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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.
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Itinerary
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Trip Details
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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.
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.
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Price
AU$2,100 per person
Departure date
Private departures on
dates to suit you
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
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