Grampians

The rugged mountain ranges of the Grampians National Park mark the centre of this region and rise out of the rural plains of the Wimmera in north-west Victoria. The impressive ranges are renowned for their unspoilt natural beauty and feature lookouts with stunning panoramic views, picturesque waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal rock art, colourful wildflower displays and abundant native wildlife. The region also offers some of the finest walking in Victoria and is one of the main centres for rock climbing and abseiling, offering both challenging and easier climbs on various rock faces, including the famed Mt Arapiles. Other popular activities include fishing and canoeing in the region's system of inland lakes and rivers. Wine buffs are spoiled for choice on the Great Grape Road, where renowned wineries such as Seppelt, Best's, Mt Langi Ghiran and Montara offer tastings at cellar doors. There's also an abundance of local produce from ewe's milk, cheese and olives to locally sourced beef and lamb which features on menus throughout the region. The town of Halls Gap is picturesquely situated in the heart of the Grampians National Park with wonderful views of the Wonderland Range and Mt William Range, while other tempting locations are dotted around the edge of the park. Explore historic gold rush town such as Ararat known for its Gum San Museum that reveals the history of Chinese gold miners, or Stawell, home of the prestigious annual Stawell Gift foot race. The friendly agricultural towns of Horsham and Hamilton are known for their gardens, galleries and museums, and there are many smaller villages to explore including Dunkeld, Pomonal, Wartook Valley and Great Western.