Grampians Guides Attractions Events in Victoria

Located in the heart of Ararat in the historic late-Victorian Town Hall Building, Ararat Regional Art Gallery offers a varied program that encompasses national touring exhibitions, aspects of the permanent collection and exhibitions by visiting and regional artists across all areas of the visual arts.



The Gallery has a unique place amongst Australia's public galleries through its commitment to supporting and promoting textile and fibre art - a curatorial and collection focus that began in the early 1970s. Since its first acquisition in 1968, the Gallery's permanent collection has grown to over 1500 objects, including artworks by Juan Davila, Kate Derum, Richard Goodwin, Virginia Kaiser, Kay Lawrence, Sara Lindsay and Bronwyn Oliver, as well as international artists Olga de Amaral (Colombia) and Marcel Marois (Canada).



Note: The Gallery is dedicated to supporting the contemporary textile fibre art field, however its exhibition program is varied and does not exclusively focus on this area of practise.

The Big Desert is home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles and mammals. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience a landscape which has remained unaffected by human beings and provides a challenge for the experienced hiker.


The region is considered to be the best single area in Victoria for reptiles with over fifty species of lizards and snakes recorded. Ninety-three species of birds have been recorded in the park including the extremely rare western whipbird. Mammals found in the area include the silky mouse, western pygmy possum and Mitchell's hopping-mouse.


Things to do


* Walk through a true wilderness

* Birdwatching and nature study are rewarding in an area which is home to a great variety of birds, reptiles and small mammals



There are no facilities or water are provided in the park however there are some campsites provided nearby at Big Billy Bore, the Springs, Moonlight Tank and Broken Bucket Reserve along the Nhill-Murrayville Road. Bore water is available at Big Billy Bore and Broken Bucket Reserve and there are toilets at Broken Bucket. Supplies may be obtained in Nhill, Yanac or Murrayville.


Precautions


* You must carry your own water.

* Skill in using map and compass are vital. The Danyo and Wallowa sheets in the NATMAP 1:100 000 series covers the area.

* Temperatures in summer are far too high for safe and comfortable walking.

* Before leaving on an overnight walk, please inform the ranger at Wyperfeld National Park.



For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.

Black Range State Park (11 700 hectares) and the surrounding area provide for excellent bushwalking. A long walk commences at the Black Range Picnic Area and leads to the top of the Black Range providing excellent views. The walk continues south along the range to Muirfoot Track. More adventurous walkers can choose to continue along Muirfoot Track to a walking track leading to Mount Byron (an elevation of 520 metres) or return to the picnic area.


The rugged sandstone cliffs of the Black Range, spring wildflowers and the sense of Aboriginal history complement more active recreational pursuits available within the areas adjacent to the park.


Rocklands Reservoir, which abuts the Park to the south-east, offers camping, a range of water based activities including boating and fishing, with Redfin predominating.


The Grampians State Forest and Claude Austin State Forest, which surround much of the park, also offer a range of recreational opportunities from camping to bushwalking and nature study.


There are camping areas in the forests surrounding the park are at Fergusons, Henrys Inlet, Glendinning, Mountain Dam and Brodies.

Brambuk is a special place. Situated in Halls Gap within the natural oasis that is Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, it is the perfect place to experience Australia's native flora and fauna and Aboriginal culture.


The site incorporates the National Park information and Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural centres.


Brambuk is 100per cent owned and operated by Aboriginal people and is the longest running Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Australia.


Its multi award winning architecture interprets the traditional stories of the local Aboriginal people. Discover the culture of the Aboriginal communities of Western Victoria through multimedia shows, art exhibitions, artefact displays, cultural talks and lots of great activities such as didgeridoo music, traditional dance, basket weaving, boomerang throwing and painting.


Discover the unique six seasons of Gariwerd through our displays or join our Aboriginal guides on tours to ancient rock art sites and experience the secrets of the natural world. Brambuk Gift Shop offers art and crafts, ceramics, paintings, boomerangs, music etc. The Bush Tucker Café is licensed and serves delicious bush tucker and contemporary food.

