Grampians Hiking weekend 17-19 April 2026

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

Cost is $275 per person twin share. Two people to share a room. Each room has a Queen and King single.

Once you have RSVPd and confirmed as going, please make payment asap by 24th March to secure your spot.
record Gramps and name in payment reference

Payment via Pay id ref russellchellew@gmail.com

or direct

Rchellew Family Trust
bsb 805-050 acc no 100040923

ITINERARY
Hotel check in hotel 1PM on Friday 17th April 2025.
Lets meet at 1.00 pm in the carpark of the Hotel . Feel free to arrive early and have lunch in Halls Gap.

1ST HIKE : ZUMSTEINS TO MACKENZIE FALLS 8km (Up & Back)
The starting point at the Zumsteins is a 25min drive from our Motel . We will drive in convoy leaving at around 2pm
This is a moderate up and trail approx 8km along Mackenzie River past Fish Falls to the magnificent Mackenzie Falls.

SUNSET
After the hike we will drive to Reid's Lookout to watch the Sunset. I will provide some nibbles, bubbles/wine, beer & soft drink.

DINNER 7.30pm
We will have a dinner reservation at Kookaburra Hotel which is 200mtrs from our Accomodation .

SATURDAY MORNING OPTIONAL SUNRISE HIKE

MOUNT WILLIAM SUMMIT 4.2km up and back

This will be a hike for the early birds . We will leave Accommodation around 5am for a 20min drive to Mt William Car Park for a 4.2km up and back climb to the highest peak in the Grampians for stunning 360 deg views.
This a steep climb along a paved path all the way to the summit.. Torch or Head torch will be required for this hike

SATURDAY HIKE 10-10.30am
CHATAUQUA PEAK 7km

This hike will commence from Halls Gap sports ground where we will embark on 7km loop hike to summit of Chatauqua Peak This walk takes in Climatis Falls, Bullaces Glen with great views over Halls gap and surrounds from Chetauqua Peak . There will some rock scrambling over last 100 metres (may not be suitable for those afraid of heights) and is a steady climb to the peak.

We will take own lunch to eat at the summit .The Hall Gap Bakery sells a variety of meat and salad rolls and baked goods.

AFTERNOON
Free time to relax or wander around Halls gap
Perhaps some pre dinner drinks at Rock Paper Scissors (Brewery/Bar) or nearby wine bar

DINNER 7PM
Halls Gap Hotel Restaurant
2262 Grampians Rd ,Halls Gap Vic 3881

SUNDAY MORNING HIKE

WONDERLAND CAR PARK TO THE PINNACLES (LOOP) 6-7km
We will check out of the Motel at say 9am and drive in convoy to the Wonderland Car Park
This has an initial challenging uphill 2.5km climb to the Pinnnacles with scrambling over rocky steps and narrow passages. The trail highlights include Grand Canyon, Silent Street and the rocky outcrop to the Pinnacles look out.

After the hike we can grab some lunch in town or stop off at a pub in Ararat on the way home to Melbourne.

BREAKFASTS

I will supply Weet-Bix, Porridge and milk for both mornings . There are a couple of cafes in town for those that want a hot breakfast and Barista coffee. The local Bakery also sells Bacon and egg rolls. Unfortunately our Accomodation restaurant is closed Sat & Sun

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.

REFUND POLICY

To help us plan logistics, for this experience, the following cancellation and refund policy applies:

• Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to the event start date will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made within 7 days of the event start date are non-refundable.
• Tickets are not transferable to another date or event once within the 7-day window.
• If organiser is required to cancel the event due to extreme weather, safety concerns or unforeseen circumstances, participants will be offered a full refund.

Refunds may be granted outside this policy at Organizers discretion, in cases of exceptional circumstances (eg medical emergencies etc

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