One Tree Hill is a lookout point at the edge of Ararat Hills Regional Park, which offers spectacular panoramic views over the town of Ararat and surrounding areas.
This lookout point has road access and can also be reached by cycling or walking. Most people drive right up to the summit, but if you're after a challenge then you can walk or ride. From Ararat, the walk up to the summit is 4.8 kilometres each way.
A narrow road climbs One Tree Hill and opens up at the top as a large gravel parking area. There are picnic tables and rubbish bins here.
A circular shelter has four signs indicating the directions of many visible landmarks in the surrounding area.
One Tree Hill was mentioned in the
Advocate (Melbourne, Vic: 1868 - 1954) on Thursday 4th February, 1926:
(source: Trove)
The "Shack" at One Tree Hill
Barkly Street East, Ararat 21/01/26
Dear Aunt Patsy,
This is the first time I have written you a long letter, and I hope you will think it good enough to publish in "The Advocate". I will describe a little picnic party we had at Fr. Leyden's "shack" last Sunday.
We started out after 9 o'clock Mass, and arrived there about 12. The "shack", which is situated about three miles from the town, is built upon the side of One Tree Hill. It is composed of stones, some of which were carried a great distance, whilst others were found on the side of the hill.
The site looks down on Ararat, and in the distance can be seen all the different roads, such as Ballarat and Avoca roads. After we took some photos, we climbed to the top of the hill, from which we could see Lake Lonsdale, different country roads and orchards, and also part of the Grampians.
We had to be very careful coming down the hill on account of its steepness. After having our tea, we set off for home once again. From the foot of the hill we had about three miles to go, and it is three miles of pretty scenery too. As we reached the town, the church bells were ringing. We finished up by going to Benediction.
Well, Aunt Patsy, this is all the news, so I will close now - Your fond nephew, CHARLES CARROLL (Aged 14 years).
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Your account of the picnic earns an undisputed position, Charles. Write soon again - A. P.
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Why does every district own a "One Tree" Hill, with about 1000 trees on it? I would love to know - F. M.
BBQ
Ararat
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