The Grampians
Around a three hour drive from Melbourne you’ll find the striking Grampians, a region of wildflowers and wildlife, fabulous food and wine, and some of the most incredible rock formations in the country. The Grampians is actually a series of five striking sandstone ridges. They are surrounded by lush forest, cascading waterfalls and the abundant flora and fauna to be discovered in Grampians National Park.
Victoria’s best known national park is a stunning area of diverse landscapes. In the Grampians you can choose your adventure: bushwalking, mountain climbing, abseiling, fishing or canoeing. Less active types might enjoy a bird watching tour, or a casual stroll along any of the plentiful walking tracks. There is an abundance of native wildlife here, with many visitors encountering kangaroos, koalas, emus and native birds.
The Grampians is a site rich in Aboriginal history. Explore stunning Aboriginal rock art in areas including Billimina Shelter, Gulgurn Manja Shelter, Manja Shelter and Ngamadjidj Shelter.
The picturesque town of Halls Gap is located in the Fyans Valley and nestled beneath Wonderland and Mount William range. Many visitors choose to base themselves here and explore the Grampians in day trips. There is a selection of accommodation, dining and shopping. Walking trails around town offer lovely opportunities for a stroll. Or you might choose to get up close with the animals at Halls Gap Zoo. Victoria’s largest regional zoo, Halls Gap Zoo is home to over 140 native and other animals.
Another popular destination in town is Brambruk Aboriginal Cultural Centre where you can discover exhibitions, artefacts and cultural displays in an award-winning architecturally designed building.
Residing on the northern edge of the Grampians National Park, the Wartook Valley is a stunning region of unspoilt mountains and forest, and beautiful native wildflowers. There are bushwalking trails, secluded fishing spots and towering waterfalls including the splendid MacKenzie Falls.
Wildflowers and gardens are also a highlight in the town of Pomonal, which lies just outside the national park. On Wildflower Drive you can visit several wildflower nurseries, or discover the natural beauty of the region on the Pomonal Tunnel Walking Track. For a more leisurely alternative, visit a local winery, or fossick through the town’s atmospheric markets, held monthly and featuring the work of local craftspeople and fresh produce suppliers.
Dunkeld is a picturesque town on the southern edge of the Grampians, famed for its fabulous galleries and scrumptious dining. The town’s Royal Mail Hotel features an award-winning restaurant where you can sample the best in fresh local produce and wines. Dunkeld lies beneath Mt Sturgeon and Mt Abrupt. Explore wildflower-lined mountain tracks on a bushwalk or by bicycle.
Looking for more inspiration? You might explore the bustling town of Ararat, founded in the 1800s by Chinese gold miners or discover fabulous wineries at Avoca, Beaufort or St Arnaud.
Whether you decide to bushwalk and camp, or wine and dine in a luxury resort, there’s plenty to explore in the stunning Victorian Grampians region.
- The Grampians: A Hiker’s Paradise
- Halls Gap: The Heart of the Grampians
- Hamilton: A Historic Beauty
- Mt Arapiles: A Rock Climbing Mecca
- Ararat: A Golden Heritage
- Little Desert: For Walks and Wildflowers
- Horsham: A Creative and Culinary Treat
Image Courtesy: Getty Images/Tourism Victoria