Set among rolling hills in Western Victoria, Dergholm State Park is a great place to bushwalk, picnic and enjoy a tranquil natural setting. The park has diverse vegetation communities including woodlands, open forests, undisturbed heaths and swamps, varied wildlife and geological features.


Things to see and do


* Enjoy spectacular spring wildflowers by day

* At night, try a spotlight walk and look for nocturnal animals such as the elusive sugar glider

* Take a scenic drive along Rocky Creek, Tallengower and Dergholm-Chetwynd Roads to enjoy the forest setting

* Camp, have a picnic or take the short (330m) loop walking track marked by orange arrows to view and explore the large 500 million year old granite rocks at Baileys Rocks

* You can also take a walk along the Rocky Creek walking track that is 5km return and marked by blue arrows

* Explore the area around Dergholm State Park and visit Bilstons Tree, the world's largest measured river red rum, 1km east from the Youpayang Block boundary along Nolans Creek and Glenmia Roads



Precautions


* Some road and track closures will occur in the wetter months of the year to avoid track damage.

* In the drier summer conditions sandy tracks may require 4-wheel drive.

This is the next chapter in the family originally behind the well renowned Mt Langi Ghiran Vineyard. The vineyards are nestled between the rolling hills of the Great dividing range in the Grampians region. Shiraz cuttings taken from the oldest vines at Langi are the backbone for the outstanding Grampians Shiraz. 100% Estate grown, traditional winemaking methods passed down through years of family winemaking are used to produce wines of elegance and distinction.


We welcome you to taste our range of Estate grown wines and enjoy the stunning views from our friendly and relaxed cellar door sales.

The cool-climate Grampians and Pyrenees regions produce some fine wines, as well as excellent olives, olive oils and farmed meat such as lamb, venison and rabbit. The Grampians is known as the birthplace of Australian sparkling wine and has a viticultural history stretching back to the 1860s. Bests Wines have been in the same family for five generations, while down the road Seppelt Great Western Winery (est. 1865) has 3km of underground cellars dug for sparking wine, which visitors can tour. Warrenmang Vineyard and Resort is a highly regarded Pyrenees winemaker, where the Bazzani family warmly welcome visitors to their great restaurant, cellar door and luxury villas. Fabulous Western District produce and a remarkable collection of wines can be sampled at The Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, an historic former Cobb&Co coach stop that is dramatically situated at the foot of the Grampians.

Grampians Adventure Golf is nestled in the heart of the spectacular Grampians National Park in Halls Gap. This course is fast gaining a reputation as being one of the best in Australia and indeed the world. Adjoining this, MOCO Gallery, provides welcome opportunity to view artworks by award winning and well respected local artists - Helen Leach, Laurie Evans, Nanette Bourke and Alan Leishman.



The beautifully landscaped course provides much pleasure to all visitors. Hosts Monique and Colin Cummings say their visitors encourage you to see it first as you may want to visit again before you leave the region.


The Course, designed to give players the feeling that they are playing in the mountains, is modelled on the Grampians itself with many of the holes named after the more popular icons that are visited in the region and with 18 challenging holes to play, it is a great venue to entertain all ages.



There are mini mountains from which streams and waterfalls cascade. Fairways run under, over and around these mini mountains with the water courses providing some of the challenges that players must overcome.



There is a licensed cafe and bar on site if you are looking to host a special occasion or are just looking to enjoy a cold beer or wine after a challenging game. The Cafe offers coffees, refreshments and light lunches and there are also BBQ facilities provided free of charge for family gatherings.


The "Jackpot Hole". is played for a Hole in One. A computer screen shows the jackpot dollars which increase each time a ball is purchased. If a Hole in One is achieved - Winner takes all!

The Grampians Estate winery aims to produce and sell 1200 dozen bottles of premium wine made predominantly from its own 3.2 hectare vineyard each year.


With an emphasis on quality, it uses the best technology, information and labour available to achieve its goal.


It makes a contribution to the local community by sponsoring the local football/netball club and is increasingly environmentally responsible having commenced an environmental best management practice program.

