What’s On in Ararat Rural City This Easter
As Easter approaches, Ararat Rural City is preparing to welcome the community and visitors to enjoy a range of activities, discover local food options, and explore our region.
Council’s 2025 Autumn School Holiday Program has been released and promises a calendar of fun activities and events for the whole family with the Ararat Library, Fitness Centre, Town Hall, Ararat Gallery TAMA, all hosting events across the school break.
Events include Movie Monday (April 7 and 14), Extended Lego Sessions (April 10 and 17), and multi-player PS5 titles at our ‘Game On!’ event (April 9) at the Ararat Library. The Ararat Fitness Centre will host a pool party and futsal clinic (April 8), and netball clinic NETFIT (April 9).
Ararat Gallery TAMA will be conducting a Nature Play Community Wall and Activity Station every day of the holidays (except April 17), and acclaimed theatre show Velveteen Rabbit will be on at the Town Hall (April 14).
More information about Council’s 2025 Autumn School Holiday Program can be found on our website: https://www.ararat.vic.gov.au/news/2025-easter-school-holidays-program-released
A digital brochure with the business hours of local eateries, entertainment and wine venues oprn across the Easter weekend can be found on our website: https://www.ararat.vic.gov.au/easter-ararat-rural-city
Easter brings a peak in activity to the region, with many local eateries and tourist destinations preparing to open their doors throughout the long weekend, creating an ideal setting for residents and visitors to explore picturesque landscapes, exceptional local culinary experiences, and a welcoming community spirit.
Easter trading hours for local eateries, entertainment and local wine venues are listed on Council’s website.
“Easter is one of the busiest periods for our region, and the ideal time for residents and travellers to take advantage of all that’s on offer,” says Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong.
“You'll find plenty of great local food and wine options, and things to see and do. As this is also a busy time on our roads, I urge travellers to please prioritise road safety. Take regular breaks to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.”
Over the Easter period, some council services may be unavailable or have varied closures, while others will operate as usual.
Waste Collection
Your regular kerbside waste and recycling collection will continue throughout the Easter holiday period. To ensure collection, please put out your bins the evening prior to your scheduled collection day, as collection times may be earlier than usual. For missed collections during this period, email [email protected] or call council.
Council Offices (Vincent Street)
Council’s Customer Service Counter will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Monday, and ANZAC Day. Open usual hours on all other days. For urgent matters, please call our after-hours team on (03) 5355 0200.
Resource Recovery Centres (Transfer Stations)
Council's Resource Recovery Centres (Transfer Stations) will be closed Good Friday (18 April), Easter Saturday (19 April), Easter Sunday (20 April) and ANZAC Day (25 April). This includes Ararat, Elmhurst, Laker Bolac, Pomonal, Moyston and Willaura. For more information about Council's waste services, visit the link in our bio or contact Customer Service on (03) 5355 0200.
Ararat Library
Ararat Library will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Monday, and ANZAC Day. Open usual hours on all other days.
Ararat Gallery TAMA and Ararat & Grampians Visitor Information Centre
The Gallery and Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Good Friday, and will be open
ANZAC Day 1pm to 4pm. Open usual hours on all other days.
Local Laws/Animal Management
An on-call council officer will be available during public holidays for animal emergencies and wandering livestock. Please contact Council on (03) 5355 0200.
Maternal & Child Health Services
Maternal & Child Health Services will be closed Good Friday, Easter Monday, and ANZAC Day, and will be open as usual on Tuesday 22 April, Wednesday 23 April, and Thursday 24 April. Families can contact 24-hour MCH Helpline on 13 22 29 if needing advice.
Ararat Fitness Centre
Good Friday - 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Easter Saturday - 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Easter Sunday- 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Easter Monday- 1:00pm - 5:00pm
ANZAC Day- 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Ararat, Willaura & Lake Bolac Outdoor Pools: CLOSED
