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Grampians Wildflower Show Thursday 29 Sep to Sunday 2 Oct, 2011

August 17, 2011 in Grampians Events and Accommodation, Grampians News, Halls Gap Attractions by admin | No comments

Spring is a great time to visit the Grampians and every October the Grampians Wildflower Show takes place at Halls Gap showcasing the wildflowers of the area. The Halls Gap Wildflower Show is a renowned showcase of indigenous flowers of the Grampians. Displays demonstrate and explain the native flora found in the region.

Grampians Wildflower Show

Grampians Wildflower Show

A four day exhibition of the unique local wildflowers displayed to highlight the diverse plant communities of the Grampians. The show opens each morning at 9.30 and last entry is at 4.30. Cost is $7, $6 concession and 50c children and students.

The display in the Centenary Hall features plants from heathland, woodland and wetland areas. The plants are grouped according to their habitat.

Extensive reference material is available to help with information about plant identification, botanical names and details and advice as to where to see plants in the park. Ask questions of our local wildflower experts, take part in hands-on activities, and tour the wildflowers in their natural environment.

Other features of the show include:

So much for children! Daily children’s activities include quizzes, art activities, giant jigsaw, toys for the littlies, sample bags and more

On Friday and Saturday, be entertained by our roving Connie

Twice daily bus tours with expert guides to see wildflowers (at an extra cost of $4)

Gift shop with a wide variety of publications and wildflower related souvenirs

If you are in need of accommodation in Halls Gap during this time then look no further than The Grampians Accommodation.

Halls Gap walks – The Grampians National Park

June 12, 2011 in Grampians Accommodation, Grampians National Park Re Open, Grampians News, Halls Gap Floods by admin | No comments

Parks Victoria have published an easy to follow guide of the walks open to the public for people visiting Halls Gap.  Below you will find detailed information about each walk.  To download a printable copy of these walks including a handy map, please click here. 2011-06-10-Central-Walks-Grampians-National-Park

 

1. FYANS CREEK LOOP
…A chance to view wildlife
Distance: 2.5 km circuit Time: 30 – 50 minutes return
Elevation Change: 10 metres Grade: easy
Start: Stone sculpture at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre. If unsure ask at information desk.
Best in the early morning or evening to view waterbirds and kangaroos. A gentle track leads through Fyans Valley to Tandara Road (the track is suitable for people with limited mobility to this point). The track then crosses Fyans Creek and continues back along the forested foothills of the Mt William Range, to Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre.

 

1. BORONIA PEAK
…A rocky peak with spectacular views
Distance: 8.0 km return Time: 3 – 4 hours return
Elevation Change: 300 metres Grade: medium
Start: Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre carpark A track leads through Fyans Valley to Tandara Road. Cross Fyans Creek (Barri yalug) footbridge and begin a steady climb through tall messmate forest and native pines, along the western slope of the Mt William Range. Turn right at the signposted intersection. A scramble up the rocky summit rewards you with superb views towards Lake Fyans and over the Fyans valley. Return by the same route. Take care of cliffs and supervise children at all times.

Boronia Peak Halls Gap

2 CHATAUQUA PEAK
…A great view of the Halls Gap Valley
Distance: 5.6 km return Time: 2 – 3 hours return
Elevation Change: 200 metres Grade: medium
Start: Halls Gap Recreation Oval Carpark
Follow the signposted track through open forest to the foot of Clematis Falls (best after rain). Return 100 metres to an intersection and follow signposts and track markers along rocky areas, climbing steeply up to the summit of Chatauqua Peak. Return via same route.

 

2 CLEMATIS FALLS
…A beautiful waterfall best after rain
Distance: 2.4 km return Time: 1 hour return
Elevation Change: 70 metres Grade: medium
Start: Halls Gap Recreation Oval Carpark follow the signposted track through open forest to the foot of Clematis Falls, best after rain. Return by the same route.