Renowned for rugged mountain ranges and stunning wildflower displays, Grampians National Park is one of the State's most popular holiday destinations. Declared in 1984, the 167,000-hectare park is home to abundant bird life and almost a third of Victoria's plant species.


Hosting over 1 million visitors each year, popular activities include bushwalking, camping, picnicking, nature study, rock-climbing, bike riding and fishing. The extensive network of roads makes car touring to surrounding villages another great way to explore.


Things to do


* Call in at the Visitor Centre at Halls Gap, where displays, audio-visuals, publications, maps and staff can help you plan your stay.

* Visit the Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre to discover more about the park's natural and cultural landscape. Visit the spectacular Gariwerd Dreaming Theatre, explore the many displays, relax in the café or take a rock art tour with the cultural guides.

* Visit Reeds Lookout, the Balconies, Boroka Lookout, MacKenzie Falls and Zumstein picnic ground or go for a walk in the Wonderland Range.

* Plan a drive or walk in the park - call into Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre for park maps



There is accommodation in Halls Gap and nearby townships. Camping fees can be paid at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre on Grampians Rd, Halls Gap.


For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.

Come and explore the Grampians in a new, fun and exciting way on one of our guided quad bike tours of our 410 acre property at the foothills of the majestic Grampians Ranges.


Experience the excitement of riding a brand new Honda TRX 250CC 4 wheel motor bike in some of the most stunning Australian bush. See plenty of kangaroos and other wildlife as you go on your way. You will be guaranteed a fun day out with plenty of photo opportunities.


No experience is necessary as full training and instruction is given when you arrive. Safety is of prime concern, our guides will make sure you are fully competent before you head off on your tour and will advise you a long the way.


We offer 2 and 3 hour tours which are suitable for everyone with a current driver s license. Why not get a group together and enjoy an adventurous day out in the Grampians. Our quad bike tours are great for individuals, bucks, hens and birthday parties, corporate and conference groups, team building and much more.


Accommodation packages can also be arranged from budget to luxury and everything in between.

Imagine life during Ararat's earliest beginnings and the excitement of the Chinese immigrants who discovered one of the world's richest shallow alluvial goldfields.


The world class Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre tells the story of miners from Southern China and brings to life the social, environmental and political situations of immigrant miners in the mid 1800's. Take you own journey and relive the experience of Chinese gold prospectors on their great trek from Robe, South Australia to the Victorian Goldfields.


The series of exhibition spaces, state of the art presentations, and rotating displays of Chinese artefacts and period pieces delivers a snapshot of the rich colour and history of the Chinese culture from the 1800's to modern day.


A true experience for visitors of all ages. Discover the fun and delight of gold panning, and relive the goldfields way of life. Try your hand at calligraphy, learn about the Chinese language, and view the relics and life-like sculptured characters and authentic artefacts. Involve yourself in the language and story telling room, and admire the mining tunnel uncovered during construction.


On a May day in 1857, 700 Chinese miners from Southern China, travelling overland from the Port of Robe, South Australia, to the Central Victorian Goldfields, rested at a place at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, 400 kilometres due east of Robe. Replenishing their water supplies at a spring, they discovered by chance the Canton Lead, the world's richest shallow alluvial goldfield that stretched five kilometres at length. This find marked the beginning of the Ararat Goldfield, which grew to a population of more than 30,000 in a few weeks. In the first three months of mining, the Canton Lead yielded more than three tonnes of gold.

Halls Gap Zoo is nestled in the foothills of the Grampians in a peaceful bushland setting.


Just minutes from Halls Gap you will find yourself surrounded by friendly native and exotic animals that can be touched and/or fed.


Spend an hour walking the meandering track or fill in the day interacting with many of the animals.


Take photographs of the koalas.


Check out the dingoes, wombats, emus, snakes and lizards.


All ages enjoy feeding the kangaroos and wallabies while the fallow deer join in the fun of competing for your attention and their share of the food!


Say hello to the cockatoos and corellas.


Sit and be entertained by the antics of the monkeys.


Pathways are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.


