Grampians Hiking weekend -16th-18th May 2025

Another weekend for those wh missed out on the Anzac weekend .Its time to head back to the Grampians to support the Local community devastated by recent fires again over the Christmas/new year period.

This will be a 3 Day/2 night trip to the Grampians staying at The Country Plaza Hotel.

Cost is $270 per person twin share. Two people to share a room. Each room has a Queen and single.

Once the weekend is filled I will send my account details for payment to secure your spot. Once you have Rsvpd, make sure you have Meetup notifications turned on so that you receive updates.

ITINERARY

Hotel check in is 2 PM on Friday 16th May 2025.
Lets meet at 1.30pm in the carpark of the Hotel . On previous occasions they have allowed early check in if your room is ready. Feel free to arrive early and have lunch in Halls Gap. We will then head to Halls Gap sports ground where we will commence the 6Km Chatauqua Peak loop at 2.30pm. This walk takes in Climatis Falls, Bullaces Glen with great views over Halls gap and surrounds from Chetauqua Peak . There is some rock scrambling over last 100 metres and steady climb to the peak.

After the hike we will drive approx 20mins to Reid's Lookout to watch the Sunset. I will have some nibbles bubbles and beers/soft drink supplied.

We have dinner reservation at The Halls Gap Hotel at 7.30pm on Friday night.
SATURDAY HIKE (Mount Stapylton Loop 12,1Km)

For anyone who is keen for a 5.30 am start, we will organize a drive to the Boroka lookout to watch the Sunrise.(weather permitting). This was a highlight of the previous trip so highly recommended

Breakfast

I will provide a supply of Weet-Bix and milk for both mornings and Bread for toasting and orange juice . There are a number of cafes in town for those that want a hot breakfast and coffee. The local Bakery also sells Bacon and egg rolls. Unfortunately the hotel restaurant is closed Sat & Sun

Todays hike we will meet in Hotel Car Park at approx 8.30am and drive approx 35mins to Northern Tip of the Grampians to hike the 12km Mount Stapylton loop which has a moderate to difficult rating . Its mostly flat but has some solid climbs and a 50 mtrs detour of rock scrambling to summit with spectacular 360 deg views. There is a steep decline on the return . Hiking shoes with good grip will be required for this hike.
We are need to pack a lunch to take on this walk . The Halls Gap bakery make Sandwiches, Salad rolls and egg and bacon rolls or make your own.

SAT Afternoon
On our drive back to Halls gap we will stop off at Pomonal Estate Winery to to sample some afternoon refreshments .

SAT DINNER : Approx 7pm

We will head to Barneys Bar & Bistro in Pomonal which is a unique rustic & charming Bar & Bistro approx 10min drive from our hotel

SUNDAY HIKE ( BORONIA PEAK 8KM)

Sunday after breakfast we need to Pack and check out before we start the morning hike.

We will depart for this hike between 8.30am-9am

Boronia Peak hike is one of the best hikes in the Grampian (Rated Moderate). It is a steady uphill climb to the summit with incredible views in all directions. We will likely see Kangaroos and emus along the first few kms . This trail has some uneven path sections and some scrambling at the end so sturdy footwear will be required

After the hike we can grab some lunch in town before heading home to Melbourne.

ACCOMODATION DETAILS
Country Plaza Halls Gap

141 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap VIC 3381

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'd 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 Friday 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. Drive safely and look forward to seeing you all there :-)

Cheers

Russell

mob 0411888024