GRAMPIANS GRANDEUR

FROM A DISTANCE, THE JAGGED SANDSTONE RANGES OF THE GRAMPIANS IN VICTORIA SEEM TO RISE ALMOST VERTICALLY OUT OF THE SURROUNDING PLAINS. ABUNDANT WILDLIFE, WATERFALLS, LAKES, WILDFLOWERS AND BUSHWALKS, COMBINED WITH A MILD CLIMATE HAVE MADE THIS AREA ONE OF VICTORIA'S MORE POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS

- ROBERT NORMAN

WITH hundreds of kilometres of gravel roads, 4x4 tracks and walking trails, plus accommodation, restaurants and numerous wineries, the Grampians attracts those who want to get up close and personal with nature as well as those who don’t want to leave life’s little luxuries behind in the process.

Halls Gap (population 430) located at the northern end of the National Park is the gateway to the Grampians. While small, the town provides a good range of services with a bakery, general store, hotel, service station and cafes that support a seemingly endless flow of tourists.

The town has a range of attractions, including Victoria’s largest regional zoo featuring more than 160 species of native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds. The zoo offers special one-on-one up close and personal encounters with dingos, meerkats, giraffes, cheetahs and rhinos. For the kids there is electric bike hire and a paved bike/walking track running the length of the town that they can terrorise. Meanwhile, long-suffering parents can indulge in self-medication at any (or all) of the numerous nearby wineries (Fallen Giants being a recommendation).

Piscators (as in fishermen, not the VB swillers) will find the Grampians abounding with man-made lakes and reservoirs, most of which are stocked with redfin and trout. And, if your fishing skills leave a bit to be desired, the Halls Gap Hotel does a mean fish and chips – just be sure to book.