Bring a picnic lunch and relax as the children amuse themselves on the playground equipment. Wood and gas barbecues available free of charge.


Undercover area is suitable for birthday parties, family gatherings or Christmas events.


Snack food, ice creams and drinks are available in the kiosk.


Small range of souvenirs, books and artwork are also available

Hamilton Art Gallery, one of the finest galleries in Australia, is famous for its outstanding international collections of fine and decorative arts.


* The fabulous Shaw Bequest featuring 800 items of exquisite English and European silver, glass, porcelain, miniatures and oriental ceramics reflects the collecting interests of Herbert and May Shaw of 'Kiama' near Hamilton. This generous bequest made in 1957 was the beginnings of a collection that is today vast, fascinating, diverse and unique.


* The Gaussen collection of paintings by Paul Sandby (1731-1809), considered to be the father of English watercolour, is unrivalled in Australia and second to the Queen's collection. Still in their original frames they are beautifully displayed in an elegant recreation of an English drawing room with William Morris wallpaper.


* Indian and Nepalese artefacts and outstanding oriental ceramics from the major dynasties are on permanent display in the Barber Gallery.


* Australian paintings include important colonial art of the Western District by Louis Buvelot, 'Wannon Falls', Thomas Clark, 'Muntham' and Nicholas Chevalier, 'Mt Abrupt' painted soon after pastoral settlement. Recent artists represented include Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, Justin O'Brien, John Olsen, Tim Storrier, Howard Arkley, Tim Maguire and Kathleen Petyarre.


* William Hogarth (1697-1764) is represented in our extensive print collection by his well known satirical suites of amusing moral tales.


* Forty years on the collection has grown to over 7500 objects through acquisitions and gifts and includes fine international examples of 19th and 20th century decorative arts and a growing collection of Australian art.


* Hamilton is an important cultural and education centre. The Gallery's unique collection offers a stimulating experience for all visitors and is an excellent resource for students of art and history. The permanent collection is complemented with a program of temporary exhibitions.

Horsham Regional Art Gallery is housed in a fine Art Deco building, refurbished and extended in recent years. We have four temporary exhibition spaces featuring changing exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art and photography.


Horsham is centrally located between the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks, and close to the world Mecca of rock climbing, Mt Arapiles. Horsham boasts a lively arts community, with one of the best community festivals, "Art is ", held late March each year.


Description of collection:


The collection has two main focus areas: Australian art - 450 paintings, drawings and prints with the main holdings in the Mack Jost Collection, and photography - 800 works, early to contemporary.


The Australian art collection includes a small collection of ceramics and sculpture. Another focus is works of regional significance. A newly acquired aspect of the collection is that of Australian Wildlife Art; mainly works on paper and centred around the Bill and Maureen Mann Collection.


Horsham Regional Art Gallery was one of the first Victorian public galleries to receive Accreditation from Museums Australia and the Australian Tourism Accreditation Association, in recognition of best industry practice and a high level of commitment to the future of the Gallery and its continual improvement.


Free admission and free tea and coffee. Wheelchair access throughout.

Welcome to Kara Kara Estate, established in 1977 by Steve and Marlene Zsigmond, our family operated Estate, Restaurant and Cafe located in the Pyrenees wine Region of Victoria. The nine hectare vineyard is dry grown, which leads to limited production of the finest parcels of fruit and great wines. Visitors are welcomed to our cellar door to experience the individual flavours of our award winning wines amongst the beautiful views of the vineyard and the Pyrenees Ranges. Our estate wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.


The cellar Door Cafe serves great coffee and cake. Visitors can enjoy a gourmet platter featuring regionally inspired gourmet delights to compliment our wines.


The private dining room is open for bookings by appointment only and can accommodate up to 20 guests for your special function. The garden and covered patio can accommodate up to 100 guests and can be booked for weddings and functions.


Cellar Door offers an array of home made jams, preserves and sauces. Visitors can also taste our estate Verjuice.

In 1953 when Eric and Dorothy Leeke purchased land to the North West of Ararat their intention was to build a family home, put down roots and create a semi-rural environment in which they could raise their three sons.


