NORTHWEST GRAMPIANS

Activity's	Picnic Grounds	Wildflowers	Festivals
Bushwalks	Aboriginal Art Sites	Things to see	Self drive tours
	Accommodation	Crafts Flowers

There are many activities, businesses and spectacular locations in and around the Northwest Grampians. Wartook is a picturesque locality on the western side of the Grampians, within the Wartook Valley, which forms a major gateway into the Grampians National Park, via the Northern Grampians Road. Wartook and its surrounding district offers a range of attractions and facilities for your relaxation and enjoyment, in a quiet, peaceful setting. Other well known areas within the Northwest Grampians are Brimpaen, Roses Gap andMount Zero.

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of staying a night, or take your time and stay a week surrounded by rolling farmland, native bush & wildlife, magnificent redgums and wonderful mountain views.

Bring your own tent or caravan. Stay in group accommodation, a log cabin, self contained cottage, or a bed and breakfast.

Known as the “Sunny side of the Grampians” - only 60% of Hall¬s Gap rainfall.
Wide range of quality accommodation - B&Bs, log cabins, caravan parks, backpackers & cottages.
Caters for needs such as food, fuel, tavern, gas bottle refills, crafts, gifts, art gallery and local products.
Large numbers of kangaroos in the Wartook Valley, and emus too.
Close to all major Grampians National Park attractions.
Magnificent mountain views.
Wonderful waterfalls.
Spectacular mountain lookouts, Reids Lookout and Boroka Lookout
Close proximity to Aboriginal Art sites.
Many mountain bush walks.
Significant historic sites - Troopers Creek, Zumstein, Heatherlie Quarry.
Wonderful wildflowers - late winter, spring and early summer.
Central location for touring the whole Grampians region.
Within easy reach of wineries, lakes and larger centres.
One of the best Bird Watching areas in Victoria.

Access to Northwest Grampians: Car via the Henty or Western Hwys. Bus toAsses Ears Wilderness Lodge three times a week. Daily rail and bus services available from Melbourne to Horsham, then 44km by road.

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ACTIVITIES

Take time to enjoy the activities that this area offers.
Suggestions range from walks, history, a horse ride in the bush, to waterfalls,
rocks & rock climbing, wildflowers and lookouts. A camera is a must.

Bush walk in the Grampians, ranging from easy to adventurous.
Visit ancient Aboriginal Art Sites.
View Waterfalls - MacKenzie Falls, Beehive Falls and Burrong Falls to name a few.
At Zumstein see the Historic Trail & Walter Zumstein Memorial Water Garden, and kangaroos.
See historic Troopers Creek and Heatherlie Quarry.
Go on a wonderful horse Trail Ride -suitable for beginners to advanced riders.
Have a bush picnic at one of the many spectacular views.
Visit local Art Galleries, Craft Shops and Wood Working centres.
Try Rock Climbing & Abseiling with a local expert.
See mobs of Kangaroos and Emus in the Wartook Valley.
Walk amongst the wildflowers in the bush and local gardens.
Climb a mountain - Mt Zero, Hollow Mountain, Mt Stapylton, Mt Difficult, Asses Ears and many more.
Collect a local bird list from your accommodation house and see how many you can find.
Go wine tasting at the local Tavern and the many wineries around the Grampians.
Fish MacKenzie River, Lake Wartook, Rocklands Reservoir, or the many other lakes.
Water sports at the local recreational lakes.

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PICNIC GROUNDS
There are many spots throughout the area where one can enjoy a picnic, and often with few, if any, other people.

Mount Zero Moora Moora Reservoir
Golton GorgeBuandik Falls
Troopers Creek Cherrypool
Old Wartook School SiteTroopers Creek
Zumstein Wartook Pottery & Tearooms
Smith¬s MillBlack Range Picnic Ground
Lake WartookRed Rock Flat Rock Crossing
Boreang Camp GroundWallaby Rocks

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WILDFLOWERS
The Grampians holds about one third of the State¬s Flora species, with 22 species being endemic.

