THE GRAMPIANS

Such Great Heights

Rising out of flat farmland in Victoria’s west, the majestic Grampians mountain range are home to an array of native plants and animals and a rich and continuing Aboriginal history

Blue Pyrenees Estate

Hollow Mountain, Grampians National Park

Scale the great sandstone mountains of the Grampians region for breathtaking views and a new perspective. Adventurous types can head out on walking tracks leading to witness dazzling displays of flora and fauna, powerful waterfalls and awe-inspiring lookouts, while foodies and art-lovers savour celebrated local wine and sublime meals along with extraordinary art in galleries indoors and out.

EAT & DRINK Treat yourself to a memorable meal at the award-winning Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld. The signature five and eight course menu option is available Wednesday to Sunday and showcases produce from the hotel’s kitchen garden, along with a wine list incorporating the impressive 28,000 bottle cellar (royalmail.com.au). For a more casual dining experience, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Parker Street Project, located in the former Royal Mail Dining Room and courtyard, with an a la carte menu designed for sharing.

Nestled in the heart of The Grampians National Park, The Views Café, Bar & Restaurant serves classic pub fare with an Australian twist, and the added bonus of kangaroos Grampians Peaks Trail Royal Mail Hotel - Parker Street Project

coming in for a closer look while you eat! Rooms are available at the attached motel, so you can rest up before hitting the road again (grampiansmotel.com.au).

This is also one of Victoria’s best wine producing regions, so don’t miss the cellar door and restaurant at Blue Pyrenees Estate (bluepyrenees. com.au), or one of Australia’s oldest continually family owned and operated wineries, Best’s Great Western, where you can sample the wines and visit the original underground cellar on a self-guided tour (bestswines.com).

SEE & DO Walk or hike the peaks of the Grampians National Park and be rewarded with stunning panoramic views and impressive waterfalls. Spring is the best time to witness the region’s spectacular wildflowers, with vivid displays of colour on show from August to October. Keep an eye out for local wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, emus and wedge-tailed eagles, and don’t miss your chance to see Aboriginal rock art paintings in shelters throughout the Grampians. Visit iconic MacKenzie Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Victoria, which flows all year round above a stunning gorge. MacKenzie Falls car park is a fortyminute drive from Halls Gap on the Mount Victory Road. From there the falls can be reached via a sealed walking track (wheelchair accessible), or a steep trail.

Feeling adventurous? Why not tackle a portion of the Grampians Peaks Trail. The first section is the 36-kilometre, two- to three-day loop through rugged ancient landscape to some of the most breathtaking lookouts in Victoria (parkweb.vic.gov. au). Or drive, walk, cycle or climb to the summit of the dramatic quartz and sandstone landmark that is Mt Arapiles, and take in soaring views of the surrounding Wimmera Plain.

Brambruk – The National Park and Cultural Centre is the longest running Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Australia, and 100 per cent owned and operated by Aboriginal people. Located in Halls Gap, here you can experience multimedia shows, art exhibitions, cultural talks and activities including traditional dance, basket weaving, painting and boomerang throwing (brambuk.com.au). DV

For more information and to plan your trip, go to visitgrampians.com.au