Already a successful entrepreneur, Eric s business interests extended from house building to petroleum distribution and from wool farming to motels, however it was his ever growing passion for wine, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling in particular, that prompted him to establish a small vineyard on the property. Under the watchful eye of Colin Preece, the then winemaker at Seppelt Winery and stickler for detail Eric set to work. It may well have been Eric s land and his money, but Colin was the boss, he had the experience and the expertise and insisted that the job was done his way or not at all. His dictum has paid hansom dividends.


Ever since Eric and the boys first planted Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon vines in 1977, his sons Jim, Peter and David have successfully striven to improve the quality of their fruit year on year. They have now been joined by Peter's daughter Victoria, a graduate in viticulture and business (finance) from La Trobe University in Melbourne to continue the family's passion for wine and pass on a dynamic vineyard to the fourth generation.


Kimbarra vineyard produces eighty to ninety tonnes of fruit annually, much of which is sold to local wineries and is regularly classed grade A by them. The grapes are used in the production of their premium and ultra premium wines. However each year we reserve a small quantity of fruit in order that we might continue to indulge our family passion and share it with others.


Why not share our family passion with your friends and family?

At high water mark, the lake covers 5,850 hectares of the 8,300 hectare park. Ross Lake (470 hectares) and a 2.5 kilometre stretch of Outlet Creek were added to the park in 1991 and some former areas of the park were attached to Wyperfeld National Park.


The lake generally fills and empties on a 20-year cycle, the longest dry period on record being 27 years. It last filled in 1974 and held water for 9 years. Outlet Creek has flowed 3 times since 1974 affording nesting sites for water birds over a number of seasons. As the water level fell, the lake bed was invaded by plants taking advantage of the bare ground. Unfortunately, many of the plants best adapted to this colonisation process were introduced weeds, which are difficult to control.


Things to see and do


* Outlet Creek and the sand dunes north of the lake can be explored on short day walks or longer overnight expeditions. If you intend to walk in the more remote areas of the park, please inform a ranger before setting out. It is too hot in summer for safe, enjoyable walking

* The park is popular for water skiing, fishing, yabbying and boating when water levels are high enough

* Duck hunting is also permitted in accordance with the regulations, for more information about this visit the parks victoria website.

* Camping is permitted in most areas around the lake. Western Beach, Yaapeet Beach and O.T.I.T. are the campsites provided where fireplaces are allowed

Fringed by ancient river red gums and fed by the Wimmera River, this huge lake is shared by parrots, pelicans, sea eagles, anglers and water sports enthusiasts alike.


The Wimmera River originates on the Great Dividing Range near Beaufort and ends in a series of 'terminal lakes', including Lake Hindmarsh, Lake Albacutya and finally, the Wyperfeld flood plains.


Things to see and do


* Boating, water skiing, swimming, nature study, camping and picnicking are popular activities at Lake Hindmarsh

* A number of camping areas are available. Four Mile Beach is the most popular site with well developed facilities (fees apply). Schulzes Beach and The Wattles have basic toilets and no fees. Bush camping (with no facilities) also occurs at several other locations around the lake

* The ruins of the Ebenezer Mission at Antwerp and the Wimmera-Mallee Pioneer Museum at Jeparit provide an insight into the early human history of the area

Langi Ghiran State Park abuts the Western Highway 80 km west of Ballarat and 14 km east of Ararat. The 2695 hectare park contains two distinct land types - rugged granite peaks and gentle sloping open woodland.


Things to do


Picnicking


* There is a small picnic site among Candlebark Gums at the end of Kartuk Road, the main visitor access road.



Camping


* Car-based camping is restricted to the camp area at the end of Kartuk Road.

* Remote dispersed camping is permitted in the mountainous section of the park.

* Camping beside Hidden Lagoon between the two peaks is popular.

* Camp fees do not apply.



Walking


* Take a walk from the picnic area along Easter Creek to the old Langi Ghiran Reservoir then along the stone water race to a scenic lookout. This is a pleasant walk showing many historic and natural features of the park.

