Staying at the Lodge overnight when coming to Ararat for a tour of the gaol and asylum made all the…read moreexperience and ensured a cosy night after several hours digging up history. Although this hotel's features are quite dated, for a budget hotel the room itself was quite spacious and very homely. There was a nicely set out lounge area, with a small table and chairs next to the full length window next to the door where I was able to set up my laptop and not be facing against anything. A definite winner. The kitchenette area had a bit of a strange layout. The bathroom sink in some way doubled up as a kitchen sink, with the mini bar fridge and microwave to the left of it on a type of low bench with coat hanging railing above it. The bathroom was in a separate space to this mind you. The shower went over the bath tub, with no glass screens or curtains, which was also capable of being a single person spa bath. The motel offered up a selection of room service breakfast items. Fairly traditional western foods like toast, cereals, variety of spreads, coffee and tea. The bathroom also came with a generous amount of hygiene products, including a conditioner and a bubble bath/body wash, which I've noticed a lot of places don't bother offering. The Lodge was a lovely place to stay. The owners are Chinese I think, and there is a Chinese restaurant at the reception area of the motel which is handy. On Saturdays they offer up a buffet dinner, and Sunday's the restaurant only do dinners for patrons who ask for room service dinner. I'm yet to try out the restaurant, which I'll do one day as I would consider staying at this motel again. Was a great experience.

This is one of those really charming country pubs. Okay, I wouldn't expect anything all that fancy…read morehere, just your standard Australian beers, so don't expect any of the craft beers you would find in the city. However, there is a charm about this place that I really liked. Sure, it is one of those pubs that has its residents, yet it was quiet enough that I could sit out the back in a really comfy chair and read a book. Well, okay, I was greeted by the dog, which I guess is why I really loved the pub, because a pub with an animal is simply awesome. And the dog is heaps friendly as well (which I suspect is because it is used to a lot of strangers wandering through).

On my way back from Adelaide I decided that I wanted to check out a couple of the pubs on the…read moreroute, but unfortunately had missed some in Stawell. The next town was Great Western, but being a wine town I half expected there not to be a pub, that is until we saw this place. So my Dad pulled over and I went inside for a beer. Once again I discovered the different nature of the country pub in that the bartender will always want to have a chat with you, especially if you are the only person in the pub (something that I generally don't encounter in the city). This was a nice little place, with standard beers on tap. There is also a restaurant, and some accomodation, however since all I wanted was a drink, I didn't check the other parts of this place out. I should have asked about the wine instead of ordering a Carlton Draught.

Nothing wrong with this place if you need somewhere to crash for a night. Rooms are very spartan…read moreand don't do much to block out noise outside on the highway.

The owners are a sweet couple who can help you find a nice hidden cafe to have brunch and has maps…read morefor the hikes around Grampians. They're so helpful! We stayed in room #11 and the view was breathtaking. A large paddock with kangaroos grazing and the Grampians too! The rooms were really clean and the bathroom was super clean too. I will definitely be staying here again.

Love love loved this place. We stayed in a lodge and it was perfect for a relaxing mini break…read more Our lodge had a spa, kitchen (bar fridge and mini stove), microwave, DVD player and TVs in the living room and the bedroom. We even had a washing machine! We had plenty of privacy, the hosts Tubby and Rhonda were there when we needed advice on where to eat and where to hike, but our villa (number 5) was away from the family lodges and accommodation (lodge 6 was next to us but a good 20 meters away) Can't wait to go back for another relaxing break!!

From the owner: Situated in an idyllic 6.5 hectare native parkland, our quality accommodation ensures the ultimate…read morein relaxation and enjoyment. Stay in one of our fully self contained lodges or a standard motel room and enjoy the Grampians at there best.

I'm really starting to see a bit of a pattern when it comes to these pubs. Well, I should say…read morecountry pubs because there does seem to be a bit of a difference. Basically, the front bar is where it all happens and a bistro, if any, is basically tacked on in the back. This is certainly one of those pubs, and don't expect to find anything all that fancy here because country pubs really don't specialise in fancy. It's an okay pub, but nothing really all that great.

Their chicken parma with a beer, is a bloke's repast without peer. No fuss, no stuffing about,…read moreservice good. Compliments to the landlord & staff.

Okay, this wasn't one of the best pubs that I have been to in Ararat, but it still had some country…read morecharm about it. Actually, I probably shouldn't say that because it really came across as being rather basic, at least on the outside. Still, it wasn't what I would call a bad pub, just a rather standard one. The service was okay, though as can be expected, they didn't have a huge selection of beer available.

Not quite a gastro pub but the food was hot hearty and enjoyable. I had the fish and chips with…read moresalad and a couple of cold beers. Great place to stop for a traditional pub meal.

Needed a place to stay while working in the area and stumbled across JDS's website…read more Was also recommended by the visitor centre. Must say I was very impressed with the property. Everything included and very handy to the shops. If I am in the area again will definitely be booking again.

Had a great weekend at JDs On High. Loved the old world charm with all the mod cons. It was great…read moreto be walking distance from RSL for dinner and so close to town. Enjoyed the fire and out door area. Look forward to return visit.