Grampians National Park

This post could just read visit the Grampians National Park and leave it at that. Such is the abundance of beauty and attractions in the area. But to be honest it wouldn’t be giving the area the respect it deserves so allow me to show you why the area is worth your time.

For those that don’t know, the Grampians National Park (or Gariwerd as the local Aboriginal people named it) is a series of rugged sandstone mountain ranges. Home to a stunning array of native flora and fauna along with a great deal of Aboriginal rock art.

Lake Wartook as seen from the Balconies Walk

To get you started on your exploration of the area you need a place to stay and for me there is no better spot than Halls Gap. It’s extremely close to a number of lookout/stop off points and is filled with accommodation options. My pick for a relaxed place to sleep is the Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. The owners are extremely friendly and have a number of great cabins you can stay in, or alternatively bring your tent and camp out. The park is also home to a thriving amount of wildlife. I stayed there recently and sitting around at night you saw kangaroo’s hopping past just meters from you. The below fellow greeted me as I exited the cabin the next morning.

Wildlife Greet You At Lakeside Tourist Park

Once you’ve taken time to explore the town the next stop should be the Brambuk Cultural Center. The center was created by the local Aboriginal communities of the area so that they could have a place to preserve and promote their unique culture and history. The historical information they have on display is really interesting so well worth taking the time to have a look back into Australia’s history.

Brambuk Cultural Center

When you’ve finished with the town and maybe grabbed an ice cream from the local icon that is Koolas Ice Cream Shop its time to head off along the beautiful and winding Northern Grampians Road. There are 3 great stop off points that are suitable for young (and old) along the road but many tourists make their way directly to MacKenzie Falls. You’d be hard pressed to blame them, its an amazing waterfall. Many people however skip the impressive Broken Falls which are just a few hundred meters in the other direction along the walking path to MacKenzie Falls. Also of note for hot days there is a small store at the car park where you can grab cold drinks and snacks. I believe it’s only open during the summer months so check first.

Broken Falls

The first of the other stops I think are worth your time is Reed Lookout and The Balconies Walk. Reed lookout offers a great view of the Victoria Valley on one side and Lake Wartook on the other. Where as the Balconies Walk is an easy 2km return trip from the Reed Lookout car park. You’ll pass through a stringybark forrest and cross over rocky outcrops to reach the namesake of the walk. A rocky outcrop that protrudes from the cliff wall.

The Balconies Walk

The last stop and closest one to Halls Gap is Boroka Lookout. This stop is suitable for everyone (including wheelchair visitors) and offers a great view out across Halls Gap all the way to Lake Bellfield.

Boroka Lookout

While the above is far from a definitive guide of what to see and do as there are of course other amazing stops throughout the Grampians National Park. Silverband Falls, the iconic Pinnacle Walk and Mt William the highest point in the park just to name a few. However due to the time of year you visit and fitness condition it can make some of them more difficult to visit than others.