* In the south-east of the park, the Lar-ne-Jeering Walking Track leads to an aboriginal shelter displaying art unique to the area.



Driving


* A drive along Langi Ghiran Track will reveal a variety of vegetation types and landforms.



For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.

Here in the Little Desert - a desert in name only - you can discover how many species of plants and animals have succeeded, on poor soils with little water, in creating a kind of arid landscape where survival depends on maintaining a delicate balance of natural forces. The best time to visit the park is between late winter and early summer when the temperatures are comfortable and the park is full of blossoms and wildflowers. The eastern block is the most accessible.


Things to do


* Almost 600 km of tracks criss-cross all three blocks of the park, giving access to even the most remote areas near the South Australian border. Most tracks are too sandy for two-wheel drive vehicles and some of the clay surfaces become very boggy after rain. Good signposting makes the park ideal for four-wheel driving.

* One of the best ways to see the Little Desert National Park is on foot. There are three interesting self-guided walks in the eastern block: the Sanctuary nature walk south of Kiata, Stringybark walk south of Nhill on the Gymbowen Road, and at the Dimboola end, a short nature walk to Pomponderoo Hill.

* From the camping ground south of Kiata, walking tracks lead to a variety of places of interest. An area quite different from the rest of the park can be seen by strolling along the banks of the Wimmera River, or on the walking track at Ackle Bend.

* Long distance walkers can tackle all or part of the 84 km Desert Discovery Walk. Options of one to four days duration are possible.



For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.

"A picturesque cellar door and beautiful vineyard setting augur well at Montara. The enthusiastic McRaes produce, amongst other things, a lively, crisp, crunchy New Wave Riesling and characterful Chardonnay; a Pinot Noir that has won many admirers over some years now; and a typically regional - and very good - Shiraz, showing pepper and smoke and a hint of eucalyptus." Ben Canaider






Established:



1970




Wine Region:



Grampians




Winemaker:



Mike McRae




Owners:



McRae Family




Cellar Door:



Manager - Eileen McRae




Open:



10am-5pm Monday-Saturday, 12pm-4pm Sunday.




Wines:



Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz. All wines 100% estate grown, vintaged and bottled.




Price:



$12.00-$30.00

Mount Arapiles is a spectacular feature, rising sharply from the Wimmera plains to form part of the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park. The park includes Mitre Rock, adjacent to Mount Arapiles and the Tooan block. The 5060 hectare park is valuable for nature conservation, with about 14per cent of the State's flora species represented in the Mount Arapiles section alone.


Things to do


* Mount Arapiles, widely regarded as the top rock climbing area in Australia, is of world renown.

* Two short walking tracks link Centenary Park to the summit of Mount Arapiles and the sealed Lookout Road gives easy access to a short walk that leads to the summit. There is also a short but interesting nature walk from Lookout Road.

* The vehicle track which circles the Mount is suitable for cycling and driving and is a good walk in wildflower season. All but the eastern end of the track is closed to vehicles during winter.

* Birdwatching, painting and nature studies are also popular activities.



The main picnic area and the only location where camping is permitted is Centenary Park, near the base of the cliffs. Backpacker and hotel accommodation is available in Natimuk, and there is a caravan park at Natimuk Lake, 4 km north of the township.


For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.

Mount Buangor State Park adjoins Mount Cole State Forest, 60 kilometres west of Ballarat. The 2400 hectare Park takes in varied eucalypt forest, creek flats, a waterfall, steep escarpments and Mount Buangor, the area's highest peak. There are picnic and camping facilities along the creek flats. Walking tracks connect the picnic areas and traverse the escarpment to give great views of the surrounding country.


Things to do


* There is a 15 km network of walking tracks in the park, many of which extend into the adjoining Mount Cole State Forest.

* The Waterfalls Nature Walk, which begins at Ferntree picnic area, is a short walk suited to most people. The walk leads to the Ferntree Waterfalls and the upper sections of Middle Creek.

* The Cave Walking Track from Middle Creek campground is a steep and strenuous walk which takes you to a large rock overhang and extensive views to the south and west.

