Grampians National Park (VIC) Preview

Welcome aboard Autopia Tours!

Before we begin our journey to the stunning Grampians National Park, I’d like to share some important safety information to help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience today.

Safety and Seat Belts

In Australia, it is a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt whenever the vehicle is in motion. This is especially important as we travel through regional areas where wildlife—like kangaroos and other native animals—can unexpectedly cross the road. Wearing your seatbelt helps protect you and those around you at all times.

Emergency Exits

In the unlikely event of an emergency, if I’m unable to assist you directly, please take note of the following exits:

• The main door you entered through
• The roof hatch (push upwards to open)
• Emergency windows, which can be broken using the red glass hammer on board

First Aid

This vehicle is equipped with two first aid kits:

• A large kit on board the bus
• A smaller portable kit carried by your guide during walks

Your guide is fully trained in first aid. If you feel unwell or need assistance at any time, please let us know immediately.

Communication in Regional Areas

While the Grampians are more accessible than remote outback regions, mobile reception can still be limited in certain areas of the park.
We carry communication devices to ensure your safety, and your guide will manage any emergency communication if required.

Weather, Hydration & Conditions

Conditions in the Grampians can vary quickly, even in a single day. While it’s generally cooler than northern Australia, it’s still important to stay hydrated and prepared.

We recommend:

• Bringing at least 1–2 litres of water
• Wearing comfortable walking shoes
• Using sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Bringing layers, as temperatures can change

If you feel unwell at any time, please tell your guide. We carry electrolytes to help if needed.

Walking & Wildlife Safety

Today includes short walks to lookouts, waterfalls, and scenic locations within Grampians National Park.

To stay safe:

• Always remain with your guide and group
• Stay on marked tracks and designated viewing areas
• Take care on uneven or rocky surfaces
• Do not approach or feed wildlife

We may encounter kangaroos and other native animals—please enjoy them from a safe distance.

Meals

This is a self-catered tour, giving you flexibility throughout the day.
We will stop at a local café or township where you can purchase lunch, snacks, and drinks while supporting local businesses.

Please bring a refillable water bottle—there is drinking water available on board for refills.

Comfort Onboard

Air conditioning and music are there for your comfort. If you’d like adjustments, feel free to let your driver know.

With that, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey as we explore the incredible landscapes of the Grampians National Park.

We’re delighted to have you with us today and look forward to an unforgettable adventure!

We begin today by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are meeting and departing, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation.

We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples joining us today.

The Wurundjeri people have cared for this land for tens of thousands of years, maintaining a deep spiritual, cultural, and physical connection to Country.

As we travel today from Melbourne toward the Grampians—known traditionally as Gariwerd—we will also pass through the lands of other Aboriginal groups, including the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples, the Traditional Owners of the Grampians region.

We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded, and that this land always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

“This artwork symbolises the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people's connection to Country, with birds representing strength and balance, and flowing lines reflecting the lifeblood of the Yarra River and enduring cultural custodianship.”

Welcome to your adventure from Melbourne to the spectacular Grampians National Park, known traditionally as Gariwerd.

Today we’ll travel west through regional Victoria, passing historic gold rush towns, wide agricultural plains, and eventually arriving at one of Australia’s most iconic mountain landscapes.

This is a full-day tour, typically around 12 to 13 hours, so there will be a balance of driving and exploring. Along the way, we’ll stop for breaks, short walks, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting.

Some of today’s highlights include:

• Scenic lookouts with panoramic mountain views
• Native wildlife such as kangaroos and emus
• Cultural insights into Australia’s First Nations people
• Waterfalls and unique rock formations

As we leave Melbourne, you’ll notice the urban environment gradually giving way to open countryside.

Victoria may be one of Australia’s smaller states, but it’s incredibly diverse. Within just a few hours, you can travel from a major city to farmland, forests, and mountain ranges.

The region we’re travelling through today forms part of Victoria’s agricultural heartland. You’ll see:

• Sheep raised for wool and meat
• Dairy farms producing milk and cheese
• Crops such as wheat, barley, and canola

Australia is a major global exporter of agricultural products, and regions like this play an important role in supporting both the national economy and local communities.

You might also notice the size of the farmland—large, open paddocks stretching across the landscape. This reflects Australia’s relatively low population density and the vast amount of available land.

As we continue, keep an eye on how the landscape changes throughout the day—it’s one of the most fascinating parts of the journey.

