Australia Grampians Victoria

Travelled: We spent 10 days exploring the Grampian National Park.

We drove 230km to Halls Gap and visited the Information Centre. We purchased camping permits $17pn for Plantation Camp 10 mins away and then settled in.

The camp was set up with a new drop toilet with tank water and a shower (cold water).

We also took advantage of the BBQ.

Today we walked 3hrs return to the Pinnacle. The walk offered a variety of incredible rock formations and lush vegetation. The wildflowers burst into life with their brilliant bright colours. 

The views from The Pinnacle lookout were astounding. 

 We spent the rest of the day relaxing at camp.

and met this little fella...

whilst we waited for the roast pork to cook in the campoven.

The next day we continued our explorations starting at Mackenzie Falls and is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria.

We then went to Reeds Lookout.

Then to the  Balconies had many viewing platforms perched on the edge of overhanging cliffs looking out over Victoria Valley and the Victoria Range.

Today we did 4 short walks as the weather was began a little unsettled, but cleared in the afternoon.

We began with a 1.4km walk to Silverband Falls.

The we then walked 2.2km along Lake Bellfield.

After a rest back at camp we set off to explore the Heatherlie Quarry site (2.4km).

Most of the government houses built in Melbourne was from the sandstone quarried here> They also have the rights to get more for repairs to those buildings if necessary.

The last walk we did was 1.4km to Beehive Falls.

The next day we did a few walks from the Sundial Carpark out to some lookouts.

We spotted some beautiful flowers along the way...

Today we explored the northern section of the Grampians. We went up to Mt Hallow.

This looks like a beehive.

We then walked to Mt Zero. As it was a hot day we rested the afternoon at camp.

After a windy night we woke up to smoke in the air from the fires started by lightning strikes in the Little Desert. We drove down to Jimmy Creek to have a look. On the way back we stopped to have a walk up to the 1167m summit at Mt.William enjoying the incredible views from the highest peak in the park.

We gathered up some wood...

Today we meandered through bushland as we made a gradual climb toward the rugged landscape of Mt Stapylton. We scrambled up the steep slope of Flat Rock, where we took a break on the rocky slab and enjoyed views of a spectacular natural amphitheatre. 

Views on our way back the way we came.

Our last day in the park was spent with a walk to Clematis Falls, Chatauqua Peak and Venus Baths. We also walked through the botanical gardens.

Not much water coming down the falls.

Views from the top.

On our way home we drove to Stawell via Lake Lonsdale. 

Gold mine.

Lookout.

We later found a lovely spot to spend the night near Warburton Bridge overlooking the river and surrounded by lots of bird life.