The Grampians, Victoria
Tours
can’t do everything; that I will cement on this blog thing I write for fun.
Considering all of the good times I’ve had in the past, they can’t take us everywhere,
they don’t devote the right amount of time to each intended destination and sometimes
you’re like to find a dickhead or two on the bus. Back in 2014 the cousin and I
made a stop at Halls Gap (253km northwest of Melbourne) with a tour, which wasn’t
bad whatsoever, and the plan was to do a little bit of bushwalking in the
Grampians, or Gariwerd to the
indigenous.
The Grampians, Victoria (taken 2016)
Bushfires
put that plan out unfortunately, and so we had to leave without really seeing
the place for what it was, which is breath-taking for anyone interested.
Because of this we endeavoured, both separately, to go back and see the place
in its entirety. With a combined total of three attempts, it was the fourth
that proved the most fruitful and ensured the name of the Facebook album and
this post. Additionally, all I can say is TAKE YOUR OWN WHEELS!
Setting
ourselves up at Tim’s Place, a small hostel close to town and the roos that
take over the footy oval at day’s end, we made it our mission to see as much as
possible in the three days we had at our disposal. At the time (the start of
January) bushfires were still a real threat to everyone in the area but
fortunately none came into being, but still, BE vigilant.
The Grampians, Victoria (taken 2016)
Walks
in the Grampians are many and have their degree of ease and difficulty, so
following the rules and having a good pair of walking shoes will go a long way.
When commencing your visit, make a trip to the Visitor’s Centre to get the lay
of the land and any tips; the staff are so helpful. Just about all of the walks
cannot be accessed by wheelchair, pets are forbidden and children need to be
supervised. Also, be wary of branches and even trees falling over on your
chosen pathway. This was our reality on day two!
The
Pinnacle, the first walk we did, is an experience that I cannot recommend
enough. Starting from Wonderland Carpark the walk, lasting 2.1km, leads the
good traveller up to one of the most
magnificent views you’ll ever see in Australia.
The sight is wide and lasting
to the memory. This is where the camera will prove itself most vital to the
visit, and for any with a panorama setting, go crazy! This was where the new
Samsung became my newest of best friends.
Pinnacle Walk, The Grampians, Victoria (taken 2016)
One
option of returning to Wonderland Carpark is to go via the Grand Canyon which
was most popular when we were about. Both steep and rocky, but in its own way
quite easy, this walk could appease just about everyone. Said everyone were
also very cooperative towards each other and that’s one positivo we can all
have on our side.
Grand Canyon Walk, The Grampians, Victoria (taken 2016)
Since
this Sheep is all about encouraging safe travel, DO NOT CLIMB UP THE SIDE OF
THE ROCKS! One guy decided to prove this with a pair of thongs on (flip flops
to the readers in the UK), and had the cousin and I not seen him driving like
he had a burnout planned, Mr Thong’s high chances of having an accident
probably wouldn’t have crossed our minds.
With
that shared, another of the favourite walks taken was the MacKenzie Falls and
Fish Falls venture which was highly recommended by the Tim of Tim’s Place.
Making our way to MacKenzie Falls Carpark
(and avoiding a fallen gumtree on the mountain) we took this one thinking that
it’d be a loop, so no doubling back would be needed (all round it was meant to
last 7km). This would’ve been more easily accomplished had someone remembered
to bring a map (yep, my badness) but we made it work. MacKenzie Falls’ allows
visitors to get some great shots but if the water is covering rock pathway just
don’t risk an accident.
MacKenzie Falls Walk, The Grampians, Victoria (taken 2016)
MacKenzie Falls Walk, The Grampians, Victoria (taken 2016)
In
previous posts I’ve commented on how the land and locations I visit can inspire
my own creative writing (Keep River, Khao Sok National Park). I’m happy to say
that this was the case yet again. After gazing at MacKenzie Falls, a
magnificent display of what nature can achieve, we went walkabout towards Fish
Falls, another worthy camera moment (go at the right time and you can have it
all to yourself). Moving along the river and cliff faces, and just before a few
tree branches fell on our tracks, I was definitely getting the creative juices
going.
Fish Falls Walk, The Grampians, Victoria (taken 2016)
One
of the many positives about Halls Gap is that some of the walking options are
close to the front door of where you might be staying. From Tim’s Place we
could get to the town for eating purposes (lot of great cafes about), but also
to some shorter and incredibly easy walking trails. These you might be able to
handle in your thongs, which is what I did because a massive blister had taken
up residence on one of my toes.
Venus
Bath is tranquil if reached at the right time of day and via the Botanic
Gardens. The cousin made the walk on the first night alone because I was still
sleeping off New Year’s (for anyone involved, my dog and everyone else’s dog
hates fireworks, and if I’m not mistaken there was a total fire ban on the eve
of 2016 so HINT HINT!) but she was good enough to take me along for the second
visit.
There’s a no swimming rule for most of the walks (MacKenzie Falls and
Fish Falls come to mind) but I’m almost but not completely certain that you can
have a dip in Venus Bath. If you’re lucky you will see a roo hopping about with
a joey in the pouch.
Venus Bath Walk, The Grampians, Victoria (taken 2016)
All
of this, along with visits to the Brambuk Cultural Centre and the Halls Gap Zoo
(in which I got a look at some barbary sheep before seeing wild ones in their
native Morocco next March) can be done in a few days. This is all done with the
power of having your own wheels, and realising that tours can’t take you
everywhere. I’ve had so many good times in the past and met some awesome people
but this is what travelling independently, or with the best baby cousin ever,
can achieve. Just don’t forget your water bottle.
The Grampians, Victoria (taken 2016)
No comments:
Post a Comment