Grampians Hiking Weekend Saturday Sat 18th Oct -Sunday 19th Oct

Time to head back to the gorgeous Grampians during Wildflower season.

2 Day/1 night trip to the Grampians with overnight stay at The Country Plaza Hotel.

Cost is $160 per person twin share.

Once you rsvp and are confirmed as going, I will message you with pay id and or bank details for payment to secure your spot.

Please ensure your meetup notifications are turned on so that you receive updated messages relating to the weekend and if/when spots become available.

ITINERARY
Whilst official check in is 2pm, the hotel have allowed early check in around 1pm in the past . Feel free to arrive early and have lunch in Halls Gap.

We will then drive to Zumsteins at around 2pm with the plan to start Saturdays walk to Mckenzies Falls around 2.30pm . This is a 9km up and back hike reasonably flat but good fitness levels required. We will see lovely Fish Falls and the amazing McKenzie Falls

After Mckenzie's falls we will head to Reid's Lookout to watch the Sunset A few refreshments and nibbles will be provided.

We have dinner reserved at The Kookaburra Hotel which is 200mtrs from our accommodation at 730 on the Saturday night.

SUNDAY
Sunrise (Optional)

For anyone who is keen for a 530 am start, we will organize a car pool to the Boroka lookout to watch the Sunrise.(weather permitting). This was a highlight of previous trips so highly recommended

The hotel doesn't do breakfast but there are a number of cafes in town and a great bakery that open at 7am with Sandwiches and egg & bacon Rolls etc .

SUNDAY MORNING HIKE
Pinnacles lookout walk via Wonderland Car park .

We will begin the hike on Sunday at 900 AM. This is 4.5km up and back. The climb to Pinnacles lookout and is quite a workout and is rated moderate with some steep and rocky terrain . This hike is one of the top rated walks in the Grampians. We will pass through Grand Canyon and Silent street on route to take in the amazing views over Halls Gap from Pinnacle look out.

We will aim to have lunch in Halls Gap around 12pm venue TBA but likely at the Paper, Scissors, Rock Brewery.

AFTER LUNCH
Optional. own Cost $20 Adult or $15 Concession/seniors card

VISIT to WAMA Foundation Art museum (Wildlife Art Museum of Australia). It features:
Current exhibition from Western Australian artist Jacobus Capone who works across performance, video installation, photography, and painting, documenting pilgrimages and rituals in environments .This exhibition focuses on an 89 day solo journey around Mount Blanc France.

​The National Centre for Environmental Art, which is Australia's first gallery dedicated to art that focuses on the natural world and environmental issues.

​WAMA also includes Grampians/Gariwerd Endemic Botanic Garden and Jallukar Native Grasslands, which showcase and help preserve rare and endangered native plants.
​Outdoor art installations and a focus on native wildlife.

Hotel details

Country Plaza Halls Gap

141 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap VIC 3381

t. +61 3 5356 4344

The Hotel has been prepaid. Anything else (minibar, breakfast) will have to be settled directly with the hotel on checkout.

Checkout is at 1000 am so you will need checkout before we leave for the hike on Sunday

Can everyone make sure they have private health cover that includes ambulance or at least a subscription to Victorian Ambulance. Link below.

https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/membership/

We will be hiking in areas inaccessible by road- even a sprained ankle may require an airlift and without cover, you could be up for a bill in excess of $30k.

I will also have a waiver form that will need to be signed before we start the walk on Saturday afternoon.

Car Pooling.

Be great if we can use as few cars as possible. If anyone is not yet sharing and would like a lift can you DM me with your location and Ill see what we can organize. Can everyone make sure they have the contact details of the people they are ride sharing with and have confirmed collection points etc. Its a good 3 1/2 hour drive from Melbourne so please plan around this plus any stops you have on route.

Clothing

Keep your eye on the weather forecast,and pack accordingly. A light waterproof jacket probably a good idea.

My contact details are (m) 0411888024 should anyone need to get in touch or have any queries. Drive safely and look forward to seeing you all there 😀

Cheers

Russell

mob 0411 888 024
email russellchellew@gmail.com