In the Northwest Grampians you can see some of the best displays of wildflowers to be seen in the Grampians National Park, all within easy reach of the local accommodation businesses.

From August until Christmas time, you will see colourful wildflowers along the roads in this area, as well as along most of the walking tracks. The best displays can be seen along the Roses Gap Road, Rose Creek Road and many of the roads on the western side of the Victoria Valley will have good displays. The Billywing area along the Henty Highway at Glenisla also has great spring wildflowers.

The Black Range is a great area to see the transitional vegetation between plants of the Little Desert and Grampians National Parks.

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FESTIVALS
A Craft Market is held atWartook Pottery Giftshop and Tearooms during Easter and
 September school holidays.

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BUSHWALKS
This region of the Grampians has a number of wonderful walks, which enables
the visitor to experience the bush, wildflowers, rock formations and contemplate 
spectacular views. These are all   within the Northern Grampians area.

Mt Zero (Approx 1 hr return)
Start at Mt Zero picnic area. Climb to the top of Mt Zero for wonderful panoramic views
 of the Wimmera plains.  Great wildflowers in early summer.

Hollow Mountain (Approx 2 hrs return)
Start at Hollow Mountain camping area. Follow the track to cavernous wind sculptured 
rocks from which you  get a magnificent views of the Mount Stapylton Range.

Mt Stapylton (Approx 3 hrs return)
Begin at the Mt Zero Picnic area and climb over Flat Rock and pass through the Amphitheatre.
 At the base of Mt Stapylton there is a steep climb to the summit.

Beehive Falls (Approx 1 Ω hrs return)
From the roadside carpark at Roses Gap, this easy walk follows the creek to the base of the
 waterfall. An excellent walk for wildflowers in the spring and early summer.

Briggs Bluff (Approx 3 Ω hrs return)
Continues from Beehive Falls, impressive cliffs and windscoured caverns are plentiful.
 Wonderful views.

Zumsteins - MacKenzie River Walk (Approx 3 hrs return)
A very pleasant walk to see a riverine habitat. The track meanders up the MacKenzie River Gorge
 to the terraced Fish Falls. (Almost ¸ of the distance to MacKenzie Falls.)

MacKenzie Falls (Approx 1 hr return)
Perhaps the most popular spot in the Grampians. As the river is Horsham¬s Water supply, there
is always a good flow of water over the falls. A gentle walk to Broken Falls or a longer walk to 
the base of MacKenzies Falls. Alternatively take the Bluff Walk (20 mins and suitable for 
wheelchairs)   to get a wonderful view of the MacKenzie River Gorge and Falls.

Burrong Falls (Approx Ω hr return)
A picturesque waterfall off the Rose Creek Road, at its best in late winter and spring. In addition
 there is a great wildflower display along the Rose Creek Road.

The Balconies (From Reids Lookout) (Approx 1 Ω hrs return)
Relatively easy walk to the Balconies, perhaps the most photographed point in the Grampians.
 Exceptional view of the Victoria Range and valley.

Golton Gorge  (Approx 2 hr return)
Go via the signs to the longer walk to the left. At the grassy top follow the track to the 
right past the copper mine shafts to the rugged rocky walk down by the falls.

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ABORIGINAL ART SITES
The Grampians is the richest area in Victoria for Aboriginal Art, with over 100 known sites.
Most of the best known and readily accessible sites, are in the north and west Grampians
and the Black Range State Park. These four are the most often visited in the Northern 
Grampians area and are readily accessible.

Northern Grampians - near Mt Zero
Gulgurn Manja Shelter  : (pronounced Gulkurn Manya) meaning “hand of young people”.

Ngamadjidj Shelter  : Mt Stapylton Camp Ground (pronounced ng as in “sing”, dj as in “jaw”).
Unusual in that only white clay was used.

