The heritage booklet includes walking and driving trails visitors can take around the area and details more than 50 iconic building and attractions.

The 23-page book was developed to enhance the previous guide which had been put together by the historical society 'Friends of J-Ward'.

Ararat local Kim Kerr initiated the concept and worked closely with many volunteers and organisations to get it off the ground.

Councillor Ian Harris spoke at the launch of the book last week and said the images featured, which the majority of were taken by Grant Thomas, add to the detailed information to create a very valuable asset for tourism.

"As a councillor I saw the first draft of this and even at that stage was most impressed with the quality and how detailed it was and how much detail had gone into research and putting it together," he said.

"I grew up in a reasonably historic Victorian country town and one of things that was always a mystery were the things that were not obvious, and what I love about this little booklet is that it picks out things that locals don't notice and things that tourists wouldn't noticed unless they were pointed out.

"It is a credit to all the people who have been involved and I trust that this will be a great aid in getting out information and getting people interested in the heritage that is around.

"As a councillor I am very proud that we have had some association with this."

Visitor Information Centre staff including Tim McDougall, Ashlee McKinnis and Elaine Thornbury played a major part in developing the book.

Also acknowledged for assisting in providing information, correct dates and proofing were Marion McAdie from the Historical society and Lee Albert, Gwen Rhook, Bob Mullen, Jackie Grimmer and Danny and Judy Barry.

Copies of the guide have been printed and are available at the Ararat Visitor Information Centre in High Street, while they have also been distributed to all tourism providers and tourism attractions in the district.