Discover Elmhurst: History and Trails in the Surrounding Region

Elmhurst combines a long local history with outings in varied surroundings. The town was first settled in 1840 and lies on the Pyrenees Highway, halfway between Avoca and Ararat. In the town itself, the Elmhurst Mechanics Institute represents an important part of local history. Elmhurst also provides access to Mount Cole State Forest; Ben Nevis Lookout and the trails near Ben Nevis are in the surrounding area.

History and Community

The Elmhurst Mechanics Institute was originally built around 1870 as the Good Templars' Hall. The Ararat Rural City Council considers the building to have local historical, aesthetic, and social significance. The hall continues to serve as an important meeting place for the Elmhurst district community. Its construction history and community role span different periods: its original use as a hall is part of the town’s founding history, while its function as a meeting place continues to this day. For those interested in local history, this connection offers a tangible link to Elmhurst’s past and present.

Take a Break at Elmhurst Recreation Reserve

At Elmhurst Recreation Reserve, practical visitor facilities meet a local place of remembrance. The scenic picnic area has an electric barbecue, a playground, and tables and chairs. In the garden area, Elmhurst CWA maintains a memorial to former members. The two areas therefore have distinct purposes: the picnic area is equipped for an outdoor break, while the garden commemorates community members. Facilities at the reserve and near Ben Nevis may change; check their condition before your visit.

Views at Ben Nevis

Just outside town, there is also a short route to a lookout: an easy, 200 m trail leads from the Ben Nevis car park to the viewpoint. From Ben Nevis Lookout, views stretch across surrounding peaks, bushland, and fields. The Ben Nevis car park has a picnic shelter, tables, a water tank, and a toilet. The summit of Ben Nevis is also accessible via a gravel road.

Walks with Different Profiles

The Borella Walk celebrates the area’s diverse birdlife. You can start at the Ben Nevis picnic area or Chinamans Campground; the walk can be done one way or as a return trip. One specific option is the Scenic Borella Walk, which climbs steeply for 5 km from Chinamans Campground to Ben Nevis. Together with the easy 200 m trail to the lookout, these routes offer distinctly different lengths and profiles. Check trail conditions and your chosen starting point before setting out; for access to the summit via the gravel road, check road conditions and access as well.

Choose Elmhurst as Your Destination

Will the town’s history, with the Mechanics Institute and the reserve, be the deciding factor, or would you rather focus on the walking and lookout opportunities nearby? First consider which of these sides of Elmhurst you want to make the focus of your visit. This will help you tailor your search for hotels for your trip to Elmhurst to the experiences that matter most to you.

Explore more destinations: Murrayville, Willaura, Goughs Bay, Portland, Toongabbie, Pearcedale, Lalbert, Tyabb.

For the main travel overview: Victoria.