Western Grampians - near Glenisla
Bullimina Shelter  : Glenisla Shelter, an impressive site as there are many red paintings.

Wab Manja Shelter  : Cave of Hands (pronounced Wep Manya) some of the best examples
 of hand stencils in Victoria.

Information on other Sites is available from the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, or
your would be happy to give you the relevant directions.

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THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Black Range Cashmere & Thyptomene Farm. 03 5383 7506.
Red Rock camp & rock climbing. See Cashmere Goats and the wild flowers in season. Open: Tours by appointment.

Grampians Horse Riding Centre. Schmidts Rd. 1800 647794.
1 or 2 hour and Ω day rides. Suitable for beginners to advanced with all gear supplied. Enjoy this beautiful area on horseback. Open: Daily, bookings are essential.

Wartook Gardens. Mt Victory Rd 03 5383 6200.
A 5 acre landscaped garden with meandering paths, featuring over 1100 species of Australian native plants. The garden also includes the Ornamental Plant Collection Association¬s official Hakea Collection for Victoria (90 species) and Panoramic views of the Grampians. Open: By appointment, (best July to December).
Admission: Adults $4. Children accompanied by an adult free of charge. Coaches $3. Amenities: carpark.

Wartook Pottery Giftshop & Studio. Northern Grampians Rd
A workshop at the base of the Grampians National Park where visitors can view local artists at work. The workshop is set amid beautiful gardens. Open: Daily 10am to 5pm. Amenities: bbq, shop, tearooms. 03 5383 6243.

Mount Zero Olives. Winfields Rd 03 5383 8280.
The olive grove is set immediately adjacent to Mount Zero, Mt Stapylton, Hollow Mountain and Flat Rock, a nearby aboriginal art site, and to the north the Wimmera plains stretching to the horizon. They are proud to be the only biodynamically managed olive grove in Victoria. Olive oil tastings and sales available. Open: Weekends & holidays and by appointment. Amenities:Accommodation.

Wild Cherry Art Gallery. Roses Gap Rd 03 5383 6279.
Quality contemporary art - paintings, sculpture, drawing, prints & jewellery - situated in the natural bushland setting. Local artists work on display. Open: Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm or by appointment. Winter months by appointment.

Grampians Mountain Adventure Company. Brimpaen Rd.
See the Northern Grampians from a different angle, a local expert can give you rock climbing, abseiling & adventure experiences. Open: 7 days a week. 0427 747 047.

Big Spring Mount. Winfields Rd. 03 53838235.
Australian Native Flower Exporters. Specializing in Thyptomene and Geraldton Wax, with many other varieties to be seen. Open: Tours by appointment.

Wartook Pottery Tearooms. Northern Grampians Rd.
Enjoy devonshire teas, homestyle cooking, cappucino¬s, delicious dessert cakes & slices. In air conditioned comfort or bird filled gardens. You will be able to relax in a tranquil, friendly atmosphere. Open: Tues - Sun & holiday Mondays.03 5383 6377

Fibreworks. Northern Grampians Rd. 03 5383 7530
Specialising in hand dyed fibres & yarns for knitters, spinners, weavers, feltmakers, embroiderers & textile artists. Wartook Pottery Studio is worth a visit with all its resident crafts women.

Deutscher Turkey Farm. Western Highway. 03 5359 5220

MacKenzie Falls Kiosk. Mount Victory Rd. 03 5383 6239

Dinkum Fare Bush Foods. 03 5383 6247

Giant Koala. Western Highway. 03 5359 5230

Karen O¬Riley Fishing Adventures. 03 5383 6338

Troopers Arms Tavern. Roses Gap Rd. 03 5383 6203

Knoop Furniture. Roses Gap Rd 03 5383 6336

Austbloom. Winfields Rd. 03 5383 8266

Valentines Woodwork. Winfields Rd. 03 5383 8227

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SELF DRIVE TOURS
The Grampians is a very large and diverse National Park in terms of climate, vegetation and scenery. It is an area where a short visit will only give you a glimpse of that diversity. A number of visits in different seasons will begin to give you a full appreciation of what the Park and surrounds offer.

