Bald Hill Activation Project

Located in Bacchus Marsh, the Bald Hill Activation Project will transform the region into an attractive tourist destination.

The Bald Hill Activation Plan – Feasibility Study was received by Council at the Ordinary Meeting of Council in February 2020 and identified a range of potential opportunities for the reserve including Mountain Bike trails, All Abilities and sculptural walking trails, open air events space and a restaurant.  

Activation of the site will not only service the local community of Moorabool Shire but will also attract visitors from Melbourne, regional Victoria, and interstate. 

The Bald Hill Activation Plan will be delivered across several stages. 

Click here to view the Bald Hill Activation Plan(PDF, 9MB)

Stage 1 - Construction of 1000+ Steps

Overview 

This project will see the establishment of a 1000+ steps walk that links the residential area close to Halletts Way with the peak of the nearby Bald Hill.  The link will terminate in a lookout that will also be a future entry point to a larger Bald Hill active recreation development.  

Funding of $750,000 has been secured from Regional Development Victoria to enable construction of the 1000+ steps and lookout. 

 

Design 

The design of the steps has been completed. 

Click here to view the Stage 1 Designs(PDF, 10MB)

Construction 

Construction on the project commenced in September 2021 and is subject to Covid-19 State Government restrictions.  The works include the construction of the steps, rest stops, a lookout structure, road crossings and landscaping along the route.  

Given the scale and complexity of the project, works will take some time to complete and are currently scheduled to be completed by March/April 2022. 

 Construction Stage 1.jpg

Progress image of construction of 1000+ Steps - October 2021

Stage 2 - Construction of All-Abilities Sculpture Trail

Overview

This stage builds on the previous investment for the Bacchus Marsh 1000+ steps through the construction of an All-Abilities sculpture trail located on the Telford Park Reserve, which will create an additional opportunity for visitors all ages and abilities to have a unique experience.  

Design

Concept designs are now available for community comment via our Have Your Say page.

Community consultation is open from 28 January until 24 February 2022.

Click here to see the concept design(PDF, 17MB)

Detailed design of the All-Abilities Sculpture Trail is scheduled to be complete in early 2022.

All-Abilities Sculpture Trail - Artist Impression.JPG

Artists impression of the All-Abilities Sculpture Trail

Construction

Construction is scheduled to commence in mid 2022. 

Stage 3 - Summit Trail
This project will see the installation of 1000+ steps winding their way along the existing walking track to the top of Bald Hill, enhancing opportunities for exercise and recreation, and creating new spaces for artistic expression.
 

The third stage of the Activation Plan sees the development of a new carpark and all abilities loop trail at the summit of Bald Hill to take advantage of the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views at the site and to become a major visitor attraction for Bacchus Marsh.

The proposed uses for Bald Hill as a complete project include cycle trails, walking trails and an adventure park, plus spaces for events, picnics, and food and beverage offerings. The revitalisation of this natural asset into a fully-fledged eco-tourism experience is estimated to attract about 347,000 visitors annually when all stages are complete, including 195,088 visitors from outside the residential catchment, and 152,111 from within the catchment.

The project will provide employment for 43 people and generate $3.3 million in economic activity.

From a tourism perspective, the activation of Bald Hill aligns with the objectives of the State Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy by contributing to a number of priority areas identified, including building on the tourism potential for regional and rural Victoria, better tourism infrastructure and improved access into and around Victoria.

Further exciting opportunities and projects to come as part of the Bald Hill Activation Project