If you are looking for a destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Grampians in Victoria, Australia may be the place to go. This is the sort of place you may want to visit if you and your partner want to get away and spend some quality time together. It's here where you can enjoy a romantic and quiet time. That is, as long as you're both into the country and enjoy bushwalking, and beautiful views.
The Grampians appear to arise from the middle of no where, and are located in the flat farming area of Western Victoria. There are amazing mountain formations that span many hundreds of miles, with incredible wildlife and mountain views. If you are after a relaxing, but eventful holiday and want to do a bit (or a lot of walking) this is what the Grampians can offer.
The main town in the Grampians is Halls Gap. You have a choice of accommodation. You can either go for a luxury cabin, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks or camping. Personally I prefer the bush camping experience.
To find a good place for bush camping, you have to hunt around, as you want to find a full flowing creek. It's best to ask the locals as to which one is flowing well. You must camp in areas designated for camping, as you are in a National Park area. The spot we found was amazing, next to us was a fresh flowing creek. Ten minutes walk away was the most beautiful waterfall where we would take our morning shower (just don't use soap as it pollutes the waterways). I have to admit it was painfully freezing, but the most exhilarating thing to do everyday, and probably one of the highlights of the trip.
If you are into fishing, for a small price you can get a fishing licence and fish for trout (trout fishing is best during September when the creeks are full). If the creeks are not running well when you visit, this area still offers a couple of large waterways where you can try and catch your dinner.
In the Grampians there is an endless supply of bush walking tracks, this kind of area is for those with a passion for bushwalking. There are some incredible mountain formations; these run the entire length of the Grampians. If you are staying in Halls Gap drop into the tourist information to enquire about the best walks, but it's worth a walk to the Jaws of Death, and to the major Waterfalls that are flowing at that time.
If you have time, take a drive to Dunkeld, this drive from Halls Gap offers some of the most picturesque scenery of mountains as you drive through the middle of them. Once you reach Dunkeld drop into the local pub, it offers great food and a view of Mt Surgen and Mt Abrupt, which are the very ends of Grampians.
Just remember when you go on your walks don't forget to take lots of fluid, and something to eat, and remember to wear sunscreen (even in winter). And make sure you take your camera.
No matter what time of the year, the Grampians are beautiful, although spring is probably the best time to go, but the spectacular views of the Grampians will be there for you to enjoy all year around.
Louise Ganey