 

3 SILVERBAND FALLS
Distance: 1.5km return Time: 25 to 40 minutes return
Elevation change: 15 metres Grade: Easy to medium – expect
some rock hopping, slippery surfaces and creek crossing
Start: Silverband Carpark from Silverband carpark follow the gently graded track to the edge of the creek. Here you can view the power of, and damage caused by a large amount of rain that flowed through this area. Look for the former footbridge that was washed away from this point 50m down the creek by the force of rocks and trees. Cross the creek bed to the other side to meet the track again. Take care as this involves rock hopping over slippery rocks and water. Follow the track to the base of Silverband Falls. Return via the same route.

Silverband Falls Halls Gap

4 SUNDIAL PEAK VIA VIEWPOINT
Distance: 7.8km return Time: 3 hours return
Elevation Change: 520 metres Grade: Medium-hard
Start: Lake Bellfield Observation Area Carpark (Dam Wall) from the carpark, cross the Grampians Road directly opposite the dam wall and look for the walking track sign. The first part of the walk takes you along a fireline that steadily climbs up the southern edge of the Wonderland Range. Take a right turn and follow the walking track as it winds steeply through a stringybark forest to a crest. A short walk to Viewpoint offers great views, return back to the intersection. Follow the track to your right as the track climbs steeply up the range, keep right and follow the track towards Sundial Peak where you will be rewarded with impressive views of Fyans Valley, Mt William Range and Lake Bellfield. Return via the same route There is no access to other walking tracks from this point.

Eastern Grampians

5 TUNNEL TRACK FROM POMONAL
Distance: 2.4 km one way Time: 1 – 1½ hours
Elevation Change: 230 metres Grade: medium
Start: Tunnel Road Carpark (11 km from Halls Gap on the Ararat- Halls Gap Road) From the carpark the track begins its steady climb past rocky outcrops to the top of the range. Descending the other side, you gain magnificent views of the Serra Range. This walk finishes at the western tunnel entrance. Return by the same route.
A self-guided nature walk to the Tunnel starts opposite the General Store in Pomonal. Leaflets are available on the tourist sign in front of the store.

Halls Gap to MacKenzie Falls driving map

May 10, 2011 in Grampians Accommodation, Grampians Events and Accommodation, Grampians National Park Re Open, Grampians News, Halls Gap Floods by admin | No comments

Wartook to MacKenzie Falls, Reeds & Boroka Lookouts via Northern Grampians (Mt Victory) Road.
In January 2011 a significant storm and flood event swept through the Grampians National Park causing damage to roads,
walking tracks, campgrounds and popular visitor sites. VicRoads have worked hard to open the Northern Grampians Road from Wartook to Boroka Lookout. This road allows northern access to MacKenzie Falls, Lake Wartook, Smiths Mill Campground, Balconies walk, Reeds and Boroka Lookouts. There is still significant flood damage beyond this area. Zumstein Picnic area and the Northern Grampians Road from Boroka to Halls Gap and all other roads in the area remain closed.
The walk to the base of MacKenzie Falls is currently closed due to flood damage. In the meantime the following two walks are available:
1 MACKENZIE FALLS LOOKOUT WALK
…excellent views overlooking MacKenzie Falls
Distance: 1.9 km return Time: 40 minutes
Elevation Change: 10 metres Grade: easy
Start: MacKenzie Falls Carpark
The walk to a viewing platform, that overlooks MacKenzie Falls, is
suitable for people with limited mobility. For the most spectacular
view, approach the viewing platform from the right-hand fork of the
track.
1 BROKEN FALLS LOOKOUT
…a short, easy stroll to a viewing platform overlooking Broken Falls
Distance: 500m return Time: 10 minutes
Elevation Change: 5 metres Grade: easy
Start: MacKenzie Falls Carpark
An easy stroll through open stringybark forest leads to a viewing
platform, that overlooks Broken Falls, and is suitable for people with
limited mobility.
2 REEDS LOOKOUT
…great views overlooking the Victoria Valley
Distance: 100m return Time: 10 minutes
Elevation Change: 15 metres Grade: easy-medium
Start: Reeds Lookout Carpark
Follow the path around the gate and along the sealed road to the
summit of Reeds Lookout. From this magnificent lookout you will
receive breathtaking views over Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra
Range, Lake Wartook and the Mt Difficult Range. Great views can
also be seen from the carpark.
2 THE BALCONIES
…cliff line views overlooking Victoria Valley
Distance: 2.0 km return Time: 1 hour
Elevation Change: 50 metres Grade: easy
Start: Reeds Lookout Carpark
The track climbs gently from the carpark, through
rock outcrops and a stringybark forest to the Balconies
lookout. From this lookout there are panoramic views
over the Victoria Valley.
3 BOROKA LOOKOUT
…A great view of the Halls Gap Valley and the eastern plains.
Distance: 90m one way Time: 5 minutes
Elevation Change: 5 metres Grade: easy
Start: Boroka Lookout Carpark
An easy stroll through open stringybark forest leads to two viewing
platforms that look down the Halls Gap valley and out onto the eastern
plains, and is suitable for people with limited mobility.
View Halls Gap to MacKenzie Falls and Boroka Lookout in a larger map

