Auswalk Grampians Hiker Highlights
• Exciting rock formations abound
• Venus Baths, Grand Canyon, Elephant's Hide, Silent Street
• 360° views from lofty summits
• Guaranteed kangaroo sightings in the wild
• See Aboriginal shelters with rock paintings

7 Day Trip - Itinerary Guide
Day 1: Starts in Melbourne at 10.00am. Travel to the Great Western winery district – tour and wine tasting at an historic winery. Continue to the Grampians for our first hike – an ascent of a small peak overlooking the Halls Gap valley (2 hours, moderate with an optional challenging section at the end). Accommodation: Halls Gap for all 6 nights.

Day 2: An excellent circuit walk featuring pretty Fyans Creek as well as an optional climb up lofty Boronia Peak (choice of 4 hours easy or 6 hours moderate to challenging). Enroute we will visit Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre for an introduction to the indigenous heritage of the Grampians – Gariwerd. There will be time to try something tasty in the indigenous food cafe.

Day 3: Ascend through the fascinating Grand Canyon in the Wonderland Range, passing many unusual rock formations including the Elephant’s Hide, Venus Baths, Guardian of the Canyon and Echo Cave (choice of 6-7 hours moderate or 4-5 hours moderate). From the summit of The Pinnacle you will be rewarded with a stunning birds-eye view.

Day 4: Today we take a very scenic drive to the Dunkeld area of the southern Grampians. There are choices of a couple of peaks to climb – you can challenge yourself on both or do one and enjoy some time exploring the small village of Dunkeld (choice of 6 hours moderate to challenging or 4 hours moderate).

Day 5: Today we head away from the tourists to the more remote Western Grampians. You can have the choice of a challenging climb to the summit of Mt Difficult and down by an alternative route (7 hours, challenging). Or, a more leisurely option will include walks at thundering McKenzie Falls and Reid’s Lookout and some sightseeing in the Victoria Valley (several short walks totalling 2-3 hours, easy).

Day 6: The even more remote country of the rugged Northern Grampians beckons today. Walk amongst intricately sculpted cliffs and look over range upon range of spectacular mountains (choice of 5-6 hours moderate to challenging or 5-6 hours moderate). Visit an Aboriginal shelter with paintings that depict the special relationship between the Aboriginal people and their land.

Day 7: Travel back to Melbourne to arrive around 1.00pm.

How hard is the walking?
You should be in reasonable shape, but there is certainly no need to be a triathlete. On some days we will do a full day walk and on other days there may be several shorter walks. Our full day walks generally involve 5-7 hours on the track at a moderate pace, though this might be broken into two or three separate sections. On some days there will be shorter options offered or you will have the chance to pull out part way along. So, most people should find options that suit their fitness level.

Specifics: The Grampians walking tracks vary a lot. Many are rough and rocky underfoot and on these tracks we will walk slower and cover less distance than on other trips.

Accommodation: We will be based in Halls Gap for all 6 nights of this holiday. You will stay in timber cottages in a bushland setting. Each cottage is fully self contained and has its own balcony from which to enjoy the views and wildlife. The property has a swimming pool and tennis court as well as a large communal building where we can gather for pre-dinner drinks etc.

What’s Included
6 nights accommodation, most meals (6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners), 2 guides, all transport from Melbourne, entry and activities at Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, National Park fees, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, notes and maps.

Meals: Quality dining is an important aspect of all Auswalk walking holidays. Meals vary a lot, but are always plentiful, nutritious and wholesome, with local flavours and specialities. A typical day starts with a substantial continental breakfast. On four days you will be given a picnic lunch packed in an insulated carrier bag, ensuring it remains fresh and cool. In the evenings you will sit down to a sumptuous two course dinner in a local restaurant and on one evening we will have a BBQ. Where meals are not included there will be restaurants and other eateries nearby.

What’s not Included
Travel insurance, alcohol, meals not listed and drinks with meals (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

2012 Departure Date
7 Day Guided Walk - departs 14 October, 2012

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