* There are picnic facilities at Bailes, Middle Creek and Ferntree.





For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.

Mount Langi Ghiran is, in many ways, the Shiraz of the region, if not of Australia: intense, textured, a little brooding, and so complex as to bring a smile to the face of the most hardened wine bore.


Trevor Mast has worked wonders here over the last 20 years or so, and his other wines - including Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sangiovese - aren't bad, either, if that's not taking understatement to a silly extreme.


The cellar door commands a magnificent view east over the vineyards, nestled, as it is, at the foot of a rugged mountain range." Ben Canaider


Established: 1963 (Vineyard)

Wine Region: Grampians

Winemaker: Dan Buckle

Owners: Rathbone Wine Group

Cellar Door: Manager - Kate Kirkpatrick


Wines: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Billi Billi brand. (Sangiovse, Rose', Port, Semillion available through Cellar Door only)


Functions:
Groups - welcome for guided tastings. Bookings essential. Tasting fee applies for groups.

Mount Napier State Park lies 20km to the north-east of Mount Eccles (260km south-west of Melbourne) and is dominated by Mount Napier, a true volcanic cone. Here one can stand on the edge of the most recently active volcano in Victoria and enjoy magnificent views from the Grampians to the sea.


Things to see and do


There is a walking track to the summit, which leads through the forest and past interesting volcanic formations. The walk winds through manna gum and Blackwood forest and past impressive volcanic features including a lava canal and tumulus and featuring a scoria zone at the summit. The walk takes about 30 minutes one way, the distance to the top being about 3 kilometres.





The park also takes in the Byaduk Caves, one of the most extensive and accessible sets of lava caves in Australia. They are part of a lava flow stretching out 24km from Mount Napier to Mount Eccles and contain wrinkles, stalactites and stalagmites, columns and ropy lava. Only 1 cave, Hartmans 1, is open to the public. Please remember to wear appropriate footwear and clothing and take a torch.


Looking after the park


* Take your rubbish with you

* Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park

* All plants, animals and geological features are protected

* No fires are permitted in the park

* Firearms are prohibited

* Please keep on tracks

* Leave the park as you find it


Precautions


Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear and clothing and use a torch.

Often referred to as Victoria's Uluru (Ayers Rock), Mt Arapiles is widely regarded as Australia’s best rock climbing area. A dramatic quartz and sandstone landmark on the Wimmera Plain that rises steeply to 230 metres, Mt Arapiles offers more than 2,000 different climbs on its many cliffs, crags and pinnacles. You can also drive, walk or cycle to its summit to take in great views of the surrounding landscape, or take one of numerous trails that crisscross the rock through spring wildflowers. Most of the Arapiles plateau is covered by low, open forest of box, buloke and white cypress pine and about 500 species of native plants are found in Tooan State Park, including several rare or endangered species such as rock wattle and skeleton fork-fern. Mt Arapiles is home to a variety of animals and 109 bird species have been recorded in the area, including the peregrine falcon, rainbow bee-eater, Gilbert whistler and southern scrub robin. Kangaroos can be seen grazing the lower slopes and possums come out at night to forage in the tree canopies.

Nectar Ambrosia is Ararat's and the Grampians freshest food sensation. Open six days a week we welcome you to relax in the casual surrounds of our restored cafe restaurant and soak up the happy vibe while we serve up fabulous food, the best coffee in the Grampians, and a glass or two of Grampians/Pyrenees wines.

Situated on a loamy buckshot rise, Norton Estate is halfway between the Grampians and Mount Arapiles on Victoria's most southern outcrop of Mallee vegetation, and are producers of high quality wines of distinctive style and character.



The vineyards frost free elevation and loamy buckshot soils, combined with an ideal Mediterranean climate, provide for a perfect setting for premium wine production. Warm days, cool nights and a disease free status allow the vines to thrive in this vineyard.The vineyard is managed to ensure low yields and the pruning and picking done by hand allowing us control over the yields to provide the best quality fruit from which our wines are made.



