Experiences

Unique Boutique Winery Tour

Leaving Mountainside Wines at 11.00am and returning to Mountainside at 5.00pm the tour visits four boutique award winning wineries where guests will meet the winemakers and hear about their philosophies, their wine journey, and taste some beautiful wines. These wineries are off the beaten track and offer unique experiences in picturesque rural settings.   For more information visit https://www.airbnb.com.sg/experiences/671656

J Ward

Originally the Ararat County Gaol, the prison was opened in 1861.  It was then converted to become a psychiatric facility that housed the criminally insane.   J Ward remained in use until January 1991 and in 1993 it was re-opened as a museum providing tours to the public.  Just 20 minutes west of Mountainside Wines you can obtain more information at www.jward.org.au

Aradale Lunatic Asylum

Aradale was originally built in 1860 to house the growing number of people considered lunatics in Victoria.  After five years of construction it opened in 1865 to accommodate the growing number of “lunatics” in the colony of Victoria.  At its height it held up to 1,000 patients and only closed in 1993.  Aradale is now open for tours to the public.  For information about day tours available visit www.aradale.com.au

Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre

Gum San tells the story of Ararat’s birth, the only Australian city to be founded by the Chinese.  The Museum brings the story of immigrant Chinese miners to life and highlights the influence of the Chinese culture on the economic, cultural and social development of Australia.  For information about Gum San visit https://www.ararat.vic.gov.au/gum-san-chinese-heritage-centre. 

Beeripmo bush walking

Part of Mt Cole the Beeripmo Walk is a two day, 21km walk requiring moderate fitness levels.  Camping is available and more information can be found at

https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/26274/Beeripmo_Walk.pdf

Langi-Ghiran State Park

Just 17km and 25 minutes from Mountainside Wines is the Langi-Ghiran State Park where you can see a small indigenous rock art painting.  For more information please visit

https://www.bushwalkingblog.com.au/lar-ne-jeering-walk-langi-ghiran-state-park-victoria-2/

Silo Art Trail and Stick Shed Two Day Trail

Visit the Silo Art Trail where you can view large scale portraits painted onto grain silos in Rupanyup, Sheep Hills, Brim, Rosebery Lascelles and Patchewollock.  The paintings acknowledge the Indigenous roots of the area together with the history as one of Australia’s most important grain growing areas.  All are painted by world renowned Australian Mural artists;  Adnate, Kaff-eine, Fintan Magee, Rone, Guido van Helten and Russian street artist Julia Volchkova.  For more information visit www.wimmeramalleetourism.com.  From Mountainside Wines the Silo Art Trail is 110km or about one hour and 20 minutes.

Stick Shed

Not far from the start of the Silo Art Trail is the Murtoa Stick Shed formerly known as the Murtoa No. 1 Grain Store.  Located just 20kms west of Rupanyup the Stick Shed is the only remaining emergency grain store built during World War II.  Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am to 12.30pm and Sunday 10.00am to 2.0pm.  For more information visit www.thestickshed.com.au.  From Mountainside Wines the Stick Shed is 111km or about one hour 20 minutes.