Ultima: Mallee Landscape and Local History

Ultima brings together the red-dust landscape of the Mallee region and a townscape that bears traces of farming, railways and earlier decades. Belah, box and Mallee trees shape the surroundings; some are up to 500 years old. The town centre is also remarkable: its state of preservation differs from Manangatang and other centres along the northern rail lines that have largely disappeared.

Local history along the streets and railway grounds

The Milk Bar, formerly the Ultima Café, was built in 1925. It is one of the few original shops still used as a retail store. The prominent Ultima Hotel, a large two-storey brick building, stands at the entrance to the town. On Breen Street is a concrete water tower, built around 1908 and among the oldest surviving structures in the town centre.

Another reminder of local history is the concrete Bills Memorial Horse Trough. It dates from the late 1920s and was funded by a bequest from George and Annis Bills. These surviving structures and memorials give Ultima a tangible historical character, revealed at various individual sites as you explore the town.

A timber-framed goods shed with a gabled roof, entirely clad in corrugated iron, still stands on the railway grounds. There is also a pair of connected concrete grain silos, built around 1940. Together, these structures point to the importance of rail and dryland farming to Ultima; the town is known for its agriculture and silos.

Ultima's development as a settlement began on 1 March 1900. On that day, the railway line was extended from Quambatook, creating an important transport connection to Bendigo and beyond. This historic link helps put the town's origins in context; it is not a statement about current rail services.

Park, exhibition and activities

Lion’s Park features a rotunda, a time capsule and a barbecue area. Next to the park is the Scout Hall, which has been converted into a museum-like exhibition of agricultural machinery and other memorabilia. One side wall has been removed, allowing visitors to view and learn about the exhibition from the park. Those interested in agricultural history will find an engaging introduction here to a subject that also shapes Ultima's townscape.

Memorial Reserve has a skatepark. Another option for an active outing is the Ultima Golf Club on the road to Lake Boga, which has a nine-hole course with sand scrapes. The park, skatepark and golf course offer different ways to spend your time; choose which of these experiences you would like to include in your trip.

What makes Ultima stand out for your trip

The combination of Mallee landscape, agriculture and surviving buildings makes Ultima a destination for travellers interested in a town's character as well as activities. If you are travelling with children, for example, you can include the time capsule in Lion’s Park and the exhibition, which can be viewed from the park, as separate discoveries on your trip. The barbecue area and skatepark add to the leisure options described, without implying any particular suitability or set programme.

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, the first consideration is whether Ultima's rural character, local history and the leisure options mentioned suit your trip. The settlement's history, its buildings and the landscape offer different reasons to get to know the town. There is also an automated external defibrillator on the outside wall of the Ultima Café and General Store on Dillon Street. It is available 24 hours a day and is considered easily accessible to locals and visitors.

More places to discover: Moorooduc, Nicholson, Red Hill, Stawell, Elsternwick, Stratford, Robinvale Irrigation District Section C and Red Hill South.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.