Grampians Hiker

grampians hiker

wildflowers, wildlife, wine & wild walking through rugged rocky ranges

• Group guided trip
• 7 day itinerary

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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
• See Aboriginal shelters with rock paintings

Auswalk’s Grampians Hiker is a group guided walking holiday. 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.

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.

If you can’t make it on this date, we also offer privately guided and self guided trips in the Grampians.

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Location

This is a circuit trip starting and finishing in Melbourne.

Accommodation

You will stay in a comfortable resort-style motel conveniently located right 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 accommodation is in a bushland setting with lots of wildlife and fine mountain views. The property has an indoor heated swimming pool,spa and tennis court.

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

Two guides, all transport from Melbourne, 6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, entry to Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, National Park fees, insulated lunch bag, maps, map case & info pack.

What's Not Included

Alcohol, meals not listed in itinerary, drinks with meals (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

The best time to go

Our choice for this trip is spring time as the wildflowers are at their best and the weather is usually warm and sunny.

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

Itinerary

Day 1

Starts in Melbourne at 10.00am. Travel to the Great Western winery district for a 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 for 6 nights

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, known as Gariwerd to the locals. 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