Ararat, VIC 3377

This town is unique in so many ways, First it has a whole area which is a complete dump for obvious reasons. And I mean, a sizeable area not just a few streets.

The good parts are inhabited by locals who seem to think they are immortal in some way and are extremely stuck up, close knitted and gossipy. Unless you have employment sorted out with the government and particularly within law enforcement, I can't see why anyone would move here. Job opportunities are close to none and most young people leave this place never to return. And yes, heaps of young people addicted to ice, which is sad, they seem to be the ones that got left behind for good.

I came here some years ago because of proximity to the mountains. I'm a bushwalker so Ararat was the ideal starting point. I first rented here than bought a house...an old house that was affordable. Then I slowly did that house up with a view to selling but I loved it so much I stayed. I'm glad I did.

We have found the people in the town to be very supportive and friendly and kind. And it's nice to actually know your neighbour's name.

We moved into the area form Melbourne about 9 years ago and haven't looked back. The town has a sense of energy and it's easy to make friends. And if you want to be left alone that's cool too.There are some sophisticated clothing and gift stores plus a store that the blokes would love. Good supermarkets too. The night life has changed since we moved here. Our young adult single daughter moved here a few years ago and has made friends easily. She sings and there's a lot of good musos in the town that get together regularly.

Housing is still affordable and that's a very big plus.

Ararat is my home town and I love it. After University I hope to return there. Such a great sense of community spirit and support. Lots of balls, fundraisers, events to attend throughout the year. Good neighbours. Good Shops. Good Food. Good Friends.

Ararat is a good place if you are only there to visit, There are a lot of people who pass through and think it is a great place, but, if you only try living there for a few years, Shocking employment, unless you want to be a prison guard, Left the place 7 years ago, had to break my neck to do so, once that place has you, you may never leave,

at least half of that place seems to be a dumping ground for the socially unacceptable,
be real careful where you buy in that town, Avoid the lower end of town, "The Other Side Of the Tracks" is not a place for the meek or feeble minded, You will be chewed up and spat out,
make sure you have a good psychiatrist, you will need it after a while, Oh, and keep your lawyers card handy,

When you are there next, go up to One Tree Hill at night,(if you are game enough) take a look at the way the street lights are arranged, see if you can spell out the word "HELL"

Great Place. Made the tree change 3 years ago and haven't looked back. Such a nice friendly place with great coffee! Kids love it too. Sport, fun, freedom ... big yards. Affordable housing.

I find Ararat a lovely country town where everybody knows you. The people there are so laid back and are always willing to help out.Great place for those who love peace and quiet

Moved to Ararat 9 years ago expecting closed mind locals and cliques. Was so pleasantly surprised to find a friendly, welcoming, inclusive community. This place is so inspiring, the way the community rallies to raise funds for any worthy local cause (ie building a new hospital, blue ribbon, school fundraisers, ill community members, relay for life and other charities). All fundraising is always done in fun and innovative ways (ie balls, singing comps, dancing comps etc). The sense of community here is amazing. Shopping: Beautiful clothes stores, great places for coffee (the VINES breakfast, lunch or coffee is a MUST for anyone passing through), beautiful gift stores, book store and accessory outlets. Education: Choices of primary schools abound (private and public) - depending on your childs interests from sport to drama. One private and publice high school to choose from or Ballarat is only an hour up the road with plenty of choices. Social: WINE WINE WINE, the Grampians, nice eateries (people come from far and wide to dine at SICILIANS), plus all the fundraising activities, balls, functions - it is a blast. Affordable housing with large blocks (not hemmed in roof to roof housing). SPORT - football, cricket, tennis, swimming, cycling (velodrome), cross country running, little aths, auskick, basketball, netball. Western Hwy to Melbourne and to Adelaide, train and buses all stop here. Only a short drive to the coast, the city, the mountains ... perfect. Cold in winter Hot in summer (4 seasons). Lots of empolyment options - prison, hospital, AME, Gasons, Aged Care, retail, Abattoirs, local council, comunity health, DHS, disability services ... always an opportunity - and usually only a 5 - 10 min drive to work with very few delays. HEALTH: Well equipped hospital, private GP's, community health centres, neighbourhood centre, walking tracks abound, walking groups, ladies pushbike group, visiting specialists services, surgical procedures available locally. Lots of affordable child care options from private carers, family day care to accredited child care centres. A safe, happy, hard working community but in a very relaxed environment - retail shops are closed on a Sunday (apart from Target and supermarkets) - as they should be. Everyone knows what you up to but in a good way, you will know if your kids have been up to no good!! (just how we want it!). Neighbours look out for each other. A very supportive community. Make the move, it is the best tree change - and it only takes 2 hours to get back to the centre of Melbourne for a city fix!

Ararat is a nice little town in country Victoria that once serviced the gold rush. I visited this town on the way to Melbourne while we returned from Halls Gap. During our little visit to Ararat, we dropped by the Chinese Heritage Museum. Given that the museum was funded by Chinese, it pays tribute to a lot of the early Chinese who were part of the gold rush with plenty of issues raised on how they were treated and how they lived during that period of time. The museum allows you to pan for bits of gold in their little make-shift panning area and you get to keep any gold that you manage to pan. Unfortunately, I was not lucky and could not find any despite the staff telling me that there were a few specs added in the morning. I did not see anything else in Ararat but it has the vibe of a nice town.