Ultima between the Mallee landscape and local history

Ultima is known for dryland farming and silos; its red, tree-filled Mallee landscape and surviving railway and agricultural buildings give the town a distinctive character. The town centre on Dillon Street, in particular, is better preserved than those of Manangatang and other centres along the northern rail lines that have largely disappeared. When planning your trip, you can choose among different focuses: the landscape, local history and individual recreational activities.

Railway and agricultural history in the townscape

Ultima’s development as a settlement began on 1 March 1900, when the railway line was extended from Quambatook, creating an important transport link to Bendigo and beyond. The Milk Bar, formerly the Ultima Café, was built in 1925. On the railway grounds stands a gabled goods shed with a timber frame, entirely clad in corrugated iron. Also located there is a connected pair of concrete grain silos, built around 1940.

Distinctive buildings also survive elsewhere in town. The concrete water tower on Breen Street was built around 1908 and is among the oldest surviving structures in the town centre. Ultima also has a concrete Bills memorial horse trough dating from the late 1920s, funded by the bequest of George and Annis Bills. The Ultima Hotel building is a prominent two-storey brick structure at the entrance to town.

Mallee landscape and memorial sites

The landscape features red dust and numerous Belah, Box and Mallee trees, some of which are up to 500 years old. These trees give the Mallee character a tangible presence alongside the town’s architectural history.

Lion’s Park features a rotunda, a time capsule and a barbecue area. Directly beside the park is the former Scout Hall, which has been converted into a museum-like display of agricultural equipment and other memorabilia. The display can be viewed and explained from the park through the removed side wall. The park and local memories come together in one place.

Recreation and practical information

Ultima Golf Club is on the road to Lake Boga. Its nine-hole course has sand scrapes; check current access to the course before setting out. A skate park is located in Memorial Reserve. As the status of a recreational facility can change, it is advisable to check current access before visiting.

An automated external defibrillator, available 24/7, is mounted on the outside wall of the Ultima Café and General Store on Dillon Street. The location is considered easily accessible to locals and visitors. Check whether the device is still operational before relying on it.

Planning your stay in Ultima

If you’re mainly interested in exploring the surviving buildings, Dillon Street and the railway grounds are good starting points. If you’re planning to play golf, you can make the club on the road to Lake Boga a focus of your visit.

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For the main travel overview: Victoria.