Grampians

The Grampians are a unique Victoria region of rugged and diverse Australian terrain. Lush vegetation covering mount peaks and large rivers and damns set the tone of a large number of trails and walks leading to jaw dropping views, natural water features and rock formations.

Australian Wildlife

The Grampians are a Mecca for Australian wildlife with the most sought sightings occurring commonly here. Kangaroos and Wallabies can be often seen hopping among trees and in large open fields, but if you turn your attention towards tree tops you should be able to spot a Koala. It is fairly common for visitors to park their car on the side of the ride during the spotting of an animal to take photos which are good opportunities, but you must NOT approach any of the animals. As fluffy and cuddly as Australian animals such as Koalas or Kangaroos may seem, they can do considerable damage if confronted and frightened. Not only is it unsafe for you, but it’s unethical to interfere with the animals or their habitat.

While the Kangaroos, Wallabies, Koala, Emu and many other species of birds are some of the more common animals to be seen, there is still a very good change of you seeing the more elusive and shy Australian animals such as the echidna with their spine covered bodies.

Walking the Grampians

The Grampians cover an extremely large area of land with a diversity of terrains including mountainous peaks, thick bushland, rock formations, waterfalls, rivers and damns. As such there are many places of interest to visit and an even greater number of bushwalks and tracks. Tracks have been established to allow visitors to gain access to these various attractions while encountering dense and diverse terrain, fauna and wildlife along the way.

Here is an excellent guide put together by “The Dandenong Valley Bushwalking Club Inc.” outlining various Grampians attractions and tracks.

PDF: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~dvbc/grampians.pdf

Below is a rundown of just a few of the most popular walk/sites in the Grampian region.

Mackenzie Falls Trail

MacKenzie Falls are the tallest waterfalls in Victoria. There are two main walks down the MacKenzie Falls Trail, the steepest walk taking walkers straight down to the bottom of the gorge where the giant waterfall crashes, filling the gorge with mist. There are many other encounters with smaller waterfalls and cascading streams on the way to the gorge. The other trail is longer but much easier taking visitors to a spectacular lookout over the waterfall from a viewing platform. This lookout is easily accessible via wheelchair.

Venus Baths

The Venus Baths are an area made up of smooth rock formations with flowing fresh waters resembling a natural water park. The rock is surrounded by lush vegetation and with fresh creek water, creates a tranquil oasis of rock pools alongside water running down smooth rock surfaces that are often used as waterslides. It is an easy and shaded walk to the Venus Baths from Halls Gap Township.

The Pinnacle Walk

The pinnacle walk is very popular having been traversed by many and for good reason. It requires a good fitness level with steep inclines and declines, river crossings, rock stepping, a little climbing and jumping. The walk itself is half of the attraction with its rugged track, rock formations, creeks, wildlife sightings and vegetation along the way. The reward at the top is the stunning views from the pinnacle lookout that juts over the edge of the mountain. From here bushwalkers have sweeping views over the Grampians area, townships, mountains, lakes all the way to the horizon. At this height you can see the approach of the clouds then feel the cool wet air as the clouds pass by.

Townships

Halls Gap

Halls Gap is the most central and conveniently located town. It is small town nestled below the mountainous ranges of the Grampians National Park with a range of accommodation, facilities, information, shops and basically any need a traveler on the way through or extended visitor would require.

Other townships within or close to the vicinity of the Grampians National park are Stawell, Ararat and Dunkeld.

Accommodation

The steady growth in popularity of the Grampians region with national and international visitors has been well supported by the region with a suitable amount and range of accommodation. There are options within towns and many more secluded options out in the bush and in wide open scenic areas overlooking valleys, rivers and mountains.

Indulge

The range of visitors to the Grampians is diverse and as a result so too is the accommodation. It is a place for people to indulge and relax with luxury cabins, villas, cottages, apartments, hotels, motels and bed and breakfast’s.

Stay on a Budget

The Grampians have for a long time catered for Budget travelers and backpackers in more simple accommodation experiencing the same beauty and tranquility as more expensive options. And of course there are camping options which are very popular, allowing people to get up close and personal with this stunning example of Australian nature.

In Halls Gap

Bed and Breakfast
Self Contained Accommodation 1 bedroom
Self Contained Accommodation 2 bedroom
Motel Hotel
Camping and Cabins
Backpackers
Accommodation for Groups

Please visit http://www.visithallsgap.com.au

Scheduled Events

In addition to the natural wonders surrounding the township of Halls Gap are the events held by the community. Why not time your trip to the Grampians with an event that interests you? For a list of what’s happening and what’s coming up http://www.visithallsgap.com.au/calendar_of_events.htm

Location

Halls Gap is approximately 260km from Melbourne City in the Western Central Region of Victoria, Australia.

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Grampians National Park Map

This map is of the Grampians National Park including attractions, trails, roads and townships.

http://www.visithallsgap.com.au/pdfs/walkingtracks.pdf

How to Get Here

By Car: From Melbourne travel via the Western Highway all the way through Ballarat, Ararat and finally to Stawell.
> From Stawell you must turn left into Halls Gap Road taking you to the township of Halls Gap
By Bus/Coach and Train: V-Line has options to take you to Stawell, Ararat or Halls gap. For information and timetables www.vline.com.au
> The Melbourne to Halls Gap Timetable http://www.vline.com.au/pdf/newtimetables/hallsgap.pdf

Contact Us

For more information on the Grampians National Park http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=109