Are you traveling from Melbourne to Halls Gap, Grampians? Looking for a place to stop to break up the journey? Perhaps you’re searching for a place to stretch your legs, maybe have a picnic and/or refreshment then check out Alexandra Gardens Park.
Whether you’re exploring the historical town of Ararat or driving through the gardens are a lovely place to visit. A place where you can truly relax in the tranquil gardens. With picnic tables and BBQ facilities provided its a great place to meet family/friends for a picnic or just simply relax and enjoy your own company.
Facilities at Alexandra Gardens Park
- BBQ’s
- Picnic tables
- Public toilets
- Playground
- Exercise area
- Cafe
- Scenic surroundings
Our Experience
We had spent the night free camping at Green Hill Lake Reserve which is approximately 6.7km, 10 min drive away. After enjoying a relaxing night and morning looking out at the gorgeous lake it was time for us to explore the town of Ararat. We drove and walked around the historical town, took a tour of the nearby J Ward Asylum which was originally the Old Ararat Gaol then our tummies started to grumble.
Feeling quite moved by our experience at J Ward Asylum it was time to recharge our batteries and stop our tummies grumbling. We headed to the local fish n chip shop in Ararat, got take-away and took our goodies to the Alexandra Gardens Park. Here we sat on one of the picnic tables lapping up the sunshine, eating our fish n chips, yes they were yummy, whilst looking out at the beautiful lake which is part of the gardens.
Ducks were sun baking on the grassed areas alongside the lake, children were playing in the playground, families gathering for picnics/BBQ’s, others were playing cricket or simply wandering around the beautiful gardens or sitting having a coffee at the cafe.
With our energy levels charged we strolled around the tranquil gardens, exploring the fernery, checking out the exercise equipment, the Japanese Island and admiring the blossoming trees. Then of course there were the orchids putting on a gorgeous display in the Rotary Orchid House.
It’s here where we should’ve spent longer to work off our yummy lunch!!!
Feeling relaxed and rested with full bellies it was time to hit the road. Whilst in Ararat we visited the Tourist Information Centre, situated at the Ararat Train station where we spontaneously decided we’d head to Avoca. The guy at the Information Centre was very friendly and helpful. Click on the below links to follow our weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne.
Places of Interest Nearby
Whilst some of the nearby attractions we have explored, it was prior to sharing our adventures and therefore don’t have photos to do a blog. In the near future we intend to re visit these places as this area is truly an amazingly scenic and interesting part of Victoria. Each area offering something different. We will definitely share our experiences with you. In the meantime we hope you enjoy reading up on our nearby experiences on the links below. We also hope to hear about your adventures. Please drop us a line.
- Green Hill Lake Reserve
- J Ward Asylum
- Historical town of Ararat
- Halls Gap, Grampians
- Avoca
- Horsham
- Pyrenees
- Stawell
- Ararat local swimming pool
Next to the Alexandra Gardens Park is a public swimming pool with water slide. Whilst is was Spring when we visited the pool was closed. But imagine in summer it would be open and a great place to cool off and have some fun. Across the road from the park is the local footy ground.
Will we be back to Ararat?
We have often stopped at Ararat on our way through to Halls Gap, Grampians to grab a bite to eat and sometimes stock up on groceries/petrol. This time we were determined to explore the historical town a little further, yes we will be back as we’d still like to go on a tour of Aradale Lunatic Asylum, perhaps pluck up the courage to do the Ghost Tour!! There’s also the Halls Gap Zoo we’re still visit, so much to see in and near Ararat.
Our 3 day escape
Ararat was part of a weekend road trip for us. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Melbourne behind we spent a night at Greenhill Lake Reserve, the day exploring Ararat before heading to Avoca then back to Melbourne via Maryborough. If you would like to read up more on our weekend trip and places we explored click on the below links.
- Ararat
- J Ward Asylum
- Valley Walk, Percydale
- Governors Rock Lookout Tower
- Avoca Chinese Gardens
- Maryborough
Nearby free campgrounds
You can also follow our 3 day itinerary Melbourne – Ararat – Avoca – Melbourne by clicking on the link.
Another great place and what we consider a must go to place to explore is Halls Gap, Grampians. Check out our following link to see how we have spent 3 nights at Halls Gap, Grampians which is approximately 49km, 40mins from Ararat
We also enjoyed our 3 day escape at Mt Franklin reserve which is a free campground situated on an extinct volcanic crater and is within an easy drive to the popular tourist destination, Daylesford. This would be a great place to stop on your way back from Avoca to Melbourne if you have more than 3 days.
Alexandra Gardens Park Location
- Girdlestone St, Ararat VIC 3377
- Approximately 46km, 40mins to Halls Gap, Grampians
- Approximately 215km, 2hrs 28mins from Melbourne CBD
Feedback/Comments
There’s something about public gardens that keeps drawing us to visit them. If you know of any tranquil gardens or gardens with a difference we would love to hear about them.
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