Grampians

The rugged mountain ranges of the Grampians National Park mark the centre of the Grampians region and rise out of the rural plains of the Wimmera in north-west Victoria. The impressive ranges are renowned for their unspoilt natural beauty and lookouts with stunning panoramic views, picturesque waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal rock art, colourful wildflower displays and abundant native wildlife. The region offers ample opportunity for outdoor pursuits, including some of the finest walking in Victoria. The Grampians is one of the main centres for rock climbing and abseiling, boasting challenging and easier climbs on various rock faces, including the famed Mt Arapiles. Other popular activities include fishing and canoeing in the region's system of inland lakes and rivers. Wine buffs are spoiled for choice on the Great Grape Road, with the region home to some of the world's oldest vines. Renowned wineries such as Seppelt, Best's, Mt Langi Ghiran and Montara offer tastings at cellar doors. There's also an abundance of local produce from ewe's milk, cheese and olives to locally sourced beef and lamb. The Royal Mail Hotel has made Dunkeld a renowned gastronomic destination. The town of Halls Gap is tucked in the heart of the Grampians National Park with wonderful views of the Wonderland Range and Mt William Range, while other locations like Pomonal and Wartook Valley are great bases for discovering the park. Explore historic gold rush town like Ararat, known for the Gum San Museum that reveals the history of Chinese gold miners, or Stawell, home of the prestigious annual Stawell Gift foot race. The agricultural towns of Horsham and Hamilton are known for their gardens, galleries and museums, and there are many smaller villages to explore on your way around the region. The Grampians region is three hours from Melbourne on the Western Freeway.