Backpack Victoria

GRAMPIANS

It's all about real Australian nature in the Grampians. Imposing and rugged mountain ranges, a wealth of Aboriginal rock art sites and plenty of the quirky Australian animals you've been dying to see. There are loads of opportunities to get active in the great outdoors, or you can simply chill out and soak up the environment. There's certainly plenty of space to think.

• For heart-in-your-mouth pursuits, the sheer cliff face of the fabled Mt Arapiles lures rockclimbers and abseilers from across the globe
• Go bushwalking, visit scenic lookouts and waterfalls and discover 5,000-year-old Aboriginal art in the Grampians National Park
• Explore elements of Victoria's gold rush history and Chinese heritage around Ararat
• If you're into birds, check out the wildlife in the Little Desert and Wyperfeld national parks, both home to the mallee fowl
• Indulge in some tasting of excellent Victorian wines. You can taste your way right around the region!

How to get there
The Grampians are in the perfect location for a stop between Adelaide and Melbourne. Take in the world heritage Naracoorte Caves in South Australia, then cross the border into Victoria to Little Desert, the Grampians and Mt Arapiles.

The Grampians region is approximately three hours from Melbourne. Follow the Western Freeway through Ballarat to Ararat and from there choose between the Ararat Pomonal Road west towards Halls Gap or continue on the Western Highway to Stawell and Horsham. If coming from Ballarat, you can follow the Glenelg Highway to Dunkeld and Hamilton.

The popular Great Southern Touring Route passes through the Grampians region. This self-driven tour takes in some of the best scenery and attractions that Victoria has to offer, following the Great Ocean Road, passing by the Shipwreck Coast, and winding up into the Grampians, before continuing to Ballarat.

Public transport
V/Line runs train services from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat and Ararat, where connecting coach services operate to most of the major towns within the Grampians region. For detailed information on timetables and fares call 136 196 (Australia only) or visit www.vline.com.au.

On a tour
Tours to the Grampians and its attractions run frequently - check out the links below or enquire at your hostel.

Where to stay
The best thing about staying in the Grampians is that you can completely immerse yourself in natural Australian bushland. There's the usual selection of exclusive (and expensive) villas, B&Bs and self-contained cottages, as well as simple cabins with cosy log fires, perfect after a day spent hiking through the mountains, or you can even stay in restored shearers quarters on one of the working sheep farms in the region.

Get even closer to nature at one of the region’s caravan and camping parks. Days spent getting to know the local wildlife can be followed by evenings around the fire under a canopy of stars. There's also a growing number of hostels and a state of the art eco hostel to choose from.