ARARAT

city, southwestern Victoria, Australia, on the northern flanks of the Pyrenees Range, near the Hopkins River. The community and a nearby peak (2,020 ft ) were named in 1840 by a sheep farmer who likened his settling there to the legendary resting of Noah's Ark on Mt. Ararat in Turkey after the Flood. Although gold was discovered in 1854, the rush of miners was delayed until 1857. Declared a borough in 1858 and a town in 1934, Ararat was made a city in 1950. It is now a commercial centre for a region of wheat and grape cultivation and livestock farming and lies on the main AdelaideMelbourne rail line. It is connected to the harbours of Portland and Warrnambool by rail and is also the junction of the Pyrenees and Western highways. Industries include textile and timber mills, light engineering and rail workshops, cordial and butter plants, and a large postal relay facility. Notable annual events are a Highlands sports competition (New Year) and a nationally attended chess tournament (Queen's Birthday). Pop. (1989 est.) 8,220.