I have walked with Eric Ward on the Great Ocean Walk and enjoyed his company and style. He has guided in many countries and is a well organised and accomplished group leader.

Grampians Highlights

Spectacular short treks with classic panoramic views over the Grampians – subject to weather.

Options are available to shorten all walks and most can be done as an ascent or a descent dependent on the groups needs and walking ability.

Options to visit Hollow Mountain.

INCLUDED

• All transport in comfortable 4WD vehicle
• Accommodation (Halls Gap Motel) 
• All breakfasts, lunches and snacks
• Dinner Day One
• Guide and driver
• Park fees
• En plein air studies

NOT INCLUDED

• Travel either side of the tour
• Dinner (Days 2 & 3)
• Art materials

MEALS

Special dietary requirements are the responsibility of each traveller.

Breakfast, lunch, snacks and a welcome BBQ are included.

WHAT TO BRING – art equipment

• small drawing pad, 2B pencil and rubber
• or any drawing equipment you can carry with ease 

WHAT TO BRING – other

• sensible hiking boots (please ensure these are comfortable with an appropriate ‘tread’)
• hat, sunglasses, sunscreen,
• water
• day pack
• toiletries
• socks
• casual outdoor clothing (layers are best for hot/cool weather)
• casual evening clothing
• jacket

Optional

• walking poles
• camera
• insect repellant
• umbrella
• portable stool

FITNESS LEVEL

You must be able to walk independently and at a reasonable pace of 3km per hour. The walking level is graded as easy with some short steep steps. Some rocky sections require some care. There is plenty of time and regular stops to enjoy the wonderful panoramas.

OPTIONAL Thurs 1 Dec

If you are interested to arrive in Melbourne a day earlier to visit the Van Gogh Exhibition at NGV and/or Book of Mormon please indicate at time of booking.

Day One /  Fri 12 May    Melbourne to Halls Gap

Chatauqua Peak & Fyans Creek approx. 8kms The tour begins at 7.30am outside the NGV gallery. We depart Melbourne driving westward to Halls Gap with morning tea en route and picnic lunch near Halls Gap Botanic Gardens. Our first short walk begins with a gradual climb to Chatauqua Peak, crossing Mt Victory Rd and an easy track through fern groves and beside bubbling streams to Bullaces Glen. A short side track along a rocky ridge to the Chatauqua Peak offers superb views of the surrounding mountains and the Fyans Valley. Descending, we follow track markers through rocky areas past Clematis Falls and open forest to the town centre for a short refreshment stop.

We’ll head along Fyans Creek through forested foothills of the Mt William Range to the excellent Brambruk Cultural Centre which offers an insight into the Indigenous heritage of the Grampians region, known as ‘Gariwerd’. Also a fascinating audio visual presentation describing the geological formation of the Grampians.

Return to our accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening meal together.

Day Two / Sat 13 May    Pinnacles, Lake View, Sundial Peak & Venus Baths
(8-12 kms)

This morning we walk to the Pinnacles, one of the best short walks in Australia. Through the Grand Canyon and past the unique sandstone rock formations of Silent Street and the Cool Chamber. (Echo Rock is a chance to try your vocal talents). Lunch at the fantastic Pinnacles lookout and continue to Lake View with panoramic views towards Mt Rosea and Lake Bellfield. Optional climb to Sundial Peak or transfer for a short walk to Silverband Falls.

Return to our accommodation for a relaxed evening meal together and reflecting on the many highlights of a rewarding days walking.

meals: B,L,D

Day Three / Sun 14 May    Zumsteins, Mackenzie Falls & the Balconies
(8-12kms)

We start early this morning and drive to historic Zumsteins to begin the walk along the Mackenzie River to Fish Falls (walking may involve some easy rock hopping). The track emerges through a stunning gorge to the base of the stunning Mackenzie Falls. After admiring the falls we’ll climb the stone stairway up the side of the waterfall to our vehicle and our lunch break. Our next vantage point is Reids Lookout with an easy walk to Mushroom Rock and amazing views at The Balconies. From the top is a superb outlook over the Grampians ranges to Dunkeld and the volcanic plains stretching to the coast. This afternoon we may travel to Hollow Mountain (Wudjub-Guyan); a short energetic scramble through boulders and exposed ledges to the wind scoured caverns overlooking Mt Stapleton and the Wimmera Plains.

Return to our accommodation and dinner.

Day Four / Mon 15 May    Return to Melbourne

Depart after breakfast for the return drive to Melbourne.  En route we have the opportunity to explore Bunjil’s Cave or the historic town of Ararat and arrive Melbourne or Tullamarine Airport in the late afternoon or early evening in time for dinner or return flight to Sydney.