Ararat - Ararat Hills Regional Park
Close to the rural city of Ararat, this park is a wonderful place to enjoy a scenic drive, picnic, or a leisurely walk among woodland, spring wildflowers and abundant wildlife.
Three separate, easily-accessible blocks make up the park: the ancient Ararat Hills block (820ha) boasts panoramic views from Pioneer Lookout and a rich gold mining history; Dunneworthy block (2670 ha) is made up of gentle terrain to the north; and Bradys block (180ha) with its rich Ironbark forests is in the Norval-Cathcart area.
History:
Many Indigenous people of the Ararat area descend from the Parn Balug clan, one of 40 clans of the Djab wurrung people from southwest Victoria's Gariwerd-Grampians region.
The early 1840s heralded the arrival of the first squatters, their flocks, religion and lifestyle. The Indigenous people's traditional lifestyle, social and cultural structures were severely affected by new diseases, land use conflict and 'payback' massacres.
Gold was discovered at Ararat in 1857, and relics of this gold mining era are evident in the numerous shallow mine shafts, a mining dam and water-races in the Ararat Hills.
Ararat's Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre gives an insight into the area's goldmining.
Things to Do:
Prospecting - Recreational prospecting is allowed in the park - a Miner's Right is required and can be obtained from Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in Ararat. Please fill in holes leaving no trace of your visit.
Driving and sightseeing - Drive the sealed One Tree Hill Road up to Pioneer Lookout for panoramic views of the Grampians, Mt Langi Ghiran, and Mt Cole. Note that some park tracks are steep and unsuitable for conventional two-wheel-drive vehicles. Other tracks may become slippery in wet weather.
Walking and cycling - Explore the park by foot or bicycle on the extensive and well-signposted network of vehicle roads and tracks.
Stroll along the 2km loop walking track at Bridal Hill, and enjoy a picnic at Bridal Hill or Blackie Reserve.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted but must be under control at all times.
Location
Cnr Western Highway and Main Divide Road, Ararat 3377 Map
Web Links
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/ararat-hills-nature-trail
→ Ararat Hills Regional Park - Park Note (PDF)
