporarily closed due to renovations.
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