We are now travelling near Ballarat, one of Australia’s most historically significant cities.

In the early 1850s, gold was discovered here, triggering one of the largest gold rushes in the world. Almost overnight, Ballarat transformed from quiet farmland into a booming settlement attracting tens of thousands of people from across the globe.

Migrants arrived from:

• Britain and Ireland
• Europe
• China
• North America

This rapid population growth helped shape modern Australia as a multicultural society.

Life on the goldfields was challenging. Miners worked long hours in difficult conditions, often with little success. However, the chance of striking gold kept people coming.

One of the most important events in Australian history took place here—the Eureka Rebellion.

Miners protested against high licence fees and lack of political representation. The conflict at the Eureka Stockade was brief but significant. Although the rebellion was suppressed, it led to major reforms, including fairer laws and expanded voting rights.

Because of this, the Eureka Rebellion is often seen as a key moment in the development of democracy in Australia.

Today, Ballarat is a thriving regional city, but its gold rush legacy remains an important part of its identity.

We’ll soon arrive in Beaufort for a short break.

This is a great opportunity to:

• Stretch your legs
• Grab a coffee or snack
• Use restroom facilities

Beaufort is a small rural town with a population of around 1,000 people. Like many towns in this region, it developed during the gold rush of the 1850s, when large quantities of gold were discovered nearby at Fiery Creek.

At its peak, thousands of miners passed through this area, contributing to the rapid growth of small settlements like Beaufort.

Today, the town reflects a quieter pace of life, centred around agriculture and local community.

Beaufort is also known as the birthplace of Cyril P Callister, the creator of Vegemite—one of Australia’s most iconic foods.

Vegemite is a thick, salty spread made from yeast extract and is traditionally eaten on toast. It’s a staple in many Australian households, though its strong flavour can be surprising for first-time visitors.

Despite its small size, Beaufort continues to play a role in regional tourism and events, including local festivals that bring visitors into the area throughout the year.

Welcome to Grampians National Park.

This area is also known as Gariwerd, the traditional name used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years.

The Grampians are one of Victoria’s most remarkable natural landscapes, covering over 160,000 hectares of rugged mountain ranges, forests, and valleys.

This landscape began forming more than 400 million years ago. At that time, this region was covered by a vast inland sea. Over millions of years, layers of sand and sediment settled on the seabed and were compressed into sandstone.

Later, tectonic forces caused the Earth’s crust to shift and buckle, lifting these rocks into the mountain ranges we see today.

The park consists of a series of long ridges running north to south for around 90 kilometres, shaped over time by erosion from wind and water.

Today, the Grampians are recognised on Australia’s National Heritage List for their:

• Natural beauty
• Geological significance
• Biodiversity
• Cultural importance

As we enter the park, you’ll notice the environment changing rapidly—from open farmland to forested slopes and rocky outcrops—marking the beginning of a truly unique landscape.

The Grampians are one of the most biologically diverse regions in Victoria.

There are nearly 1,000 native plant species found here, including around 20 species that exist nowhere else on Earth. This makes the park especially important for conservation.

During spring, the landscape transforms with colourful wildflowers, native orchids, and flowering shrubs. These plants have adapted to survive in often harsh conditions, including poor soils, drought, and fire.

The park is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including:

• Around 35 species of mammals
• Over 200 species of birds
• Reptiles, frogs, and freshwater fish

Some of the more commonly seen animals include:

• Eastern grey kangaroos
• Emus
• Swamp wallabies
• Red-necked wallabies

You may also spot birdlife such as kookaburras, cockatoos, and wedge-tailed eagles soaring above.

Like much of Australia, the Grampians also has introduced species such as foxes, rabbits, and deer, which can impact native ecosystems.

This mix of unique plant life and diverse wildlife is one of the reasons the Grampians are considered a biodiversity hotspot.

The Grampians, or Gariwerd, are the traditional lands of the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples.

Aboriginal people have lived in this region for tens of thousands of years, maintaining one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world.

Gariwerd is a place of deep spiritual significance. It contains the majority of Aboriginal rock art sites in Victoria, with thousands of individual motifs recorded across the region.

These artworks were created using natural pigments such as ochre and clay, and often depict:

• People and animals
• Dreaming stories
• Cultural symbols and teachings

The land provided everything needed for life:

• Food such as kangaroos, fish, and edible plants
• Water from rivers and wetlands
• Shelter in rock overhangs

Clothing was made from animal skins, and tools were crafted from stone and wood.

