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Koori Art Trail at the Beaufort Lake

Landmarks and Buildings

Koori Art Trail at the Beaufort Lake

Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the banks of Beaufort Lake. Discover the Koori Art Trail, which features 12 installations that depict the traditional flora and fauna of the area, and pays homage to the traditions, customs and stewardship of the local lands. The Koori Art Trail is an initiative of HM Prison Langi Kal Kal on behalf of the Department of Justice and Regulation and is supported by the Pyrenees Shire Council. The artwork, by indigenous prisoners, is provided to both community and visitors to celebrate the indigenous history of this country. The traditional owners of the region are the Wadawurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and the Djab tribes. The walk starts at the Boat Ramp, which you can access via the Goldfields Recreation Reserve. You can enjoy a leisurely two kilometres walk around the lake, taking your time to view the artwork. There are lots of spots to sit if you need to take a breather or if you simply want to take in the views because they can be spectacular. This is a great walk if you enjoy bird watching. Please note the Lake can be seasonally dry. You can extend your walk into the neighbouring reserve where you will find a network of walking tracks and a series of exercise equipment. To extend your stay visit the Beaufort Caravan Park.

Beaufort VIC

35 km away

Mount Buangor State Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Mount Buangor State Park

Explore a variety of landscapes including eucalypt forest, creek flats, waterfalls and steep escarpments at Mount Buangor State Park. From the peak of Mount Buangor, the highest in the area, you can experience spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. There is a 15 kilometre network of walking tracks in the park; many extend into the adjoining Mount Cole State Forest. The section of the Bukkertillible and Sugarloaf walks between The Cave and 2 Mile Circuit is a semi remote and steep walk suitable for experienced bushwalkers only. Please be aware that in wet conditions this section of track can become quite slippery. Aboriginal Traditional Owners Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. Before you go: Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Middle Creek VIC

36 km away

Beaufort Community Resource Centre and Visitor Information Centre — Image credit: Pyrenees Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Beaufort Community Resource Centre and Visitor Information Centre

Beaufort is an easy going town of unhurried holidaying. Located along the Western Highway, just 35 minutes from Ballarat, this charming rural town is nestled close to the Mount Cole State Forest, Filled with cafes ad galleries, antiques and collectables, it's the perfect location to meander in search of a bargain or get out amongst nature. If you are looking for a weekend away surrounded by sweeping views, good company and fine wine, Beaufort is the location! The nearby Mount Cole State Forest is a place peppered with walking tracks for you to explore. Set up camp in the scenic campgrounds and spend the night under the stars surrounded by nature. Beaufort Lake is located in the centre of the township and provides the opportunity for many water activities from fishing and boating, to skiing and swimming. Around its shores and in the neighbouring reserve you’ll find a network of walking tracks and exercise equipment—a perfect way to stretch your legs and walk off the delights of the town’s cafés! Note: Beaufort Lake is seasonally dry. The friendly knowledgeable staff at the Beaufort Community Resource Centre will be able to assist with your holiday planning and provide you with reliable information on things to see and do. For more detailed information on accommodation and things to see and do, please visit the website.

Beaufort VIC

36 km away

New cafe barriers

Amusement and Theme Parks

Cyril Callister Vegemite Museum: The man who invented Vegemite

The Cyril Callister Vegemite Museum celebrates the life, work and legacy of Dr Cyril Callister, the Australian scientist who invented Vegemite and the process of Kraft block cheese. The museum makes its home in a repurposed 1950s service station. See photos, posters, vintage ads and memorabilia that include a WWII Australian Army ration tin, Vegemite jars and collectibles from across 100 years and even a Vegemite-inspired dress created for the Miss Australia. Watch a video of the story about Dr Callister and his invention narrated by his grandson Jamie Callister. Visit science space Cyril's Lab, which is also open to small school groups to perform interactive science experiments. View Vegemite-inspired art painted by local artists and school students and use it as inspiration to paint your own Vegemite artwork. You can also see Vegemite through history, six repurposed 44-gallon drums that have been re-created into six Vegemite jar labels from the past 100 years. Try Vegemite-inspired tasty treats including chocolate Vegemite fudge, Chocolate Vegemite freckles, meat pies with Vegemite and shop for Vegemite merchandise. Schools, businesses, community groups, scouts and girl guides, seniors are encouraged to book ahead for history or painting. with Vegemite tours. Groups are by appointment. Please contact the operator via email or phone.

