6 Feet (Down) Under

Cela fait un moment que cela nous tente d’aller visiter les Grampians, dont les paysages restent toujours somptueux malgré les feux de forêt ayant plus ou moins ravagé cette région du Victoria il y a environ 2 ans. Nous avons donc réservé pour une petite semaine pendant les fêtes de fin d’année à Halls Gap, à Boronia Peak Villas…

Les chats ne sont pas bienvenus dans la région, et j’ai donc dû batailler ferme pour trouver une garderie encore susceptible de les accueillir. Les propriétaires de chats s’y prennent au moins quatre mois à l’avance pour avoir une place pour leurs petits amis poilus. Le problème de Cats R Us, la garderie en question, est qu’elle est trop bien, tellement luxueuse que mes gros pourris gâtés ne voudront plus rentrer à la maison… un comble tout de même !!

Halls Gap - Quick Facts

─        Population 300 
─        262 kilometres north-west of Melbourne
─        Grampians National Park
─        Bushwalking. 

Halls Gap is the main tourist hub in the heart of the Grampians. The picturesque town is set in the Fyans Valley at the foot of the of Wonderland and Mount William ranges and is the perfect place from which to explore the Grampians National Park, one of Victoria’s most outstanding natural features.  The town is within easy reach of many natural attractions including unique rock formations, scenic lookouts and waterfalls. The area is popular with lovers of outdoor activities, from bushwalking and abseiling, to fishing and canoeing. Whether you are seeking a relaxing escape or wilderness adventure, Halls Gap provides everything you need for an enjoyable holiday.  From the local village stores, the taste tempting wineries and the colourful galleries, to the majesty of the Grampians National Park, with its wildflowers and waterfalls, Halls Gap is the heart of this region. 

Explore the scenic drives, lookouts, and waterfalls in the beautiful Grampians National Park. Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre located 2.5 kilometres south of Halls Gap shops is a good starting point for anyone intending to explore the park

Learn about the diverse culture of the local indigenous people at Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre and join a tour of the many ancient aboriginal rock art sites in the area

Explore the park on foot – choose from an extensive network of trails criss-crossing the area. Walks such as Venus Baths, Boronia Peak and Chatauqua start from Halls Gap or you can drive to walks such as MacKenzie Falls, Hollow Mountain and Piccaninny which offer a wonderful variety of vegetation and landscapes

View Australian native animals in the wild throughout the Grampians National Park or visit the Wildlife Park and Zoo on Pomonal Road to see kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, emus, possums, and dingos as well as deer, waterfowl, ponies and other domestic farm animals in a bushland setting

Try a new adventure activity, from rock climbing to mountain biking

Join a tour – numerous organisations lead walking, cycling, canoing, mountain bike, 4WD, hot-air balloon and aeroplane tours ─ Enjoy some of the best inland fishing in Victoria

Take the Grampians scenic road through the ranges, past towering Mount Abrupt to the quiet little town of Dunkeld. The ranges are 95 kilometres long and 55 kilometres wide and the road follows a beautiful stretch of the Southern Grampians called the Serra Range.

Major events 

─        Grampians Jazz Festival – February
─        Grampians Rotary Art Exhibition – Easter
─        Grampians Gourmet Festival – May
─        Grampians Wildflower and Arts Show – September
─        Halls Gap Film Festival – November 

How to get there

Halls Gap is 262 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and a 3-hour drive. Travel by car via Stawell on the Western Highway. A return route to Melbourne via the Hamilton Highway through Mortlake and Geelong is recommended. Driving on Grampians roads at dusk can be hazardous – keep a look out for wildlife on the road.

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