Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre Tour

Ararat is the only city in Australia founded by Chinese miners. Drawn to the region during the Victorian Gold Rush of the 1850’s, thousands of Chinese miners travelled to Ararat in search of new opportunities and helped shape the community we know today.

Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre brings to life this fascinating story though engaging displays, artefacts and stories. Learn about the challenges, achievements and lasting contributions of Chinese communities to Ararat and Australia.

Designed using traditional customs, symbolism and architectural influences, the centre offers a unique insight into:

• Chinese culture,
• the gold rush, and;
• the people whose legacy continues to shape the region today.

Tour itinerary:

• Participants travelling from Melbourne can access the Victorian Seniors Festival free travel offer and catch the V-Line train departing Melbourne's Southern Cross Station at 7:53am. You will arrive at Ararat Railway Station at 10:22am.
• 10:30am Board the bus at the Ararat Railway Station
• 11:00am – 12:30pm Guided tour of Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre
• 12:45pm Drop off at the Ararat Town Hall: enjoy free time to explore the town centre, visit local shops, stroll through Alexandra Gardens, or purchase lunch at one of Ararat’s cafes and eateries (lunch at own expense)
• 2:00pm Pick up at Ararat Town Hall
• 2:10pm Drop off at Ararat Railway Station
• Participants returning to Melbourne can catch the following V/Line service: 2:28pm departure from Ararat Railway Station, arriving Melbourne's Southern Cross Station at 5:17pm.

The tour includes bus transport from the Ararat Railway Station to Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre and museum entry. The bus is not wheelchair accessible.

Gum San is an accessible venue.