This 648-square-mile park west of Melbourne is considered the center of creation by some Aboriginal people, and for good reason: it’s got five sandstone mountain ranges, three fish-filled lakes, and vast eucalyptus valleys. Make Halls Gap (pop. 300) your base and set up camp in one of DULC’s tree houses (doubles, $250). Then hire the guides at Grampians Mountain Adventure Company to belay you on everything from short bolted routes to challenging multi-pitch affairs (from $75 per half-day). When you want a break from the harness, tackle the five-mile, 1,528-vertical-foot hike up Mount Difficult for panoramic views. And don’t miss the park’s ancient rock-face paintings (information at the Brambuk National Park and Culture Centre).
The Balconies, Grampians National Park Photographer: Peter Watson/Getty
Comments