Beaufort VIC

36 km away

Steph and Amy standing at the entrance of our store — Image credit: Bloomin Fresh

Shopping and Markets

Bloomin Fresh

Bloomin Fresh is a welcoming boutique, nursery and providore in Beaufort, nestled in Victoria's Pyrenees Ranges. Visitors discover a thoughtfully curated collection of locally sourced products and artisan goods. The shop stocks an eclectic range of locally made preserves, organic whole-foods, natural fibre clothing, homewares, craft supplies and carefully selected books. The nursery specialises in hardy plants chosen to thrive in the local climate—withstanding both mountain frosts and dry summers. Whether searching for unique gifts, quality homewares, plants for the garden or fresh local produce, Bloomin Fresh offers something special for both locals and visitors passing through Beaufort. The shop celebrates a mindful, sustainable approach to living, curated for those who value quality and intention in their everyday choices.

Beaufort VIC

36 km away

Camp Hill Beaufort

Natural Attractions

Camp Hill Lookout

If you're looking for a place to reconnect with nature and refresh your spirit, Camp Hill Lookout in Beaufort is calling your name. Perched high above the charming town, this hidden gem offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch over the town and surrounding farm round and mountain ranges. Whether you're chasing a sunrise, soaking in golden hour, or simply enjoying a quiet moment surrounded by natural beauty, Camp Hill reminds you just how incredible the world can be. It's more than just a lookout—it's a place to pause, breathe, and feel inspired. Don't miss the chance to experience it for yourself. The lookout consists of a large gravel parking area atop the hill which overlooks the town. There are plenty of bush roads which are great for bushwalking. Camp Hill Lookout can be accessed by car via Muntz Track and on foot via a walking track which heads up the hill through the Camp Hill Recreation Reserve (the sunrises and sunsets are worth the hike) Pick up some goodies from in town and create your own picnic to enjoy with a view.

Beaufort VIC

39 km away

Nimons Bridge — Image credit: Golden Plains Shire Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Nimons Bridge

Nimons Bridge was Victoria's fourth-largest timber trestle bridge when built and is the third-tallest surviving example. It is also the second-largest composite bridge combining traditional timber piers with RSJ spans and a timber deck. The bridge is the most visually spectacular timber-trestle bridge in Western Victoria and among the most spectacular timber-trestle rail bridges surviving anywhere in Victoria. It is part of the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail.

Newtown VIC

42 km away

Langi Ghiran State Park

National Parks and Reserves

Langi Ghiran State Park

Rugged granite peaks and gentle sloping woodlands are the dominant features of this park. A pleasant walk to the mountain summit presents a view of ancient red gums on the surrounding plains skirted by Mount Buangor in the east and the Grampians in the distant west. Lar-ne-jeering (Langi Ghiran) is from the Djab Wurrung language meaning 'home of the black cockatoo'. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Dobie VIC

45 km away

Enjoy picnic facilities right beside the lake — Image credit: DEECA

Natural Attractions

Lake Burrumbeet

Lake Burrumbeet is a large freshwater lake, 2 hours drive west of Melbourne, near Ballarat. It is part of the unique lake system of the western volcanic plains. The area is rich in cultural heritage and is popular for picnicking, camping, boating, fishing and walking. Enjoy waterfront views from the two picnic shelters on the shoreline, which include tables and chairs. From here, take a stroll along the foreshore and enjoy the views across the lake as you wander through the River Red Gums. Camping options include smaller sites surrounded by nature close to the entrance. As you move further along the shoreline you'll find open, grassy areas that are ideal for larger groups or those with large vehicles or caravans. All sites are unpowered. The lake is home to a number of River Red Gums and is a potential breeding site for Brolga and other wetland species such as the Freckled Duck. Lake Burrumbeet is part of the traditional lands of the Burrumbeet Balug clan of the Wadawurrung people. The lake's sandy embankments, large sheltering trees, freshwater creek and rich plant and animal resources provided an excellent camp for the Wadawurrung people, who were known to inhabit this area.

