GRAMPIANS
The natural beauty of the Grampians region manifests in the Grampians National Park, which features over 160 kilometres of walking trails, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, wildlife and seasonal wildflowers. Choose from an extensive network of tracks and trails of varying levels of difficulty, from the challenging Mt Rosea Trail that passes through forest and sandstone outcrops to the gentle one-hour return MacKenzie Falls Trail.
The Grampians region is one of Victoria's main centres for rock climbing and abseiling, offering both challenging and easier climbs on various rock faces, including the internationally-renowned Mt Arapiles. Other popular outdoor activities include fishing and boating in the region's unique inland system of lakes and rivers.
National parks in the region are a haven for birds, with nearly 45 per cent of all bird species found in Victoria being identified here. The Little Desert and Wyperfeld national parks are home to the extraordinary Mallee Fowl, one of the few birds in the world to build a mound for its eggs. Reptiles and mammals, including kangaroos, bandicoots and emus are also plentiful.
From traditional country pubs to smart cafes and restaurants, the Grampians region is a year-round gourmet retreat, serving fresh local produce and distinctive wines. Each May, the town of Halls Gap hosts the Grampians Gourmet Festival, two days of food, wine and entertainment in spectacular settings.
Wine buffs are spoiled for choice on the Great Grape Road, where Seppelts and Best's at Great Western, Mt Langi Ghiran, Montara, Warrenmang, Mt Avoca, Blue-Pyrenees Estate and other wineries offer tastings at cellar doors.
Don't miss Brambuk, the National Park and Cultural Centre, where you can learn about local Aboriginal culture and pick up the best information and interpretation of the Grampians National Park.
A major attraction of the park is its collection of native Aboriginal art sites. Aboriginal people have a long association with the Grampians and there are many shelters in the park where you can see ancient art work including Billimina Shelter, Gulgurri Manja Shelter, Manja Shelter and Ngamadjidi Shelter.
