Walk Description
Distance: 12.6km, 270m elevation
Ararat is a former gold-rush town in Victoria’s Western District, uniquely founded by Chinese prospectors in the 1850s. At 200km distance from Melbourne, we’ll take the V/Line for this one…
We’ll catch an early V/Line train from Southern Cross, arriving into Ararat just after 10am, then set off on the One Tree Hill walk straight from the township. This 12.6km loop through Ararat Hills Regional Park follows a mix of walking tracks, footpaths and suburban streets, climbing to the One Tree Hill Lookout – the highlight of the route, with panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. On our way back into town, we’ll stop in at the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre (entry $14 adult or $12 seniors/concession).
Ararat holds an unusual claim among Victorian gold towns: it’s said to be the only town in Australia founded by Chinese migrants. The Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre tells that story in detail, from the miners’ perilous sea journey and long trek to the goldfields, to life-size scenarios capturing both the excitement of gold discoveries and the hardships of goldfields life, including the prejudice they faced, which at times erupted into riots.
We’ll then jump back on the last V/Line from Ararat, arriving back in Melbourne just before 7pm.
Transport
Make your own way to the meeting point by car or public transport (your choice).
Booking
Booking is required for this walk. Please indicate what similar walks you have done recently (i.e. in the past few months) to give the leader confidence that you are capable of doing this one. Refer to Walking Grades which, in conjunction with the walk description, will help you assess whether you have the required walking fitness and experience to do this walk.
The Leader will confirm your acceptance on the walk, or not, via email. The leader will provide details of where and when to meet.
Booking Fee:
Members: free. Non-members: $8.
Payment:
Non-members are required to pre-pay their booking fee by Paypal or credit/debit card.
Cancellation:
If you need to cancel, please advise the leader as soon as possible, so that someone else has the opportunity.
There will be no refunds, so please do not book unless you are fully committed to walking.
What to bring
• Day pack
• Sufficient water (2 litres, more on hot summer days)
• Lunch and snacks
• Hat, sun screen
• Suitable outdoor clothing (no jeans/sneakers!)
• Rainwear & warm jacket
• Proper walking shoes/boots
• Hand Sanitiser
Refer to our Gear Checklist page for more details. If you are not properly equipped, the walk leader can decide not to let you participate on this walk.
Safety and Ambulance Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have Ambulance cover. If conditions are hazardous, the walk may be cancelled. If any doubts at all, check your emails the night before and the morning of the event. For more details refer to Safety.
Still have questions?
Check out Joining a Walk.
Check out Day walks and social activities.
Contact the leader using the Enquiry form, above the Booking Request.