Carngham VIC

45 km away

Cycling the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail — Image credit: City of Ballarat

Natural Attractions

Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail

The 53 kilometre Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail runs along the former railway to Skipton, from western Ballarat, Haddon, Smythesdale and Pittong to Skipton. Upgraded in 2008, this trail goes through native grasslands, historical gold mining sites and over an impressive trestle bridge near Newtown is open for trail users. History boards with trail information are sited at various points along the trail.

Smythesdale VIC

46 km away

Ben Nevis Summit

Natural Attractions

Borella Walk

Borella Walk is located in Mount Cole State Forest Starting Point at either Ben Nevis picnic area, Ben Nevis Road, Mount Cole or Chinamans Campground, Chinamans Road, Mount Cole. This walk can be done as a one way or return walk retracing your own steps. Named in memory of respected local bird observer Max Borella, this scenic walk celebrates the rich birdlife of the area and rewards hikers with stunning lookout points along the way. Keep an eye and ear out for native species as you make your way through the changing landscape. The track can be quite steep in sections, so it's best to take your time, pause often, and soak up the surroundings. Each rest stop offers a chance to appreciate the tranquillity of the bush and the ever-expanding views below. For those wanting to extend the experience, hikers can camp overnight at Chinaman's Campground, making it easy to turn the walk into a relaxed nature escape. At the summit of Ben Nevis, you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views that stretch across the region — a perfect spot to catch your breath, enjoy a picnic, and reflect on the journey.

Mount Cole VIC

50 km away

Aradale Lunatic Asylum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Aradale Lunatic Asylum

Aradale Asylum was an Australian psychiatric hospital, located in Ararat, a rural city in Victoria. Aradale was opened in 1867 and served as an asylum for psychiatric and intellectually handicapped patients until 1993. At its peak it housed almost 1,000 patients. J Ward became an annexe of Aradale in 1887 to house the criminally insane in a more secure facility. Aradale was once known as the Ararat Lunatic Asylum. Aradale and its two sister asylums at Kew and Beechworth were commissioned to accommodate the growing number of 'lunatics' in the colony of Victoria. Construction began in 1860 and was opened for patients in 1865. It was closed as an asylum in 1998. At its height, Aradale had up to 900 patients yearly and is a large complex with up to 70 interesting historic abandoned buildings. Currently, tours are run externally while safety audits are carried out on the buildings. The stories are the same as the internal tour and provide an understanding of life in Aradale. Tours run each Sunday and Wednesday and are 90 to 120 minutes in duration. Group bookings can be arranged, limited to 25 people per group. Visit their website for tour timings and bookings.

Ararat VIC

50 km away

Flying Goolie Gallery — Image credit: Annie Younger

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Flying Goolie Gallery

Flying Goolie Gallery is located in Burrumbeet, 20 minutes from Ballarat, close to the shores of the natural and ecologically significant lake Burrumbeet. Flying Goolie prominently features the artworks of Annie Younger, a sculptor with a 35-year practice. Annie explores an ongoing subject in her work - the creation of characters and personalities with the use of recycled/reclaimed materials. Annie has exhibited throughout Australia, including commissions here and overseas. Flying Goolie is a place for the joyful engagement with art accompanied by food, drink and music. The gallery is set on over one acre of grounds with the inside areas reimagined from a former 122 year old hotel. Sculptures range from fitting in your hand and soaring to 5 metres high. Visitors to Flying Goolie can expect an uplifting experience and leave with a smile on their face. Flying Goolie an easy 20 minute drive from Ballarat, located on the Western highway with entry accessible from Station street.

