Grampians National Park is the third largest in Victoria. It’s spectacular scenery, colourful displays of wildflowers and wide range of opportunities for outdoor recreation have also made it one of the State’s most popular holiday destinations. The park is home to almost a third of Victoria’s plant species, and a large percentage of it’s animals.
the park offer some of the best site seeing opportunities in the State, with a substantial network of roads and a convenient central base in the fully serviced township of Halls Gap. There are excellent short walks, some easy, others more demanding. away from Halls Gap many camp grounds have been developed in natural bush settings. There are also challenging day and overnight walks.
Over two thirds of Aboriginal art sites in Victoria are here, and Aboriginal people continue their strong association with the area.

Facilities: main camping areas include Halls Gap, Stapylton, Smiths Mill, Plantation, Borough Huts, and Jimmy Creek.

Access: Approximately two hours drive from Ballarat on the Western Highway via Ararat and Stawell. Sealed and surfaced roads lead through the ranges.

Activities: Camping, hiking, picnicking, sightseeing, driving, cycling, rock climbing. Swimming, angling, and boating on Lake Wartook. Nature study is another attraction with superb wildflowers, many birds, and kangaroos and koalas easily seen from many popular areas.

Attractions

Grampians National Park Visitor Centre, Halls Gap
A must for any visitor to the Grampians. Extensive informative displays, audio-visuals, and publications available, access to Ranger staff to answer questions and advise on activities and camping. Education services available for schools. Visitor activities programs run during holidays, some involve fees. Telephone: (03) 5356 4381

Brambuk Living Cultural Centre
Adjoining the National Park Visitor Centre, the Brambuk Living Cultural Centre is a unique concept which brings to life the history and culture of the Aboriginal communities of south western Victoria. Includes a permanent exhibition of Aboriginal art, clothing, weapons, and tools.It offers guided cultural activities, restaurant, souvenir shop, and auditorium.
 

Heatherlie Quarry
Self guiding walk through relics of this historic quarry and associated township.

Victoria Valley
Roads in this area provide fine views and access to extensive redgum woodlands, wildflowers and shady picnic areas. Kangaroos and emus are common. A self drive tour starts 8 kms from Halls Gap along the Mt Victory Road. Described in touring guide available from Visitor Centre.

Mt William(Mt Duwil)
A steep track from the car park to the summit provides fine views from the highest peak (1168m) in the park.

Mt Abrupt
From a small parking area besides the Dunkeld-Halls Gap Road this steep, winding track leads up to rocky ridge. Follow the arrows to the bouldery summit for the most spectacular panoramic view in the national park.

Mafeking
Thousands of hopeful gold prospectors rushed to Mafeking in 1900, but most were disappointed. Today sluiced gullies, and disused shafts can be seen. The shafts are dangerous - keep well clear. The nearby Kalymna Falls are a short distance from the attractive picnic area.

Zumstein
Picnic area and popular kangaroo viewing site. Keep wildlife wild - do not feed or pat kangaroos. Drive slowly - kangaroos often cross the road here.

Mackenzie Falls
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Victoria. Walking tracks lead down to the falls, to various view points, and connect to Zumstein. Picnic facilities and information.

Billimina and Wab Manja Art Sites
In the Grampians there are many rock shelters where Aboriginal people camped and painted images of their life and law on the sandstone walls.These two sites, near Buandik camping area, are among the most extensive.

Water

During the 1870’s, settlers migrated to the Wimmera in large numbers. Many were experienced farmers of German decent - practical and frugal people who moved from South Australia to continue wheat growing. But a series of severe droughts highlighted the need to supplement water supplies, and from the 1880’s through to the 1920’s the massive Wimmera-Mallee Domestic and Stock Water Supply Scheme was developed, the largest of it’s type in the world. Supplying water to the low rainfall areas north of the Grampians has become the area’s most important economic function. More than 15000 farms and 51 townships depend on the massive network of flumes, channels and pipelines from 12 storages, three within the national park.

The plains east of the Grampians are also one of the State’s most historical and highly acclaimed wine making regions. Vines were fast planted in the 1860’s, and the little town of Great Western is widely considered the birthplace of Australian sparkling wine. The area has developed into a diverse wine region go outstanding individual wineries known mainly for their fine table wines.

Where to stay

There are many accommodation options in this region, from remote camping in the parks and reserves to motels, bed and breakfasts and host farms. Halls Gap is a popular base for visitors, but all major towns in the area such as Horsham, Stawell or Ararat have a range of facilities.

What to wear and take

Stout comfortable walking boots or shoes are essential, even for the short walks. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and light clothing can be useful even in winter (north of the divide) but night are often cold and frosty, so take adequate sleeping bags and warm clothing if camping. In the south and in the mountains it can be cool and wet even in summer - so pack a waterproof parka.
Camping areas in the parks and reserves are generally some distance from towns and shops, so you will need food supplies and a way to keep them fresh. Torches are always handy, as is a camp stove or barbeque. Remember that dead wood on the ground is habitat for many creatures, so use as little firewood as possible. Water supplies are available at most camp sites, as are toilets.