A central figure in local creation stories is Bunjil, the creator spirit, who is believed to have shaped the landscape and its people.

Today, Gariwerd remains a living cultural landscape. It’s important to respect the land, stay on designated tracks, and recognise that many areas are still culturally sensitive.

The Grampians is famous for its wildlife, particularly kangaroos and wallabies. But what’s the difference between the two? Wallabies are smaller, growing from 30–104 cm tall and weighing between 2 to 24 kg, with compact legs and a brighter coat. Kangaroos, on the other hand, can reach heights of up to 2.4 m and weigh as much as 91 kg, making them the true giants of the grasslands.

This area is also home to:

• Eastern grey kangaroos
• Emus
• Wallabies
• A wide variety of birdlife, including kookaburras and cockatoos

Watching these animals in their natural environment is like stepping into a live wildlife documentary. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see them active, grazing or hopping across the plains.

Important reminders:

• Please do not approach or feed the wildlife
• Keep a safe distance at all times
• Sudden movements can startle animals

Observing kangaroos, wallabies, and other native species in their natural habitat is one of the highlights of visiting the Grampians. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just soaking in the scene, these encounters are an unforgettable part of your journey.

Halls Gap is the main township within the Grampians and is home to around 400 residents. It is located in the Fyans Valley, surrounded by the Wonderland and Mount William ranges, creating a natural gateway into the park.

The town was established in the 1800s and named after Charles Browning Hall, one of the first European settlers in the area. The name “Halls Gap” comes from the visible gap in the surrounding mountains.

Today, Halls Gap is a popular base for visitors exploring the region. It offers:

• Cafés, restaurants, and shops
• Accommodation for travellers
• Easy access to walking tracks and природ attractions

The town is also known for its relaxed atmosphere and close connection to nature. It’s very common to see kangaroos grazing in open areas, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. Emus are also occasionally spotted walking through town.

Throughout the year, Halls Gap hosts events such as food and wine festivals, art exhibitions, and music festivals, attracting visitors from across Australia and beyond.

The Grampians are the result of geological processes that began more than 400 million years ago.

At that time, this region was part of an ancient coastline. To the west were mountains, while to the east lay a deep ocean.

Over millions of years, layers of sand and mud were deposited along this shoreline, eventually building up to several kilometres in thickness.

Under immense pressure, these layers hardened into sandstone rock.

Later, movements in the Earth’s crust caused this rock to fold and lift, creating the mountain ranges we see today.

The Grampians are made up of several distinct ridges running north to south, including:

• Victoria Range
• Serra Range
• Mount William Range
• Mount Difficult Range
• Wonderland Range

Over time, erosion from wind, rain, and temperature changes carved out valleys, cliffs, and the dramatic rock formations seen throughout the park.

This long geological history is what gives the Grampians their rugged beauty and unique shapes.

Boroka Lookout is one of the Grampians’ most accessible viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramic views. A short, easy walk brings you to viewing platforms overlooking Halls Gap township, the Fyans Valley, Lake Bellfield, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the scale of the landscape and see how the valley nestles between the rugged sandstone ridges. The area is framed by stringybark forests, a type of eucalyptus tree common to this region, adding a rich green contrast to the rocky terrain.

Historically, lookouts like Boroka were vital for navigation and early settlement. Today, they remain essential for tourism, providing stunning photo opportunities, and for fire observation, helping park rangers monitor the surrounding wilderness.

Take a moment to soak in the views, listen to the breeze through the trees, and enjoy one of the Grampians’ most iconic panoramas.

We are now visiting Reed’s Lookout, one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Grampians National Park.

From here, you can enjoy sweeping views across:

• Victoria Valley
• The Serra Range
• Lake Wartook and surrounding landscapes

This lookout is easily accessible and offers one of the best vantage points to appreciate the vast scale of the Grampians.

From Reed’s Lookout, we’ll continue on a short walk to The Balconies. This iconic rock formation was once known as the “Jaws of Death” due to the dramatic cliff slabs that jut out like an open mouth.

In the past, visitors could walk onto the lower ledge, but due to safety concerns—including a fatal accident and the natural cracking of the rock—it is now closed. The designated viewing areas still offer incredible perspectives.