Burrumbeet VIC

51 km away

Langi Morgala Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Langi Morgala Museum

The Museum's Aboriginal name translates as "home of yesterday". The collection is housed in a bluestone and brick building built in 1874 and is the home of the Ararat and District Historical Society. Displays, including many photographs, dressed models, clothing and farm machinery, reflect the gold mining rush of 1856. The Mooney and Charles Best collections of Aboriginal artefacts are also featured. The large collection covers a wide variety of themes of local importance, and includes objects from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Ararat VIC

51 km away

Ararat Railway Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ararat Railway Museum

Train buffs will delight in this fascinating collection of railway history memorabilia and a working model train. The museum's display is a reminder of the important role the railway played in shaping the region. The Museum contains two historically significant signal boxes. Ararat Railway Heritage Association are a not for profit organisation with all members being volunteers.They request an optional donation of a gold coin for each adult person to enter to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the Museum.

Ararat VIC

51 km away

TAMA Collection 1 — Image credit: Ararat Rural City Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ararat Gallery TAMA

Established in 1968, Ararat Gallery TAMA (Textile Art Museum Australia) has a unique place amongst Australia's public galleries, through its longstanding commitment to supporting and promoting textile and fibre art – a curatorial and collection focus that began in the early 1970s. The gallery has continuously collected textile and fibre based art since the early 1970s. Today the collection is arguably the most significant of its kind in Australia. On the first Thursday of the month, they also host a Stitching Circle, a friendly monthly gathering for lovers of stitching. You can bring your embroidery, sewing, knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, any textiles project. All varieties of stitching and skill level welcome and there is no need to book.

Ararat VIC

51 km away

J Ward, Ararat's Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

J Ward, Ararat's Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum

Take a guided tour of J Ward, Ararat's Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum. Hear stories of murderers, ghosts and mistreatment of mental illness. J Ward is two and a half hours from Melbourne, close to the Grampians and open daily for tours by passionate Friends of J Ward volunteers. More than 10,000 people visit each year. Tours run at 10:00am, and 1.00pm Monday to Friday: 10.00am 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm on Saturday and Sundays and Victorian public and school holidays (except Christmas Day). J Ward started its life as a goldfields prison in 1859. When the gold ran out in the mid 1880s the prison buildings were acquired by the Lunacy Department as a temporary housing for the Criminally Insane. The County Gaol then became a ward (J Ward) of the Ararat Lunatic Asylum where the most depraved and most dangerous men in Victoria were housed in horrific conditions under the highest security.

Ararat VIC

51 km away

Gum San Building

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre

Gum San translates as Gold Mountain and the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre is literally sitting on the site of the Gold Mountain that started Ararat's gold rush. The Centre tells the story of the 19th century Chinese miners that braved a perilous sea journey followed by a long trek across southern Australia to the new goldfields of Bendigo and Ballarat. Life size scenarios in the centre depict their travels and experiences of the excitement of gold discoveries mixed with the hardship of life on the goldfields plus the prejudices and hatred from other nationalities that sometimes erupted in to riots. Visit their website for the opening hours during public holidays and school holidays.

Ararat VIC

51 km away

Enfield State Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Enfield State Park

Now a haven for wildlife, Enfield State parks was once dominated by tents and diggers from around the world during Victoria's gold rush. Visit the park in spring and be rewarded by colourful and unusual wildflowers. Picnic facilities are available at the Surface Point picnic area and at Enfield picnic area. Remote Long Gully, which can be reached by vehicle or on foot from Surface Point, also has a picnic ground. You should bring your own firewood, as it is not always available locally. The park features many walking tracks of various lengths and terrain. Horses can be ridden on formed vehicle tracks open for public use but must not be taken on walking tracks. An increasingly popular activity, many opportunities exist for bike riders to experience the park. Bicycles are not permitted on walking tracks, but tracks are available for use. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Enfield VIC

