Grampians Family Adventure
Australia 7 days ex Melbourne

The south east corner or Australia is a diverse and fascinating place that will keep children of all ages amused and entertained. Basing
ourselves in the Grampians National Park we take daytrips to explore the surrounding area without the hassle of having to move
accommodation. Coming back to our secluded cabins every night we enjoy evening barbeques with wild kangaroos munching on the
grass nearby and go on evening walks to spot nocturnal animals who call the area home while learning more about the natural history of
the area.

The Grampians National Park is an oasis of biodiversity and contains a large variety of plant, animal and bird species. Aboriginal remains
show that the area was visited by native Aboriginal people up to 5,000 years ago and we learn about their long history from members of the
local tribe. They teach us about the traditions and culture of their ancestors as well as teaching us how to throw a boomerang, originally
used as a hunting tool.

Nearby the spectacular coastline of the Great Ocean Road in the south-east corner of Australia features in the bestseller “1,000 Places To
See Before You Die” and is rated as one of the world’s most scenic drives. Swells travel unimpeded all the way from the South Pole to
crash against the rugged coastline and form breathtaking scenery such as the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard gorge and the remains of London
Bridge.A little further afield is the Otway National Park where pockets of rainforest in the hinterland make for great hiking to see the flora and
fauna of the area. There is also a canopy walk to see the trees from the top and learn about the eco system that exists far above the ground.
Later on we have the chance to see koalas relaxing in gum trees as they enjoy the peace, quiet and tasty gum leaves.

Inland in the wheat growing area is Murtoa, home to a hardy community of farmers who are weathering years of drought. Learn about the
measures being taken at the local school, designed to be environmentally friendly before the locals take you yabbying (catching freshwater
crayfish) in the local river. Enjoy a cooking lesson and meal with a family as they talk about life on the land and get a better understanding of
these great Aussie characters.
Itinerary
 Trip details
Day 1
Melbourne/
Hall's Gap
 Meet at 10am in Melbourne CBD (we can organize accommodation at Rydges Hotel in North
Melbourne and do pick up there or any other major hotel in CBD or surrounds). Drive to Halls
Gap (approx 4 hours) with stop for picnic lunch and some bush tucker (damper and billy tea)
near Ballarat where you can pan for gold in this 1850s gold rush town. We arrive at Hall's Gap,
our base for the week, and check into our great log cabins at D’Altons. After a town orientation
walk we explore our home for the next week and meet the many kangaroo families that live here
amongst the cabins and around the town before a BBQ welcome dinner.
 Price
AU$2,100 per person

Departure date
07 Mar 09
Private departures on
dates to suit you also
available, please
contact us for more
details.

Level of activity
Moderate, though
optional activities can be
organized for those
wanting to do their own
thing during the group
bike ride and hiking.
There is no shortage of
things to do in this
national park.

Inclusions
Bashukway travel guide
Support vehicles
Bike rental for included
cycling
National Park entry fees
Water bottles
Maps
Transport for included
activities  

Accomodation
D’Altons log cabins,
Rydges Hotel North
Melbourne

Meals
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches,
4 dinners.

more information and
booking
Day 2
Grampians
National
Park
 Today we Visit Mackenzie falls and Reids lookout before a picnic lunch in one of the many
beautiful spots in the National Park. In the afternoon we take a pre dinner walk to learn more
about local flora and fauna from resident expert. Dinner is a lovely home style meal at our
cabins followed by a traditional Australian dessert, pavlova, which we will have the chance to
make in the family cooking class later in the week. Learn some Australian games and listen to
stories and legends about the area.
Day 3
Grampians
National Park
 If you're up for an early morning walk join us to watch the park come to life at first light and see
animals you don’t see during the day. Walk to Pinnacle view spot for a picnic lunch (shorter
option for little legs is available) or free time to wander the town or enjoy the stunning setting.
The afternoon is free for rock climbing, mountain biking/cycling, winery tours or horse riding (all
child and family friendly courses and instructors) or some more nature walks. We enjoy a
cooked home style dinner before we put the headlamps on and go for a great night walk to see
who is up in the forest when we are going to bed.
Day 4
Grampians
National
Park
 The aboriginal people have lived in this area for around 5,000 years and we send this morning
at Brambuk Aboriginal Center where will learn about the attachment of the local people to the
land, the stories of this area, discover some of the ancient rock art, learn to play a digeridoo and
throw a boomerang as well as try some bush tucker for lunch. A relaxed and casual bike ride is
planned for the afternoon but it is also a chance for some more free time to pursue own
interests as a family. Dinner is at the local pub where some famous Australian family movies
will be shown.
Day 5
Murtoa
 Today we visit the nearby small rural town nestled in the Wimmera wheat plains – Murtoa.
Home to a hardy bunch of Australia farmers and little visited by tourists it holds a special place
in our hearts. See our Murtoa page for more information. We will visit the high school, enjoy
yabbying, have a lakeside picnic lunch, visit a nearby farm and cook our own dinner during a
local style cooking lesson before mingling with some locals at a small function in our honour. If
you still have some energy left challenge the local kids and adults to a game of backyard cricket
or Australian football. Good luck!
Days 6-7
Great Ocean
Road/
Otway NP/
Melbourne
 On day 6 we travel to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road with a stop at Otway rain forest for
picnic lunch and forest walk to see the flora and fauna of this area and how it is different to that
found in the Grampians. If time and weather permits we can also have a quick dip at Bell's
Beach, one of Australia's most famous surfing beaches. Our final night dinner will be in the
center of cosmopolitan Melbourne and the tour concludes after breakfast on day 7. If you want
to extend your stay in Melbourne we can help you book extra accommodation at the Rydges
Hotel.