The early days of Ararat
Put yourself in the shoes of the weary Chinese miners, travelling from South Australia to the Central Goldfields in 1857, who made the chance discovery of a rich shallow alluvial goldfield that eventually became Ararat. Visit Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre to learn more about their contribution to the region.
With the gold rush came the construction of an austere bluestone gaol, which was taken over by the Lunacy Department in the 1880s, once gold had all but run out, to house the 'criminally insane'. Guided tours at J Ward, as it became known, provide a fascinating insight into another side of life on the goldfields and an infamous psychiatric institution.
Australia's first saint
Discover Hamilton's place in the history of Australia's first saint, Mary MacKillop. Displays at the Maryknoll centre (open by appointment) as well as plaques at significant sites around the region tell her story.
The birth of fine wine
Get a taste of local history with a tour through the historic wineries of the Grampians wine region, regarded as the birthplace of Australia's sparkling wine industry. Pop in for lunch and wine tastings at Best's and Seppelt Great Western wineries, in operation since the mid 1800s. Soak up the historic surrounds and then take a tour of the cellars for a close-up view of winemaking history.