Grampians National Park, Victoria

The Grampians located in Victoria's Western Plains are a series of mountain ranges made of sandstone and showcase an impressive landscape with abundant wildlife. We stayed at an eco-mindful camp ground called Grampians Paradise, and the owner mentioned the park had been operating within the same family for over one hundred years. We woke to hear kangaroos or possibly wallabies nibbling on the grass outside of our tent and we're fortunate to be the only campers on this particular weekend. The Grampians were named by NSW Surveyor-General Sir Thomas Mitchell in 1836 after a mountain in his homeland Scotland, but the indigenous who have occupied this land for over 20,000 years call it, Gariwerd. The Grampians have been utilised in many industries including, timber, gold mining, a sandstone quarry and of course now predominately tourism; the area is incredible, with many walking tracks and breathtaking scenery. 

We enjoyed a delicious dinner of Irish lamb stew at Barneys' Bistro an old shearing shed converted into a bar, located in Pomonal. 

Mackenzie Falls

This is the largest waterfall in the region and the only one that flows year round. Mackenzie Falls is supplied by nearby Lake Wartook, a catchment area that provides water to Horsham, a local town. The falls will only stop flowing if this lake runs dry. Bushfire went through this area in 2014 and the evidence is still visible with the many kangaroo tails, that thrive after a fire now inhabiting the land. Shovel and I ventured on two walks, one to a lookout and the other down to the base of the falls, both are only short walks with the one to the base including about 250 steps, but the paths are well laid out, which made for a lovely adventure. The Indigenous word for the falls is Migunang wirub, meaning black fish floating on top of water. Despite searching for the Indigenous word the falls were named after Captain MacKenzie, by Major Mitchell in 1836. 

Reeds Lookout and The Balconies 

Sunset looking out over the Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range, Lake Wartook and the Mt Difficult Range.

Wonderland Loop

The Wonderland Loop lives up to it's name as the walk literally is a wonderland, with many interesting components and various terrains, culminating in spectacular views over Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. The track is full of many fascinating surprises and points of interest along the way including, The Grand Canyon, Splitter Falls, The Cool Chamber, Silent Street and the Pinnacles. The walk was really enjoyable, yet challenging and both made us feel regenerated and happy to be out once again in the nature.  

The Pinnacle Lookout

The Wonderland Loop culminates at the top of the summit at The Pinnacles. I was absolutely shite scared heading out to the tip of the pinnacle, even with the handrail I had to dash back to the main section away from the overhang. But, sucked it up and headed out again for a few quick snaps to prove that I did it, before gumbying my way back to safety. My legs were jelly and I certainly lived up to my nickname, Gumby today.