Grampians National Park is a treasure in Australia that no one should miss. The park takes up 167,219 hectares (or 413,210 acres) between Stawell and Horsham. It was proclaimed to be a national park on July 1, 1984, and is one of the densest indigenous rock art sites in Australia. It features many striking sandstone mountain ranges.
Tours from Melbourne
Three-day tours are available for the Grampians National Park out of Melbourne. These Grampians National Park tours from Melbourne begin at the Adelaide Hills with a morning stop to grab something to eat and some coffee.
The Adelaide Hills and Halls Gap
The Adelaide Hills is one of the oldest wine regions in Australia and has over fifty wineries open daily. The next stop is the Halls Gap, the gateway to the park. Here, wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos and kookaburras come out. From there, you will walk an hour through the rocky outcrops and the forests to The Balconies.
The Balconies are a breathtaking view of the valley below. The hike is relatively easy and the scenery is beautiful on the way up and when you reach your destination.
The Pinnacles to the Brambuk Cultural Centre
The Pinnacles came from seashells, from a time when the area was rich with marine life. Though the way the materials formed the Pinnacles is up for debate, one theory is that the shells may have broken down into lime-rich sands that were then blown inland to create high dunes. From the Pinnacles, you will travel to Brambuk Cultural Centre.
The Brambuk Cultural Centre is all about the Aboriginal culture of Australia. Watch some multimedia about the Aboriginals, as well as paint a boomerang and learn about the original inhabitants of Australia.
The Tower Hill Reserve to the Great Ocean Road
For lunch, you’ll stop at the Tower Hill Reserve, infamous for its wetlands and a volcano. The Tower Hill Reserve is also a great place to eat lunch and observe the wildlife. From the Tower Hill Reserve you will move on to the Great Ocean Road.
The Great Ocean Road is a scenic coastal drive that encompasses much of southern Australia. You’ll be seeing a few miles of it as you hike along the rocky, scenic paths beside the road.
Great Otway National Park to Apollo Bay and Lorne
The Great Otway National Park has some of the world’s oldest rainforest. Sections of the Great Road in this part of the hike were carved by servicemen who came back from World War I. It offers some of the most striking coastal roads you’ll ever lay eyes on.
Then you’ll move on to Apollo Bay and Lorne, where you’re welcome to join in on the surfing action or just enjoy the Bells Beach and Torquay. You’ll find some time to stop at the Kennett River Koalas to watch these wondrous, cuddly creatures in their native habitat.
Then you’ll head through the Geelong on your way to The Big City, where you are welcome to enjoy the rest of your stay!
