01/01/2026
Hello from the Shire Hall Hotel Ararat 🍷
A few of you have been wondering what’s happening here, so here’s the scoop.
The Shire Hall Hotel has been part of Barkly Street Ararat since 1871, rebuilt into the building we know today in 1926, right in the heart of town. And now, somehow, we find ourselves as the caretakers of this much-loved old hotel. Incredibly proud, and yes… slightly terrified 😅
We’ve absolutely fallen in love with this building, along with this special part of the world that is Ararat Rural and its community 💚
This page is about the journey ahead for now and we’ll take you with us. The restoration, the history, the stories, and all the everyday moments that come with bringing a place like this back to life. Some days will be progress, some days will be dust and decisions… and some days will just be us sitting at the bar, listening to your stories and reliving them as we shape what the Shire becomes next.
Most importantly, we’d love Ararat residents - past and present - to help shape this journey. If you’ve got memories, photos ( especially photos 📷) or stories of the Shire from years gone by, please share them with us. Our goal is simple: to bring "the Shire" back to the Shire of Ararat, and back to the people who made it what it is.
Thanks for joining us here,
Sam & Dec
Follow along here and on Instagram Shire Hall Hotel Ararat
