The Grampians NP (in Gariwerd country) - a hiking mecca

" Lose yourself in nature at its best amongst stunning Heritage listed flora & fauna, incredible panoramic views and ancient aboriginal rock art. An international drawcard for hikers offering diverse outdoor activity"

This impressive environment has a real adventure vibe. You can't help but get active with so much on offer such as bushwalking, rock climbing, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing etc - it's all here. The Grampians is Heritage listed for its flora & fauna where diverse wildflowers give a great spectacle at most times of year. Even the diverse bird & animal life seems easy to find.

Bushwalkers are spoilt with choice from the160km long Grampians Peaks Trail to a plethora of short spectacular walks.

The Central Grampians is the most popular area which surrounds the town of Halls Gap.

Our purpose with this post is to give you just enough insight to spark your curiosity and enable you to plan your own expedition of discovery. Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.

One of the most popular and spectacular walks in the central Grampians is the Pinnacle. At the end of a picturesque hike, you arrive at the Pinnacle where you are greeted with spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the Central Grampians. We walked to the Pinnacle from the Sundial car park being a 2hr return trip. You can't help but just sit for a while and reflect on the awe inspiring views.

View of Lake Bellfield from the Pinnacle

A panoramic view of Halls Gap village from the Pinnacle

The Balconies - a short 40min walk offering a panoramic view across the Victoria Valley

The Grampians is home to some excellent ancient rock art. This piece of art is Bunjil, the creator, found at Bunjil's Shelter which is a sacred site near Stawell.

We came across this Gang - Gang Cockatoo being a rare find as it is only found in this south east corner of Australia. This bird is a female whereas the male has a red head and crest.

We came across this shy Echidna on the track to the Pinnacle

The track to the Pinnacle offers great diversity in the one walk including rocky woodlands, diverse flora & fauna and steady climbing through boulders

Fascinating scenery near the sacred site at Bunjil's Shelter

The upper section of Mackenzie Falls being another popular walk. There is the option of hiking to the base of the main falls or viewing from higher vantage points

Our base camp was at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park with a 5 night stay. This park includes open fires at each campsite with firewood and fire pit provided by the park. The scenery wrapping around Halls Gap, seen in this photo, makes a really unique setting. With so many walks on offer, for all levels of fitness & mobility, we found ourselves hiking every day and enjoying the Halls Gap restaurants some nights.

View of Mt Sturgeon in the southern Grampians

Scenery on the Piccaninny Walk in the southern Grampians.

The Grampians offers a great display of wildflowers at most times of the year.

David & Rosemary Allan – the faces behind:

May adventure & discovery be your constant companions.

Reflection:

For me, a trip is memorable when I am enriched by a deeper sense of connection to a place which triggers an emotional or spiritual response. This comes from feelings of awe and wonder when I feel part of something bigger. Such as, seeing dramatic landscapes, being caught up in the history and sensing the passion of the human spirit.

A memorable experience will cause me to daydream about the next trip even more than the last trip.

Remember: Your adventure begins the moment you decide to go.