The Grampians Trek is an Inn-to-Inn accommodated walking holiday. You walk through the Grampians National Park, staying at three different locations. We move your luggage for you while you are out walking. This holiday is Self-Guided. 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.
Everywhere you look in the Grampians you will see cliffs and forest. The 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 flowers all year round except for autumn. Even though the area receives a low rainfall of about 70cm per year, beautiful streambeds, waterfalls and caves have been carved into the ranges.
As well as walking, the Grampians has many other things to offer visitors and this trip will allow you the time to explore some of them. Examples include an Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Aboriginal shelters and paintings and a working olive plantation.
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.
Grading 30% easy, 30% moderate, 40% more strenuous. 9-19km (4½-6 hours) walking each day. The tracks are well formed and easy to follow. However some of them have rough, uneven surfaces which require confidence and reasonable nimbleness. There are also many steps along the way. Your walking notes describe how to increase or decrease the amount of walking on most days. Most days have about 4-5 hours of walking time, with descriptions of extra walks if you want more. Most walking days finish with a short road walk to your accommodation. Accommodation Typical accommodation includes B&Bs and a boutique inn- private rooms with ensuite or private bathrooms.
Regional wine & food The region is noted for its burgeoning olive industry, fresh venison and the extensive Grampians and Great Western vineyards.
Included 5 nights accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, wine with some dinners, luggage transfers, vehicle transfers as required for itinerary, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, National Park fees, walking notes, maps.
Not included Alcohol, additional meals, optional entry fee to Brambuk Cultural Centre.
The best time to go This holiday can be done at any time of the year. September to November is usually warm. The summer months of December to March are likely to be warm, and sometimes quite hot. During summer it is common to have daily temperatures in the 30’s, and the nights will also stay quite warm. Nonetheless, plenty of people walk here in summer. When temperatures are high, people walk slowly, start early when it’s cooler, wear a sunhat, and above all else, drink lots of water. 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 July and November – although there are always some flowers around. Departure Dates Self-Guided INN-to-INN - start any day of the year, with a minimum of 2 people booking together.
Itinerary guide - 6 days (includes 5 nights accommodation & 4 days walking) Day 1: Starts in Halls Gap any time after 2pm. There is no walking scheduled for today but there are plenty of local attractions in Halls Gap to enjoy and afternoon. Accommodation: Halls Gap. Day 2: 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. Accommodation: Halls Gap Day 3: Visit thundering McKenzie Falls in the more remote, and less-visited western Grampians. Stroll down alongside the river through eucalyptus woodlands, home to prolific Australian wildlife. Today you have a good chance of patting a kangaroo in the wild! Will you be lucky enough to see wild emus, a flock of colourful birds or a koala perched in a gum tree? Tonight’s B&B hosts are renowned for their superb native garden - there are over 1000 different species! Accommodation: Western Grampians Day 4: The route progresses into even more remote country in the rugged Northern Grampians. 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: Northern Grampians, on a working olive plantation Day 5: Wind your way up the Giant Stairway to the summit of Mt Rosea for an outstanding view. More panoramas unfold as you meander down to Halls Gap. Time for a visit to Brambuk Cultural Centre (extra cost) to learn more about our Aboriginal heritage. Try emu pate, kangaroo steak or wattle jam in the indigenous food restaurant! Accommodation: Halls Gap Day 6: Trip finishes after breakfast.
