“Seeking a panoramic vista?” One Tree Hill awaits. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine offering views and stories.
One Tree Hill stands within the Dandenong Ranges. Once, it was an elevation deliberately cleared except for a single tree. That solitary tree served as a survey marker back in the 1860s. Imagine surveyors using this high point to map the surrounding landscape.
By 1878, the area around One Tree Hill was opened for settlement. Europeans began to select land here and a community started to grow. The area was known as One Tree Hill until 1897. A post office opened then and was named after Ferny Creek.
In 1905, a mechanics’ institute was built marking a time when Melburnians started building weekenders nearby. Think of the early 20th century, with people escaping the city for fresh air.
One Tree Hill is near the famous Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. It is also known as the 1000 Steps. This walk offers a glimpse into the physical challenges faced by Australian soldiers in 1942. The Kokoda Track is a beautiful walking track with adjacent forested areas and bushlands.
If the 1000 Steps sound too strenuous, consider the Lyrebird Track. It is a sloping rise that is 700 metres longer.
The One Tree Hill picnic area is equipped for visitors. It has picnic tables, shelters, electric barbecues, and toilet facilities. These amenities make it easy to enjoy a day in the Dandenong Ranges. The picnic grounds sit about 500 metres above sea level, so the weather is often colder.
One Tree Hill saw significant community development. In 1914, land was set aside for a recreation reserve. The horticultural society became active in 1932. It continues to be supported by the community.
After World War II modern homes were built. They were for permanent residents and weekend visitors. The area has a general store, a post office, and bed and breakfast places.
The area has also faced challenges. Bushfires in 1997 destroyed 30 homes and caused three fatalities.
Today, One Tree Hill offers more than just a picnic spot. It provides a connection to the past and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges. As you stand here remember the surveyors, the settlers, and the community. They all shaped this landscape.