These tours can begin at any point on the route, linked with other suggested tours or broken into smaller sections, depending upon time available. A map is essential, enquire at reception.

Tour 1
Drive into the National Park through the Wartook valley where you should see mobs of kangaroos and emus, visit Wartook Gardens (1,000 species of Australian Plants), on to Zumstein, where there is kangaroo viewing, picnic area, historic trail, and Memorial Water Garden. Stop at MacKenzie Falls car park, the walk to MacKenzie Falls will also enable you to see Broken, Drummer and Pearl Falls. Drive to Lake Wartook, then back to the main road to Reid¬s Lookout, the “Balconies” and further on to Boroka Lookout and return to Wartook Pottery and Tearooms.

Tour 2
Take the Horsham road (Northern Grampians Rd), turn right into Smith¬s Rd, then left into Winfield¬s Rd past Big Spring Mount (native cut flower farm - tours by appointment) Turn into Plantation Rd, past Toscana Olive Plantation (tastings) and proceed to Stapylton Camp Ground and continue to the Aboriginal Art Site - Ngamadjidi Shelter. Continue to Mt Zero car park and climb Mt Zero, Flat Rock or Mt Stapylton. Drive on to Hollow Mountain Picnic Ground for the walk to Hollow Mountain. Walk or drive on to the Aboriginal Art Site - Gulgurn Manja Shelter. Drive on to Golton Gorge Picnic Ground for the walk up the Gorge. Drive to Roses Gap Rd and proceed straight on to Heatherlie Quarry, oré.
Turn left and proceed to Dadswells Bridge to see the Giant Koala.
Turn right into Roses Gap Rd for the Beehive Falls car park and Briggs Bluff walk. Drive on to Troopers Creek Picnic Ground for the walk to Tilwinda Falls and Mt Difficult. Return to Wartook via the Roses Gap Rd visiting the Wild Cherry Art Gallery and Wartook Pottery Tearooms.

Tour 3
Take the main road to the Wonderland turntable, walk up the Grand Canyon to the Pinnacle , or take the Silverband Rd to the Sundial turntable to walk to the Pinnacle. Visit Hall¬s Gap and take the Dunkeld Rd to the National Park Information Centre and Brambuk Cultural Centre. Proceed south to the observation point at Lake Bellfield. Continue and turn right on to Silverband Rd for walks to Silverband Falls, Delleys Dell and Mt Rosea. Return to Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort.

Tour 4
Follow the main road through Zumsteins to Rose Creek Rd (or take Zumstein shortcut - dirt), continue down to Burrong Falls, continue on and turn left into Lodge Rd past Sheet of Water, left onto Glenelg River Rd to Paddy¬s Castle. Return along Glenelg River Rd south passing Moora Moora Reservoir to turn left into Serra Rd to rejoin Dunkeld/Hall¬s Gap Rd. Turn left for Mt William (Grampians highest point), Burrough Huts, Halls Gap and back over the mountains.

Tour 5
Drive around the northern end of the Grampians, visit the Giant Koala at Dadswells Bridge on route to the Stawell Information Centre, World in Miniture, “Follow the Arrows Tour”, Big Hill Lookout, Central Park (Home of the Stawell Gift), Stawell Gift Hall of Fame, joy flights and ballooning (seasonal0 and Railway Station Gallery. From Stawell visit Bunjil¬s Cave and the wineries at Great Western, Bests,Garden Gully, Seppelts and many more (including a tour of their historic drives). Continue to Ararat to see McDonald Park Flora and Fauna Reserve and Ararat J-Ward, Art Gallery, Museum, Gardens, One Tree Hill Lookout and Green Hill Lake Reserve. Take the Historic Walk (Map at Information Centre - takes in most attractions and nurseries) visiting Hall¬s Gap winery before returning to Wartook.

