CULTURAL TREASURES IN THE GRAMPIANS reborn

If ever there was a time to consider a trip to the Grampians region in Victoria, this is it.

Massive regrowth and regeneration following the devastating fires of January 2006 have transformed the region, with this spectacular landscape looking better than ever.

Even if you’re new to the area, the contrast between the new and old growth is obvious. Bumper wild-flower seasons are expected for the next couple of years, due to the regeneration process sparked by the fires.

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The Grampians, in north-western Victoria, is all about big skies, rugged mountains, waterfalls, sweeping valleys, great vineyards and historic towns and villages. There are no fewer than 10 national and state parks – a photographer’s paradise.

The Grampians National Park comprises four mountain ranges – Mount William, Serra, Mount Difficult and the Victoria Range. The area is long beloved by rock climbers and mountain-eers, drawn by the rugged landscape and dramatic sandstone, some of it the legacy of prehistoric volcanic eruptions.

Access to the Grampians is from Halls Gap and Pomonal in the east, Dunkeld in the south and the Wartook Valley in the north-west. It’s a comfortable three hour drive from Melbourne.

Another compelling reason to visit is the rich cultural experience from the traditional owners, whose ancestors inscribed rock art and created sacred sites throughout this dramatic area. The Brambruk Cultural Centre at Halls Gap is regarded as one of Australia’s top places to learn about Indigenous Australians and their connection with the land.

Wine production in this cool-climate area started way back in 1863, with Seppelt being one of many famous vineyards in the region. It’s said that some of the world’s oldest shiraz vines grow here and are still producing fine wines. Other wineries include Great Western, Montara and Norton Estate. Many wine estates operate cellar doors for tasting and purchase, along with other gourmet produce from the region, such as olive oils.

A great way to explore the Grampians and build an appetite is to change four wheels for two and pedal your way around. There are guided off-road tours and night tours for the seriously enthusiastic, but plenty of leisurely routes for people who prefer going at their own pace.

Popular routes include:
• 48km round trip from Horsham to Mount Arapiles Rail Trail via Natimuk. This is a ride over flat terrain.
• 70km round trip from Edenhope to Harrow. Scenic ride through traditional farming country with bushland backdrop.
• 8km route from Dimboola along the Wimmera River to Horseshoe Bend in the Little Desert National Park. Flat, easy ride.
• 60km round trip from Stawell to Halls Gap via Pomonal. An undulating ride with the Grampians in the background.

If you’d like to cover more ground, there are literally hundreds of kilometres of tracks for 4WD vehicles in the parks. It’s wise to check with the visitor information centres in the various towns as to whether the tracks you’re considering are open, as some close seasonally.

There’s some excellent fishing in the area’s lakes, reservoirs and streams, and you can expect to find catfish, trout, golden perch and many other good eating fish in the waters. Make sure you’ve obtained the correct permit before you cast.

After you’ve done your bushwalking, what better way to enjoy the big skies than a round of golf on one of the scenic courses at Arrarat, Balmoral and Stawell, as well as several other courses around the region. One has to wonder, though, at the wisdom in naming the Mount Difficult Golf Course!