Grampians Wildflowers and Walks

Date/Time
Date(s) - 2 Oct 2016 until 9 Oct 2016

Category(ies)

  • Ungraded
  • Leader: Liz Nilbett
  • Phone: 0408702886
  • Participant numbers:
  • Final booking date: Final bookings: Ask Liz!

I am offering a trip to Halls Gap commencing Sunday October 2. This coincides with the annual Halls Gap Wildflower Walkabout.

The trip has 3 options to select from:

Option 1: 3 days. Arrive October 2 and participate in activities related to the Wildflower Walkabout such as self  guided or guided walks and wildflower displays in the town hall.  We will also do a variety of day walks to enjoy some of the beauty and stunning features the Grampians National Park offers.

Option 2: The Grampians Peak Trail, October 5 – 7. See details below. Bushwalking, grade 4, hard.

Option 3: Participating in both of the above options.

Please let me know which of the options you are interested in.

There could be a 4th option if someone is interested in being a co-leader and extend the activities of option 1 to 7 days.

Accommodation:  Halls Gap Lakeside Camping and Cabins.

A huge variety of accommodation types is available here. If you wish to camp there are powered and unpowered sites.

Go to this website if you wish to explore the options. www.hallsgaplakeside.com

The Retro Glampers are the cheapest of the cabins. They sleep up to five, (one double, 3 bunks). These cabins have ensuites and are basic but comfortable. These are available for $475 for the week. Depending on how many stay per cabin this can work out fairly economical.

Whichever type of cabin you choose, if staying for a week, the proprietors have arranged a very good deal: stay 7 nights, pay for only 5.

http://www.hallsgaplakeside.com/cabins/retro-glampers/

The campground has a great common area with an open fire we can gather around.

You will be responsible for booking your accommodation, however I can put you in touch with other participants wishing to share a cabin.

 

The Grampians Peak Trail.

The link below opens a PDF with all the information you need about this walk.

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/662813/Grampians-Peaks-Trail-Brochure.pdf 

The Grampians Peaks Trail is one of the Walk Victoria’s Icons long distance trails. The first section is now complete and offers a 36 kilometre, 3 day/2 night circuit walk departing from Halls Gap.

Be inspired by the spectacular outlook of rugged mountain peaks from the top of Mount Rosea, panoramic views from the Pinnacle Lookout, ancient rock features of the Grand Canyon and the rich cultural history of this truly iconic Grampians landscape.

Three day / two night circuit walk 

Distance: 36.6km total                            Elevation changes: Day1: 8.6km                                             Day 1: 840m Day 2: 13.8km                                          Day 2: 1033m Day 3: 14.2km                                          Day3: 600m

Time: 3 days / 2 nights                            Start/Finish: Halls Gap

Experience required Bushwalking experience recommended – well-prepared and self sufficient bushwalkers prepared for all weather conditions.

Day one

Halls Gap to Bugiga (8.6km – 5 Hours) Starting from the carpark in Halls Gap walk past the swimming pool, cross the road and follow signs to Venus Baths. Just before the rock pools at Venus Baths take the track up the stairs towards Splitters Falls. Once on the track you will come to a track junction where you can take a small detour to view the falls.

Return to the main track and climb up through a rocky gully to the Grand Canyon. After the canyon a steady ascent takes you through woodland and to the rocky corridor of Silent Street and then on to the famous Pinnacle. From this lookout views of Mt William, Halls Gap and Fyans Valley are astounding.

Follow the GPT signs south to Lakeside Lookout and then to Sundial Carpark. Much of this track is near the ridge that provides hikers with views along the way.

At Sundial Carpark take the track towards Sundial Peak for 250m. Turn right and follow the track towards Rosea Carpark. After 1.1km turn left onto the track to Bugiga Hiker Camp, a distinctive high-quality sustainable hiker camp exclusive to the Grampians Peak Trail. Alternatively, keep following the track to the Stony Creek group Hikers Camp.

Day two

Bugiga to Borough Huts (13.8km – 5 to 6 Hours) Take the track to Rosea Carpark, cross Stony Creek Road to start an ascent through tall Messmate forest. On the ridge, carefully follow track markers through a maze of sandstone outcrops, to cross a bridge over the Gate of the East Wind.

Continue the climb up windswept terraces to a sign posted intersection, turning left to the summit of Mt Rosea. Enjoy amazing 360-degree views over the Serra and Mt William Ranges.

Follow the markers down and veer left, through a sheltered forest. Track markers will guide you down rocky outcrops and forested gullies before reaching Borough Huts Campground for your second night’s stay.

Walkers may choose to finish the walk at Borough Huts on day two and arrange for vehicle transport back to Halls Gap.

Day three

Borough Huts to Halls Gap (14km – 5-6 Hours) From the campground carefully cross the Grampians Tourist Road and follow the track to Bellfield Track, then continue along the Terraces Fireline. Follow this track to the Tandara Road intersection, turn left and walk to Tandara Road. Continue to the end of the road and cross over to the sealed walking track that will take you back to Halls Gap.