Tour 6
Take the Brimpaen Road to the Henty Highway:

Continue straight across on Campbell¬s Rd, turning left onto Black Range Rd, then onto Rees Rd before turning left at sign for the Aboriginal Art Site and Black Range Walk to Mt Byron (a wonderful display of flowers in the spring). Return to Black Range Rd and drive to H.G.H. corner, turning left to Cherrypool Picnic Ground and bird hides.
Follow Henty Highway south, turning right at Hynes Rd for picnic ground at Rocklands Reservoir. Back to Henty Highway and continue past Glenisla Homestead to Billywing Rd (the Billywing is renowned for its wildflowers in the spring) and turn to Buandik picnic ground for walks to Aboriginal Art Site and Buandik waterfall, continue on Harrop Track to Aboriginal Art Site. Return via Red Rock Rd and Asses Ears Rd (dirt).

Tour 7
Drive to Horsham and visit the Information Centre (touring map), Wool Factory, Botanical Gardens, Art Gallery, craft shops and try the Golf Course (one of the top 10 country courses in Victoria). Continue to Natimuk, (Home of Brigitte Muir - the first Australian woman to climb Mt Everest), via the Wimmera Highway. West of Natimuk you can drive to the top of Mt Arapiles, the Wimmera¬s “Ayers Rock”, for magnificent views and wildflowers in the spring. Return home via Horsham and try one of the many restaurants.

Tour 8
Drive through Horsham along the Western Highway, visiting the Native Plane Nursery at Wail, pop into Dimboola for antiques and collectables, take the Jeparit Rd and visit Ebenezer Mission, the Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum, Sir Robert Menzies Memorial and Lake Hindmarsh. Then on to Rainbow and visit Yurunga Homestead and the Pella Church (original pipe organ), Wyperfeld National Park and Hop0etoun (town centre mural), back via Warracknabeal, visiting the Information Centre, Historical Centre and the Wheatlands Warracknabeal Agricultural Machinery Museum. Return via Horsham.

There are numerous other tours that may be taken, depending upon your particular interest, and your hosts would be pleased to help with any further information you may require.

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ACCOMMODATION
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of staying a night or two, surrounded by rolling farmland, bush, magnificent redgums and wonderful mountain views. Bring your own tent or caravan. Stay in group accommodation, a log cabin or self contained cottage, or a personalised bed and breakfast.

Asses Ears Wilderness Lodge (Group Accommodation) 03 5383 9215
8 cabins, convention facilities, school camps, groups, clubs, backpackers, adventure activities, 400 acre property, pool, BBQ, lake, transport to Melbourne and Adelaide, 4WD Tours, catering available.

Bracken Lodge (Cabin) 03 5382 0473

Baz¬s Place (S/C House) 03 5383 6292
Peaceful bushland retreat. Self-contained building for individual or group accommodation. BYO bedding. Easy access to walks, waterfalls etc.

Black Range Cashmere & Thyptomene Farm (Camping) 03 5383 7506
Red Rock Camp. Cashmere goats, wild flowers in season.

Caramar Halt (S/C Railway Carriage) 03 5383 6253
1906 Dual Class Corridor Railway Carriage set in 100 acres of wildlife filled bush. Self-contained. This unique carriage can accommodate up to 6 people.

Carey Park (B & B) 03 5383 6334
Brand new 2 bedroom B & B with panoramic mountain views and breathtaking sunsets. Abundant kangaroos.

Chinaman¬s Lodge (Cabins) 03 5383 6203

Dadswell Bridge Caravan Park (On site vans) 03 5359 5241

Dadswell Bridge Motel (Motel) 03 5359 5251

Emu Holiday Park (S/C Cabins, On site vans, Camping) 03 5383 6304
Spacious log cottages & cabins - wood fires. Situated amidst 16 hectares of bushland. Separate shady caravan & camping area, recreational lake, games, native flora and fauna, yabby dams.