52 km away

Chalambar Golf and Bowls Club

Entertainment Venues

Chalambar Golf and Bowls Club

Chalambar Golf and Bowls Club is just two kilometres from Ararat at the foot of One Tree Hill is a peaceful rural setting with an abundance of natural wildlife and magnificent views across the Pyrenees Ranges and Mount Langi Ghiran. Visitors are welcome to test their skills on this challenging Par 70 layout. The course has fully watered couch fairways with superb grass greens and presents in excellent condition all year. Very affordable green fees and motorised golf carts are available for hire. The turf bowls green presents in fantastic condition and is available for casual use all year. Chally’s Bar and Bistro has something for everyone in a relaxed and social atmosphere. Lunch and dinner menus with a wide variety of delicious dishes, daily specials, craft and domestic beers, a range of local wines plus coffee and biscuits. Chally’s offers a fantastic social atmosphere with a dining area for meals, lounge and high-bar areas for a more casual catch up. Dining or having a drink on the deck overlooking the course and bowls green is a great way to unwind after a game. A courtesy bus operates on Friday and Saturday nights.

Ararat VIC

53 km away

Gallery shelves

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ross Creek Gallery

Ross Creek Gallery is nestled in the serene bushland just a short 10-minute drive from Ballarat, Wadawurrung Country. The contemporary gallery is seamlessly integrated next to Ruby Pilven's mudbrick studio, creating a peaceful and inspiring environment. With its abundant natural light streaming through three expansive windows, along with 15 spotlights, a versatile hanging system spanning three walls with 20 hanging wires, and 10 pristine white plinths, the gallery offers an ideal setting for artistic expression. The gallery hosts recent ceramic and 2D artworks by Ruby Pilven and Janine Ronaldson as well as rotating exhibitions by local artists. The gallery is also open by appointment.

Smythes Creek VIC

53 km away

Walker Swamp Restoration Reserve

National Parks and Reserves

Walker Swamp Restoration Reserve

The Walker Swamp Restoration Reserve is situated in the southern Grampians region adjacent to the Grampians National Park, a short drive from the picturesque town of Dunkeld in the floodplain of the Wannon River. The Reserve comprises a total of approximately 1500 acres, including the main 'Walker Swamp' restored wetlands, a magnificent 200 acre area of threatened remnant Manna Gum mixed woodland protection area and restoration area and a large-scale woodland revegetation site. This site has a fantastic diversity of habitat types and supports a range of threatened species.

Bornes Hill VIC

55 km away

Wide range of desert art — Image credit: raintree art

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Raintree Art

Raintree Art is an Aboriginal Art Gallery just outside Ballarat. They sell ethically sourced giftware and original paintings. Known internationally for their video of Aboriginal Artist Louise Numina Napananka painting her bush medicine leaves which worldwide has received over 100 million views. Raintree Art is a member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia. They purchase directly from many of their artists and also purchase from Aboriginal Art Centres and fair trade organisations. You can rest assured that all of Raintree Art's paintings and giftware features real art by real artists who receive royalties for their work. Their paintings range in size from small, through to extra-large, which is large enough to create a feature wall in your home or office. Raintree Art also have a large range of ethically sourced giftware for sale, including apparel, bags, wallets, books, cards and gift wrapping, cushion covers, decorations, drink coolers, kitchen items, Christmas items, house numbers and much more. If their opening hours don't suit you, please get in touch and Raintree Art can arrange another time.

Cambrian Hill VIC

59 km away

Main Court — Image credit: Xtreme Bounce

Amusement and Theme Parks

Xtreme Bounce

Get ready to have fun with your family and friends at the regions only trampoline center, Xtreme Bounce Trampoline Park. There is a Slam Dunk, Battle Beam, Performance Wall, Dodgeball, Wipeout, Air Bags and a huge arena of high performance trampolines. You can even grab a coffee, refuel with a snack or cool refreshment from the cafe.

Delacombe VIC

59 km away

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