The Grampians

How do you explain the magnificence of the Grampians? Is it possible to convey the ancient grandeur, astounding vistas and wonderful bushwalks in words? Even photography can only hint at the feeling of walking through this landscape.

While words and pictures can only partially re-create the majesty of the Grampians, numbers certainly help us understand the sheer size and biological importance of this region. The Grampians National Park is 167,000 hectares of prime Aussie bushland, and stretches 90 kilometres north to south. It contains 970 species of native plants, 200 species of birds, 35 types of mammals, 28 different reptiles, 11 amphibians and six species of freshwater fish.

Though we know the rugged ranges were formed about 50 million years ago by volcanic activity and are largely composed of granite and sandstone, facts and figures will never describe the sensation of standing in a landscape as ancient as this.

To say it verges on the mystical is not an exaggeration - the local Koori Aboriginal people regard it as a sacred place. When Major Thomas Mitchell encountered the Grampians in 1836 (and named them after a Scottish range of the same name), he wrote that they were 'a noble range of mountains, rising in the south to a stupendous height, and presenting as bold and picturesque an outline as a painter ever imagined.' Clearly, the Grampians move people's souls.

The Koori presence is evident throughout the park. There are about 60 different Aboriginal rock art sites, with more than 4,000 different motifs, making this one of Australia's most significant locations in terms of Indigenous culture. The award-winning National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap gives rich insights into the Aboriginal connection with the surrounding area.

Off the beaten track, there are more than 50 signposted bushwalking trails, from the easiest nature trails to full-on bush adventures. Springtime brings a covering of wildflowers as complex and colourful as any tapestry. For those who like to sleep out under the stars this is a camper's paradise, whilst nearby towns offer a range of accommodation options.

Go to Visit Victoria (Grampians) for further information.