Norton Estates Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc wines all display great balance and elegance with lifted varietal character, depth of flavour and complexity to satisfy the fussiest palate.Our flagship wine, the Arapiles Run Shiraz, has gained some wonderful accolades and is one wine that you must try.



We invite you to call in and visit our cellar door and sample these lovely wines and to take advantage of our daily specials and purchase bonuses.

For more than 150 years, Seppelt has been a leader in Australian Winemaking. From the early days in the Barossa Valley in 1851, through to the purchase of the Great Western winery in 1918, to the present. Seppelt has been an engine driving the Australian wine industry forward with a spirit of innovation and dedication to quality.


Seppelt proudly presents one of the most versatile portfolios of any winery. A complete showcase of wines spanning sparkling, table and fortified styles, combining an old world pedigree with the new world vision of our winemakers. Great Western, and its world famous "Drives", are the home of sparkling and table wine production.


This diverse range of classics includes such iconic wines as Seppelt "Salinger" Pinot Noir Chardonnay, Great Western Show Sparkling Shiraz and "St Peters" Great Western Shiraz.


Great Western Winery was established in 1865, and in 1868 more than 1.5 kms of underground tunnels were dug by miners for sparkling wine maturation, known as "Drives". Once completed in 1932 the "Drives" reached 3 km in length.

St Arnaud Range National Park has 13,900 hectares of mainly steep, forested terrain and is an ideal place to experience what the forests were like before the gold rushes. The park has one of the largest intact areas of Box-Ironbark vegetation. It encompasses the former Kara Kara State Park and much of the St Arnaud Range State Forest.


Things to Do


* The banks of the Upper Teddington Reservoir are a pleasant venue for camping and picnics.

* The rocky ridge tops in the park offer fine views for bushwalkers and four-wheel-drive tourers.

* There are ample opportunities for hiking in the steep and rugged terrain.

* The Teddington Reservoirs are popular fishing sites, brown trout and redfin commonly being caught.

* Recreational fossicking is allowed in some areas of the park. Fossickers must hold a current Miner's Right. Please do not drive off road, and fill any holes created by fossicking.

"Of great significance in local Aboriginal lore, the rugged Grampians have a timeless, spiritual feel that can make a profound impression on other Australians and overseas visitors as well. The Gap vineyard nestles under the craggy peaks, providing comfort to the visitor via a tasting room beside a giant gum tree. The estate wines are very good, benefiting from the experience and skills of the winemaker, Mount Langi Ghiran's Trevor Mast." Ralph Kyte-Powell









Established:



1969 (Vineyard)




Wine Region:



Grampians




Winemakers:



Trevor Mast & Dan Buckle




Owners:



Rathbone Wine Group




Cellar Door:



Manager - Laura Peel




Open:



10am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday (Every day Public and School Holidays). Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday




Wines:



Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Late Harvest Riesling, Rose, Port as well as a selection of the Mount Langi Ghiran range.







Price:



$15.00-$55.00




Functions:



Groups 10-30 people welcome for guided tastings. Bookings essential. Tasting fee applies for groups.




Playground:



Swings, slide and wooden car suitable for younger children.

Renowned for rugged mountain ranges and stunning wildflower displays, Grampians National Park is one of the State's most popular holiday destinations.

Located in the flat, semi-arid north-western corner of Victoria, Wyperfeld is one of Australia's most fascinating national parks. The central feature of this huge, 356,800 ha park, is a chain of lake beds connected by Outlet Creek, the northern extension of the Wimmera River. The lakes only fill when the Wimmera River over-supplies Lake Hindmarsh to the south of Lake Albacutya. When it rains the semi-arid landscape is transformed by tiny desert plants that sprout from long-dormant seeds, carpeting the ground with clusters of flowers.


Things to Do


* The Eastern Lookout Nature Drive is highly recommended as a good introduction to the park.

* There are a number of self-guided walks that provide a closer look at the plant and animal life of Wyperfeld. Leaflets are available at the start of the tracks.

* The Eastern Lookout and entrance roads, and the Outlet Creek track are good for cycling. Other tracks are too sandy.

* General supplies and accommodation are available in Yaapeet, Hopetoun and Rainbow.