Overview
The monumental sandstone outcrops and vast pastoral scenes of the Grampians region have inspired generations upon generations of artists. Visit top-notch galleries in lively towns to see evidence of a fascinating history and a booming contemporary art scene.
Main players
Make a beeline for standout regional galleries in Horsham, Hamilton and Ararat, with collections to rival their urban counterparts.
Gaze at excellent contemporary Australian photography in Horsham and browse the popular collection of decorative arts and rich bequests in Hamilton. The recently refurbished Ararat Gallery TAMA (Textile Art Museum Australia) houses a celebrated range of contemporary textile and fibre art collections as well as touring exhibitions.
Legendary Australian artist Arthur Streeton captured the natural beauty of the region with wonder and awe. See his works in galleries around the nation immortalising mounts Rosea, Sturgeon and Abrupt and most famously, Mount William, in the Land of the Golden Fleece.
The first artists
Reserve plenty of time for visiting Aboriginal places of interest, especially Brambuk Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, with its multimedia shows, art exhibitions, artefact displays, cultural talks, and guided tours to ancient rock art sites.
Local artists
Pop into smaller private galleries and art spaces to see works inspired the region, from the moody landscapes in Ros McArthur's studio and the wildlife paintings by Steve Morvell to the ceramics, prints and etchings at Bluewhippet Art in Ararat.
Golden days
Chinese miners played a significant role in Victoria's gold rush of the 1800s. Hear stories from the state's golden age and delve into local Chinese history at the purpose-built Chinese Heritage Centre in Ararat, the only town in Australia to have been founded by Chinese migrants.
Festivals and events
Celebrate the long history of artistic inspiration at the frequent arts events and festivals held throughout the region.
Swing into Ararat in March when the Jailhouse Rock Festival takes over town, or roll on by Halls Gap in October for the revamped Grampians Jazz Festival.
Also in March, the Lake Bolac Eel Festival celebrates local indigenous culture with music, art exhibitions and performances.
