Autumn is here. Weather is getting colder - around 8-18C. Parents were in town and decided to make a trip to Grampians (again). This is probably my fourth time there, but there is always something new there to see.
The Grampians is a mountain range 3.5 hours west of Melbourne. Popular with holiday makers for hiking and rock climbing. Halls Gap is the usual destination and the so-called gateway to the Gramps, but we decided to take the southern route via Dunkeld, spending one night at the Royal Mail Hotel. Stayed at the 2 storey apartment, which was OK. They also have cottages which are 5km away but in a better setting, right in front of Mt Sturgeon. Probably recommend the cottages the next time around.
There are a few walking trails around the small sleepy town. It was very foggy so most of the majestic towering mountains could not be seen (hidden by clouds). Its not that high, probably < 1000m.
Next day we drove up north to Halls Gap and stayed at Grampians Getaway cottages. Shaped like a pyramid, the 2 storey building was quite cosy. Central was the fireplace which kept the place warm, so long as you kept feeding it wood. Wood ran out at around 4am, so it started to get cold around then, but everyone was too sleepy to re-fuel it. It was not so bad as long as you are under the covers. Just outside, there were 20+ kangaroos grazing. They would all jump away in a stampede when approached. Matthew was very amused by them and the other animals on the compound, which was a several hectare farm estate.
We also walked up Mt William (1167m). You can drive up to the carpark and walk the remaining 1.8km (one way). It is a STEEP sealed road all the way to the top. We pushed a pram up, and it was tiring, but achievable. Because of the low-clouds, the view from the summit was absolutely NIL, but we had a good time sipping on tea and eating nuts anyway.
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