We left late again after sleeping in. Across the road from our camp spot, was ‘Sisters Rocks’ – graffiti covered boulders just outside Stawell. We then went into Stawell for the only thing of interest to us – the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame Museum. Alas it was closed for renovations.
We continued on 25km to Halls Gap, the gateway to the Grampians National Park. After collecting all the info we needed from the National Park Office, we decided to tick off the top 5 things to do in the Grampians.
First was The Wonderland, an aptly named area of the park. A walking track passed through Victoria’s Grand Canyon, Bungle Bungle-like rock formations, along a narrow rock chasm called Silent Street then onto the Pinnacle, a lookout perched atop the highest peak overhanging a huge cliff. Not for the feint hearted – or those carrying a now 11.5kg toddler on their back! The Views were well worth the 2hr hike. Our hiking fitness has dropped off while resting in Melbourne, and we both felt exhausted.
Next were great views from Boroka and Reed Lookouts, the Balconies, then onto our campsite at Smith’s Mill near McKenzie Falls, where we took an early evening stroll to explore the old mill site at dusk.