From The Balconies, you’ll see:

• Expansive valleys stretching into the distance
• Layered sandstone ridges shaped over millions of years
• Vast, uninterrupted natural wilderness

A fun cultural connection: the landscape here inspired scenes in the acclaimed Japanese animation Princess Mononoke by Hayao Miyazaki. The jagged cliffs, deep valleys, and towering trees reflect the dramatic and mystical qualities of the natural world depicted in the film.

Please remember to stay behind safety barriers and follow your guide’s instructions while visiting this area. Taking in both the natural beauty and its cultural significance is one of the highlights of the Grampians experience.

Mackenzie Falls is one of Victoria’s most spectacular waterfalls, plunging 40 metres into a rocky pool below. The water originates at Lake Wartook and flows along the Mackenzie River. Unlike many Australian waterfalls, Mackenzie Falls flows year-round, although the volume varies with seasonal rainfall.

The waterfall’s rugged, moss-covered cliffs and dramatic cascades make it a truly cinematic backdrop. Its misty environment and forested gorge have inspired photographers, filmmakers, and artists alike.

Visitors can enjoy the falls in a couple of ways:

• From a viewing platform that offers easier access and panoramic views
• By taking the steeper walk down to the base, which involves approximately 260 narrow steps into the gorge for a closer experience

Safety Note: Swimming at Mackenzie Falls is not safe due to strong currents, slippery rocks, and hidden underwater hazards. Please enjoy the falls from a safe distance.

Red-necked wallabies and Eastern grey kangaroos are often spotted nearby, adding life to the scene.

This site also holds cultural significance, traditionally considered an important place for Aboriginal women.

Please note: Due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades, access to Mackenzie Falls may be temporarily restricted. Alternative scenic stops within the Grampians will be included where necessary.

The Grampians environment is shaped by powerful natural forces, particularly fire and weather.

Bushfires are a natural and essential part of the Australian landscape. Many native plants have adapted to fire and actually rely on it to regenerate.

For example:

• Some plants only release seeds after exposure to heat
• Fire helps return nutrients to the soil
• New growth often appears quickly after rainfall

The region experiences:

• Hot, dry summers
• Cooler, wetter winters
• Mild spring conditions ideal for wildflowers

One of the most significant recent bushfires occurred in 2006, when a lightning strike caused a fire that burned over 80,000 hectares of the park.

Flooding and landslides can also occur, particularly after heavy rainfall events.

These natural cycles continually reshape the landscape, making the Grampians a dynamic and ever-changing environment.

We are now approaching Ararat, often referred to as the gateway to the Grampians.

Ararat has a unique place in Australian history. During the gold rush of the 1850s, it became one of the few towns where Chinese miners were officially encouraged to settle. Many of these miners walked hundreds of kilometres inland from coastal ports in search of gold, contributing significantly to the region’s development.

This migration helped shape Australia’s multicultural identity, and Ararat remains an important symbol of that history.

The town itself was named after Mount Ararat in Turkey, reflecting the influence of European settlers who often named new places after familiar locations from their homelands.

Today, Ararat is a regional service centre supporting surrounding farming communities, particularly sheep grazing and cropping.

As we leave Ararat behind, you’ll begin to notice the landscape slowly changing. The wide, flat plains of western Victoria will soon give way to more rugged terrain, signalling that we are getting closer to the mountains.

You may notice large wind turbines appearing across the landscape.

These belong to the Challicum Hills Wind Farm, located just outside Ararat. When it opened in 2003, it was the largest wind farm in Australia and marked an important step toward renewable energy in the country.

Wind farms like this:

• Generate clean electricity for tens of thousands of homes
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Support regional jobs and investment

This area is ideal for wind energy due to its elevated terrain and strong, consistent winds. Today, Victoria continues to expand its renewable energy network, with many more wind farms operating across the state.

Welcome back to Melbourne!

Thank you for choosing to travel with Autopia Tours today. We hope you’ve enjoyed your adventure to the Grampians National Park, experiencing the incredible natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance of inland Victoria.

Australia is a vast and diverse country, and today you’ve seen just a small glimpse of what makes it so unique—from rugged mountain ranges and cascading waterfalls to wildlife and Aboriginal heritage.

If you’ve enjoyed your day, we’d really appreciate you leaving a review on Google, TripAdvisor, or your booking platform. Your feedback helps other travellers discover and enjoy this experience.

For those continuing your travels, we hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Australia. Safe journeys, and we look forward to welcoming you on another Autopia adventure soon!