grampians hiker
rugged ranges, abundant wildlife & aboriginal culture
The first Europeans who passed the Grampians in 1836 saw it only as rugged mountain ranges blocking their progress towards the fertile plains beyond. They had no knowledge of the abundant flora and fauna hidden in this unique environment. They did not appreciate the immense physical and spiritual importance of the region to the local Aboriginal people who had lived there for over 20,000 years. Fortunately the area remained undisturbed and is now preserved forever in a spectacular National Park – Gariwerd.
See a folio of photographs taken in the Grampians by Auswalk clients.
Taipan Wall at Mt Stapylton
The Grampians is located about 3 hours from Melbourne (on the route to Adelaide). The first Europeans who passed the Grampians in 1836 saw it only as rugged mountain ranges blocking their progress towards the fertile plains beyond. They had no knowledge of the abundant flora and fauna hidden in this unique environment. They did not appreciate the immense physical and spiritual importance of the region to the local Aboriginal people who had lived there for over 20,000 years. Fortunately the area remained undisturbed and is now preserved forever in a spectacular National Park - Gariwerd.
This holiday is based in the picturesque
Halls Gap valley
An oasis on the Wimmera Plains, the Grampians offers spectacular walking and is a haven for native wildlife such as colourful birds, koalas, kangaroos, emus and reptiles. Extravagant springtime wildflower displays are a bonus. Our selection of walks will also guide you to Aboriginal rock art sites and shelters. This holiday is for nature -lovers who enjoy remote, rugged places.
A walker descends through Silent Street
location
This is a circuit trip starting and finishing in Melbourne.
travel
Air conditioned mini bus. Total travel distance approximately 600km.
grading
You should be in reasonable shape, but there’s certainly no need to be a triathlete! On some days we’ll do a full day walk and on other days there may be several shorter walks. Our full day walks generally involve 5-7 hours on the track at a moderate pace, though this might be broken into two or three separate sections. On some days there will be shorter options offered or you will have the chance to pull out part way along. So, most people should find options that suit their fitness level.
The Grampians walking tracks vary a lot. Many are rough and rocky underfoot and on these tracks we will walk slower and cover less distance than on other trips.
accommodation
You will stay at in a comfortable timber cottage in the small village of Halls Gap. This is the hub of the Grampians tourist region and has several shops, excellent restaurants and a Visitor Centre. The cottages are in a bushland setting where you can enjoy watching the wildlife from your veranda. The property has a swimming pool, tennis court and large communal building where we can get together as a group.
regional wine & food
The region is noted for its burgeoning olive industry, fresh venison and the extensive Grampians and Great Western vineyards.
what's included
6 nights accommodation, most meals (6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners), 2 guides, all transport from Melbourne airport, entry and activities at Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, National Park fees, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, notes, maps.
not included
Alcohol, additional meals.
McKenzie Falls
departure dates
18 April 2009
Also available for private groups
NOTE: If this date does not suit you, we also offer guided and self-guided Grampians Traverse INN-to-INN walking holidays starting any day of the year for a minimum of 2 people booking together.
itinerary guide - 7 days
Day 1: Starts in Melbourne at 10.00am. Travel to the Great Western winery district – tour and wine tasting at an historic winery. Continue to the Grampians for our first hike – an ascent of a small peak overlooking the Halls Gap valley. Accommodation: Halls Gap
Day 2: An excellent circuit walk featuring pretty Fyans Creek as well as an optional climb up lofty Boronia Peak. En route we’ll visit Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre for an introduction to the indigenous heritage of the Grampians – Gariwerd. Accommodation: Halls Gap
Day 3: Ascend through the fascinating Grand Canyon in the Wonderland Range, passing many unusual rock formations including the Elephant’s Hide, Venus Baths, Guardian of the Canyon and Echo Cave. From the summit of The Pinnacle you’ll be rewarded with a stunning birds-eye view. Accommodation: Halls Gap
Day 4: Today we take a very scenic drive to the Dunkeld area of the southern Grampians. There are choices of a couple of peaks to climb – you can challenge yourself on both or do one and enjoy some time exploring the small village of Dunkeld. Accommodation: Halls Gap.
Day 5: Today we head away from the tourists to the more remote Western Grampians. You can have the choice of a challenging climb to the summit of Mt Difficult along with the opportunity to traverse the ridge to Briggs Bluff. Alternatively, a more leisurely option will include walks at thundering McKenzie Falls and Reid’s Lookout and some sightseeing in the Victoria Valley. Accommodation: Halls Gap
Day 6: The even more remote country of the rugged Northern Grampians beckons today. Walk amongst intricately sculpted cliffs and look over range upon range of spectacular mountains. Visit an Aboriginal shelter with cave paintings that depict the special relationship between the Aboriginal people and their land. Accommodation: Halls Gap
Day 7: Travel back to Melbourne to arrive around 1.00pm.
Aboriginal art
fact sheet
Would you like more detailed information about this trip?
Download our Grampians Hiker Group Guided Walking Holiday Fact Sheet.
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prices
See the prices section
how to book
See the booking section
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Auswalk Pty Ltd |
4 Red Gum Lease Track |
Halls Gap Victoria 3381 | Australia
Phone +61 (0)3 5356 4971 |
Fax +61 (0)3 5356 4970 | Email info@auswalk.com.au
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