Flood Recovery Update 4 April 2011

April 7, 2011 in Grampians Accommodation, Grampians News, Halls Gap Floods by admin | No comments

Flood recovery works are progressing well but road closures are still enforce for;

Northern Grampians Road (Mt Victory Road) between Halls Gap and Wartook,

Grampians Road between Dunkeld and Silverband Falls Road and

Silverband Falls Road.

A brief update on road recovery works in the Grampians National Park is as follows:

Grampians Road
Clean-up of landslip debris (trees, soil and rock) on sections of the road -
approximately 75% complete.
Clean-up of landslip debris at five bridges and four culvert sites – 50%
complete.
Designs to repair bridge structures – in progress. Major works to begin
when designs are complete.
Installation of bigger culverts at four major culvert sites – to begin soon.
Estimated reopening: Six months (weather dependent). Sections may be
opened during this time.
Northern Grampians Road (Mt Victory Road)
Clean-up works – almost complete.
Repair and stabilisation of three minor slips – complete.

Approximately 2500 square metres of pavement construction and sealing
works at Zumsteins and Wartook Valley areas – complete.

Treatment design for earthworks, drainage solutions, road pavementrestoration and reconstruction and bridge repairs – being investigated.

Repairs on six major slips and one small slip – to begin when treatment
designs are complete.
An additional landslip has recently been identified between Zumsteins and
Mackenzie Falls. This steep landslip is a difficult site to repair due to its
height and difficulty in anchoring the retaining walls into stable ground.
Estimated reopening: Six to nine months (weather dependent). Sections
may be opened during this time.
Silverband Falls Road
Clean-up of debris between Grampians Rd and the Silverband carpark -
almost complete.
Estimated reopening: The section between Grampians Road and
Silverband carpark is due to be opened for Easter. The section beyond
Silverband carpark has sustained very serious damage and is still under
assessment. It will remain closed until further notice.
This information was current as at 4 April 2011.

For up-to-date road closure information visit vicroads.vic.gov.au/floods.

Tags: Grampians Accommodation, Grampians National Park, Halls Gap Floods, Road Closures grampians

Grampians National Park Update as at 25th Feb

March 9, 2011 in Grampians Accommodation, Grampians National Park Re Open, Grampians News by admin | No comments

If you are wondering what has happened in the Grampians since the Floods in January, read on for more information about what is open and what is closed.

Recovery from flood damage
In January 2011 a significant storm and flood event swept through the Grampians National Park causing damage to roads, walking tracks, campgrounds and popular visitor sites. Many areas of the National Park are closed. However the townships surrounding the park, including Halls Gap, Dunkeld, Wartook, Pomonal & Dadswells Bridge are open for business. The lakes surrounding the Grampians are looking spectacular and there is still plenty to do in the Grampians Region.

