The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

(262km north west of Melbourne)

Trip duration: A minimum of two days. The drive to The Grampians (Gariwerd) from Melbourne takes about four hours. There are many attractions to explore on the way and the trip could easily be stretched to three or more days.

On the road

262km north west of Melbourne. Depart Melbourne via Western Highway to the Great Western district with its wineries providing winetasting, tours and cellar door sales.

Must see

The massive sandstone ranges of the Grampians in Western Victoria provide some of the state’s most spectacular scenery.

The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is made of mountains which rise starkly from the flat plains. The area is noted for its abundant wildlife, unique rock formations, crystal clear waterfalls, spectacular wildflowers and Aboriginal paintings, being rich in the history of the local Koori Aborigines. Place to visit include the Brambuk Living Cultural Centre at Halls Gap, and Zumsteins picnic ground, where wild kangaroos can be hand fed. A few kilometres away is Wallaroo Wildlife Park which has Australian native animals and birds.

Apart from their scenic grandeur, the Grampians are best known for the beauty and variety of their wildflowers. There are more than 1000 species of ferns and flowering plants native to the region and they are most colourful from August to November.

For further information, contact:

Grampians Information Centre
54 Western Highway
STAWELL VIC 3380
Phone: (053) 58 2314

Echuca- Murray River

(206km north of Melbourne)

Trip duration: One day or longer.

On the road

Depart Melbourne via Hume Highway and McIvor Highway to Heathcoote, then take Northern Highway through to Echuca, on the Murray River.

Heathcote is an attractive countryside town on the McIvor Highway. Of interest is the McIvor Cottage Industry Co-operative, on High St situated in the old court house, with a historical display, crafts and tourist information.

Excellent views, from Mount Ida Lookout 4km north.

Must see

The restored Port of Echuca includes the historic wharf and many attractions. Paddle steamers offer day and overnight trips. One hour cruises operate several times daily. Nearby attractions include the Barmah Forest, a river gum forest with wetlands, teeming with wildlife. Take a cruise in a flat-bottom boat on the Murray River. The Dharnya aboriginal Centre illustrates the traditions of the area’s Aborigines. The fauna park at Kyabram, a 30 min dive from Echuca, features native animals in a lakeside setting. Return to Melbourne via historic Bendigo, with its attractive buildings and the Vintage Tram Museum, where trams run daily on an 8km trip. Another option is to make it a three day trip, include the resort area of Swan Hill further along the Murray, and travel back via Bendigo

For further information, contact:

Echuca Moama and District Tourist
Development Association
2 Leslie Street
ECHUCA VIC 3564
Phone: (054) 80 7555

Acknowledgement

Images courtesy of Tourism Victoria

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