Grampians Hike

grampians hike

explore the valleys & mountain ranges of the grampians with a private guide

• Privately guided trip
• 6 day itinerary (includes 4 days of walking)

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Fact Sheet

Highlights

• Exciting rock formations abound
• Venus Baths, Grand Canyon, Elephant's Hide, Silent Street
• 360 degree views from lofty summits
• Guaranteed kangaroo sightings in the wild
• Wildflowers, wildlife, wine and wild walking

Auswalk’s Grampians Hike is an INN-to-INN accommodated walking holiday. You walk through the Grampians National Park, staying at different locations. We move your luggage for you while you are out walking. This is a privately guided walking holiday.

At 168,000 hectares in area, the Grampians national park is large. It is made entirely of sandstone, which has eroded into several separate mountain ranges. Grampians sandstone is so old that it does not contain fossils, as it was formed before then. It is unusually hard, to resist weathering for that long. The Grampians are not high mountains, but they are very rugged. Aboriginal people lived here for 20,000 years before western people arrived, and it was a valuable source of food, water and shelter. European settlers mostly thought the rugged mountain ranges could never be farmed, and generally ignored the Grampians, preferring the gently rolling surrounding land.

Everywhere you look in the Grampians you will see cliffs and forest. Hundreds of cliffs and rough valleys provide refuge for many native animals, including birds, which are easily seen. It is one of the best places to see Australian animals. The sandy soil is ideal for native plants, making this national park famous for its spring wildflowers. There are actually lots of flowers for most of the year. Numerous beautiful streambeds, waterfalls and caves are scattered throughout the ranges.

If you prefer to walk without a guide, we also offer the same itinerary self guided.

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Location

The Grampians is 3 hours by car or 5 hours by train/coach west of Melbourne. There is daily public transport available from Melbourne. Your first accommodation host can meet you at the bus/train station.

Grading

20% easy, 55% moderate, 25% more strenuous. 12-18km (4.5-6 hours) walking each day. Mostly moderate walking but many of the tracks have some rocky, uneven sections, making this trip only suitable for agile people. For more detailed information including daily walk distances and times please see our Fact Sheet.

Accommodation

B&B and a resort motel.

Regional Food & Wine

The region is noted for its burgeoning olive industry, fresh venison and the extensive Grampians and Great Western vineyards.

What's Included

4 days guiding, 5 nights accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners,vehicle transfers required for the itinerary, luggage transfers, National Park fees, insulated lunch bag, maps, map case & info pack.

The best time to go

During summer it is common to have daily temperatures in the 30’s, and the nights will also stay quite warm. April and May are cooler and the winter months of June through August can vary from cool to mild temperatures with the occasional cold, wet spell. The wildflowers are usually at their best between August and November – although there are always some flowers around. Not available during July.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

Itinerary

(includes 4 days of guided walking)

Day 1

Starts at Pomonal (near Stawell) any time after 2pm. Accommodation: Pomonal

Day 2

Meet your guide after breakfast. The approach to the Grampians Ranges is via Tunnel Hill. See the historic water tunnel carved ¾ of a mile through the Mount William Range – quite impressive for 1881 and it’s still used today! The views from the top are impressive. The route continues downhill to Lake Bellfield, the region’s water storage facility. Hike along the shores of the lake to Brambuk, an Aboriginal Cultural Centre where you can drop in for a drink and try some indigenous foods. Accommodation: Halls Gap

Day 3

Follow the fascinating Grand Canyon circuit through the Wonderland Range, passing many unusual rock formations including the Elephant’s Hide, Venus Baths, Guardian of the Canyon and Echo Cave. Today’s aim is the lofty heights of the Pinnacle Lookout. The return offers a choice of an easy descent via Mackeys Peak or a more challenging descent via Devils Gap and Sundial Peak. Accommodation: Halls Gap

Day 4

After a scenic transfer you'll enjoy some hiking in the remote Mt Difficult Range. The views are stunning and the bird life is prolific. Along the way you’re bound to see the kangaroos and wallabies. Accommodation: Halls Gap

Day 5

The final walk starts off following the southern shores of Lake Bellfield before heading upwards following a series of three creeks. Along the way there are excellent view of Mt Cassel. Then you descend back into the village of Pomonal. Accommodation: Pomonal

Day 6

Your holiday finishes after breakfast.

Pamper Packs Available

Deluxe pamper pack

One hour massage per person on one of the nights in Halls Gap

A bottle of local wine to share between two people

Indulgence pamper pack

Upgrade to a spa suite for three nights in Halls Gap

Gourmet two course dinner per person at the Kookaburra restaurant in Halls Gap

Gourmet local produce hamper to share between two people

One hour massage for each person in Halls Gap

Departure Dates & Prices

6 day trip - guided on demand
1 Sep 2012 to 31 Mar 2013

$2395 (single supplement - $350)

• Any day of the year for two or more people booking together

• Private trips can be arranged for solo travellers, contact us for a quote

6 day trip - guided on demand
1 Apr 2013 to 31 Mar 2014

$2495 (single supplement - $375)