WHAT’S OPEN
Walking Tracks
Walks near Halls Gap: Boronia Peak, Chatauqua Peak (east side only), Clematis Falls and the Fyans Creek Loop.
Northern Grampians: Hollow Mountain, Flat Rock to Mt Stapylton, Mt Stapylton Loop, Mt Zero, Heatherlie Quarry, Beehive Falls, Briggs Bluff, Gulgurn Manja and Ngamadjidj Shelters.
Southern Grampians: Mt Sturgeon and the Piccaninny Campgrounds Open Plantation, Troopers Creek and Stapylton Campgrounds.
Also: private campgrounds surrounding the Park.
Roads Open
• Main roads into Halls Gap and Wartook
• Grampians Road to Lake Bellfield Picnic Area
• Mt Zero Road (Halls Gap to Mt Zero)
• Plantation Road
• Flat Rock Road
• Roses Gap Road
• Pohlner Link Track (Pohlner Road – Mt Zero Picnic Area)
• Pohlner Road (Northern Grampians Road – Coppermine Track)
• Coppermine Track
Please take care in these open areas
While walking tracks and roads in the above areas will be
open, visitors are advised that the maintenance standard may
be less than normal or expected. Park staff have taken much
care to ensure that risk issues have been minimised,
however hazards may still be present and visitors are advised
to proceed with caution.
Roads may appear in reasonable condition, but many have
corrugations, soft edges and are still very wet. Please be
cautious around road edges and drive slowly

See Grampians National Park Update Feb 2011 for information on what is closed and a map of the Grampians

Tags: Grampians Accommodation, Grampians National Park, Halls Gap Floods

Grampians National Park Update 10 Feb 2011

February 17, 2011 in Grampians National Park Re Open, Grampians News by admin | No comments

Please see the attached  latest update for the Grampians National Park.The National Park is slowly re-opening and things are returning to normal.  All the local businesses are fully operational and there are some fantastic walks and activities available for the public to explore.

If you are looking for a lovely Halls Gap Cottage to base yourself in we recommend Corella Cottage as a value for money property.

New openings include the Roses Gap Road and Troopers Creek campground.

Parks Victoria is working towards opening further walks and visitor sites by the long weekend in March and again in April for the Easter weekend.  These openings will include some visitor sites and walking tracks on the western side of the Grampians.

Recovery Note Grampians National Park 10 Feb 2011

Tags: Grampians Accommodation

Halls Gap Zoo – Open 7 days a week

January 31, 2011 in Grampians Accommodation, Grampians Events and Accommodation, Grampians National Park Re Open, Grampians News, Halls Gap Accommodation, Halls Gap Attractions by admin | No comments

Situated at the foothills of the majestic Grampians mountain ranges, the Halls Gap Zoo comprises 120 species of native & exotic mammals, reptiles and birds.

Observe our inquisitive meerkats, playful monkey’s, pure bred dingoes, grand barbary sheep and a plethora of wallaby and kangaroo species.

The zoo is actively involved in breeding & conservation programs for Brush-tailed Bettong, Tasmanian devil, Bilby, Bush Stone-Curlew, Quoll & Rock-wallabies.

Make the Halls Gap Zoo a part of your next Grampians experience.  They are open 7 days a week (excluding Christmas Day)

Enjoy the Meerkats at the Halls Gap Zoo

If you are looking for accommodation in Halls Gap check out The Grampians Accommodation website.  You will find a wide variety of accommodation ranging from Halls Gap Motels, to Halls Gap Cottages.

Tags: Grampians attractions

Grampians Walking Tracks – What is open?

January 25, 2011 in Grampians Events and Accommodation, Grampians National Park Re Open, Grampians News, Halls Gap Attractions, Halls Gap Floods by admin | 1 comment

Please find the attached updates for openings planned on the 26th Jan 2011 in the Grampians National Park. The attachments below include walking notes for Northern Grampians, walks near Halls Gap and Southern Grampians. These updates can be printed and photo copied. We have also included an update that will provide visitors with all that is opened and closed within the Grampians National Park.

