Victoria location profile

Ararat VIC 3377

Ararat is a historic regional city at the gateway to the Grampians, known for its gold-rush heritage, Chinese history, and attractive rural setting. It offers a relaxed lifestyle with solid services, affordable housing, and strong community feel.

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Why families consider Ararat

A mix of families, retirees, trades and agricultural workers, health and corrections staff, with a steady influx of tree-changers. Lifestyle is relaxed and outdoorsy, centred on sport, parks, and nearby wine and nature attractions.

Amenities & services

Barkly Street retail and cafes
Woolworths & ALDI supermarkets
East Grampians Health Service (Ararat Hospital)
GP and dental clinics
Pubs, cafes and restaurants
Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre & museum
Ararat Library (Grampians Libraries), High Street, Ararat

Transport & connectivity

Ararat railway station (V/Line services to Ballarat and Melbourne Southern Cross)
V/Line coach links to Halls Gap, Stawell, Hamilton and Ballarat
Western Highway (A8/M8)
Pyrenees Highway (B180)
C221 Ararat–St Arnaud Road
C234 Mortlake–Ararat Road

Lifestyle & recreation

Alexandra Gardens & Parklands
Ararat Fitness & Aquatic Centre
Alexandra Oval & Community Centre
Chalambar Golf & Bowls Club
Ararat Skate Park
Ararat Town Hall Performing Arts Centre
Astor Cinema Ararat
J Ward & Aradale historic tours
Alexandra Gardens Parklands
Ararat Hills Regional Park (One Tree Hill)
Green Hill Lake Reserve
Langi Ghiran State Park
Grampians National Park (nearby)

Education context

Multiple long day care centres, kindergartens and family day care; generally good availability with occasional waitlists for under-2s in peak periods.

Federation University Australia – Mt Helen & SMB campuses (Ballarat, ~90km east)
Australian Catholic University – Ballarat Campus (Aquinas), ~90km east
Federation University – Wimmera Campus (Horsham, ~110km northwest)