Glenisla Homestead (B & B) 03 5380 1532

Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort (S/C Cabins & On site vans) 03 5383 6210
Luxurious 2 bedroom Log Cabins and Log Flats, separate area with cabinvans & caravans, all air conditioned and ensuite, on quiet spacious bushland style resort. Facilities include a 9 hole golf course, solar heated pool, 3 tennis courts, large playground, BBQ¬s for each cabin, resident kangaroos and abundant bird life.

Karma Park (B & B) 03 5383 6289
Unique Homestead surrounded by extensive gardens offering a beautifully peaceful & relaxing atmosphere. Consists of a modern self-contained one bedroom unit. Homestead dinners by arrangement.

Mount Zero Log Cabins (S/C Cabins) 03 5384 3226
Self contained, wood heater, TV, air conditioned. BBQ¬s each cabin. Pool, tennis. Spacious setting close to Northern Grampians walks, strolls or rock climbs.

Mount Zero Exclusive Schoolhouse (B & B) 03 5383 8280
Unique accommodation in lovingly restored schoolhouse. Nestled in an Olive Grove. Farm kitchen, spacious rooms, superbly appointed, striking views.

The Grelco Run (S/C Cottages) 03 5383 9221
Luxury cottage accommodation, set in secluded 640 acre bushland. Breakfast provisions & all linen supplied, wood heated and air conditioned. Dinners by arrangement.

Wartook Caravan Park (On site vans) 03 5383 6207
On MacKenzie River, fishing, bushwalking, abundant bird life, fully equipped caravans, BBQ¬s, laundry, powered & unpowered sites, campfires.

Wartook Coutry Retreat (House) 03 5359 5230

Wartook Gardens (B & B) 03 5383 6200
Experience warm hospitality and delicious meals. In peaceful surrounds. Enjoy abundant bird life, a magnificent native garden and heated pool. Ideal base to explore the Grampians and Wimmera areas.

Wartook Rise (S/C Cabin) 03 5383 6260
Spacious comfortable s/c accommodation for 2 - 24. Ideal for families/groups. All on scenic 500 acres adjoining National Park. Wood fires, wildlife, flowers, lake, canoes, walking/bike trails.

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CRAFTS NATIVE FLOWERS
Big Spring Mount
Australian native flower exporters, specializing in Thyptomene and Geraldton Wax, with many other varieties to be seen. Situated on Winfields Rd. Tours by appointment. 03 53838235

Knoop Woodworks
Fine wood furnishings can be bought and ordered. See a craftsman at work.
Situated on Roses Gap Rd. 03 5383 6330

Wartook Pottery Giftshop & Studio
Pottery & crafts workshop and retail area. Surrounded by lush gardens in native bushland, this massive mudbrick building houses a treasure trove of unique & local gifts. Situated on Northern Grampians Rd. Open 7 days, 10am to 5pm. 03 53836243

Wild Cherry Art Gallery
Quality contemporary art - painting, sculpture, drawing, prints & jewellery. Open Thursday - Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Winter months by appointment. Situated on Roses Gap Rd and corners of Smiths Rd. 03 53836279

Valentine¬s Woodwork
A huge range of items available - toys, boxes, furniture, models, puzzles, signs etc. Situated on Winfields Rd. Open Saturday & Sunday. 9am to 5pm or by request. 03 5383 8227

Wartook Gardens
Magnificent Australian Native Plant Garden, 5 acres, 1000 species. Official home of Ornamental Plant Collection Association¬s Victorian Hakea Collection. Situated on Northern Grampians Rd, Zumsteins side of Wartook. Open by appointment only. 03 5383 6200

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This article supplied by:
GRAMPIANS WARTOOK PROMOTION GROUP INC.
RMB 7364 WARTOOK VIC 3401
Tel: +61 3 5383 6210
wanderer@netconnect.com.au

Edited by Holidayoz Feb. 2001