We hope these tools help provide visitors with a safe walking experience in the opened areas of the Grampians National Park.  Please click on and print each of the information sheets below.

Northern-Walks-Grampians-National-Park

Wonderland-Walks-Grampians-National-Park

Southern-Walks-Grampians-National-Park

Recovery-Note-Grampians-National-Park

Grampians National Park Re Opening 26th January 2011

January 24, 2011 in Grampians Accommodation, Grampians Events and Accommodation, Grampians National Park Re Open, Grampians News, Halls Gap Accommodation, Halls Gap Attractions, Halls Gap Floods by admin | 2 comments

Happy Australia Day

Grampians National Park Reopening on Wednesday 26 January 2011

Park staff have been working hard to open areas of the Grampians and some areas will be open in time for Australia day. Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, and the townships of Wartook, Dunkeld and Halls Gap are all for business.

Visitors are advised to take caution at this time due to variable track conditions. Drivers should take additional caution at this time.

All other areas in the Grampians National Park are still closed due to widespread flood damage throughout the park.

. Open Roads Mt Zero Road (unsealed road from Halls Gap to Mt Zero) is open

. Roads north of Roses Gap Road (seasonal roads are closed, Pohlners Road and Coppermine Track are open but are very wet and do have some storm damage.)

. Open Campgrounds Plantation Campground

. Tapylton Campground

. Troopers Creek Campground (subject to Roses Gap Road being open)

Open Walking Tracks

. Boronia Peak

. Clemiatis Falls

. Fyans Loop (the fireline and walking track from the base of Boronia Peak to Delleys Bridge remains closed)

. Chatauqua Peak (Eastern side of peak, Chatauqua Peak to Bullaces Glen is closed)

. Hollow Mountain

. Mt Zero

. Stapylton Loop

. Flat Rock to Stapylton

. Beehive Falls (subject to Roses Gap Road being open)

. Briggs Bluff (subject to Roses Gap Road being open)

. Mt Sturgeon

. Piccanniny

. Art Shelters Gulgurn Manja

. Ngamadjidj

. Visitor Sites Heatherlie Quarry

. Mt Zero Picnic area

. Summerday Valley climbing area

Didjun Skin and Body – Halls Gap, The Grampians

January 23, 2011 in Grampians Accommodation, Grampians Events and Accommodation, Grampians News, Halls Gap Accommodation, Halls Gap Attractions, Halls Gap Floods by admin | No comments

Welcome to Didjun Skin and Body – reconnecting your personal well-being with nature through our Aveda treatments for the body and soul.
Relax with a cup of comforting tea as they help you bring skin, body, mind and mood into balance.
Recharge, Renew, Reflect and Recover at Didjun Skin and Body with their amazing facials, massages, packages and beauty treatments.
Why Didjun?

Enviro ethic
Didjun’s ethic is simple, care for the environment in which we live…
  • 100% renewable green energy
  • 100% rainwater is used and harvested from Didjun’s storage tank
  • 100% recycled card/paper is used in all printing and advertising and some soy-based ink is used
  • All product packaging is made from post-consumer goods
  • All products are organic, flower and plant based – some products are certified organic where possible
  • Ingredients are traceable from soil to bottle and are farmed sustainably
  • No animal contact and not testing is done on animals
  • Biodegradable ingredients
  • Aveda has raised $8 million for Environmental causes since 1999
  • Didjun has a no smoking policy

Aveda
Aveda finds their inspiration and ingredients from nature – certified organic, sustainably wild-crafted and develops pure flower and plant essences to create hair care, spa care, skin care and body care, makeup, pure-fume™ and lifestyle products that perform – that are gentle on your skin and the earth.
Didjun Skin and Body are proud to be the sole-stockists of Aveda products and treatments in the Grampians region. Their beautiful products have been very popular in this region however they understand if you can’t make it out to see then –they will post for free to anywhere in Australia.

Didjun is open by appointment, so call the friendly staff on 03 5356 6120 to make your booking.

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