Activities

Wartook to MacKenzie Falls, Reeds & Boroka Lookouts
via Northern Grampians (Mt Victory) Road - 30th April 2011

In January 2011 a significant storm and flood event swept through the Grampians National Park causing damage to roads, walking tracks, campgrounds and popular visitor sites.

VicRoads have worked hard to open the Northern Grampians Road from Wartook to Boroka Lookout. This road allows northern access to MacKenzie Falls, Lake Wartook, Smiths Mill Campground, Balconies walk, Reeds and Boroka Lookouts. There is still significant flood damage beyond this area. Zumstein Picnic area and other roads in the area remain closed.

The reopening of the Northern Grampians Road (Mt Victory Road) and Grampians Road (Dunkeld-Halls Gap Road), now repaired after the January floods, means many parts of the Grampians are accessible again.
Come and explore our mountains, lakes and towns. Experience for yourself the inspiring beauty exposed by the water and, most importantly, rest and relax in our natural wonderland.

The following walks are available:

MACKENZIE FALLS LOOKOUT WALK

...excellent views overlooking MacKenzie Falls
Distance: 1.9 km return Time: 40 minutes
Elevation Change: 10 metres Grade: easy
Start: MacKenzie Falls Carpark
The walk to a viewing platform, that overlooks MacKenzie Falls, is
suitable for people with limited mobility. For the most spectacular
view, approach the viewing platform from the right-hand fork of the
track.

BROKEN FALLS LOOKOUT

...a short, easy stroll to a viewing platform overlooking Broken Falls
Distance: 500m return Time: 10 minutes
Elevation Change: 5 metres Grade: easy
Start: MacKenzie Falls Carpark
An easy stroll through open stringybark forest leads to a viewing
platform, that overlooks Broken Falls, and is suitable for people with
limited mobility.

REEDS LOOKOUT

...great views overlooking the Victoria Valley
Distance: 100m return Time: 10 minutes
Elevation Change: 15 metres Grade: easy-medium
Start: Reeds Lookout Carpark
Follow the path around the gate and along the sealed road to the
summit of Reeds Lookout. From this magnificent lookout you will
receive breathtaking views over Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra
Range, Lake Wartook and the Mt Difficult Range. Great views can
also be seen from the carpark.

THE BALCONIES

...cliff line views overlooking Victoria Valley
Distance: 2.0 km return Time: 1 hour
Elevation Change: 50 metres Grade: easy
Start: Reeds Lookout Carpark
The track climbs gently from the carpark, through
rock outcrops and a stringybark forest to the Balconies
lookout. From this lookout there are panoramic views
over the Victoria Valley.

BOROKA LOOKOUT

...A great view of the Halls Gap Valley and the eastern plains.
Distance: 90m one way Time: 5 minutes
Elevation Change: 5 metres Grade: easy
Start: Boroka Lookout Carpark
An easy stroll through open stringybark forest leads to two viewing
platforms that look down the Halls Gap valley and out onto the eastern
plains, and is suitable for people with limited mobility.

NOT TO BE MISSED

GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK

Get out of doors and explore the natural beauty of the Grampians. View the surrounding landscape from a scenic lookout, follow a trail to MacKenzie Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the state, see wildflowers or the spectacular rock formations of the Grampians National Park. All are easily accessible by foot or car.

Between Dadswell Bridge in the North and Dunkeld in the South, the four mountain ranges of this Park comprise some of the most impressive natural scenery in Victoria and one of the most significant Aboriginal rock art locations in the country.

Colourful wildflowers are outstanding among the almost 900 native plant species of the ranges, many of them unique to the area.

Northern Walks

HOLLOW MOUNTAIN
...spectacular rock formations and views
Distance: 2.2 km return Time: 1 - 1½hours
Elevation Change: 158 metres Grade: medium-hard
Start: Hollow Mountain Carpark
Follow the sign-posted track through a densely vegetated gully to
start climbing through a woodland of banksias, grass-trees, native
pines and eucalypts. The track then leads you to the base of an
iron-stained cliff. It’s a steep and strenuous climb through fallen
boulders and along exposed ledges to a sparsely vegetated rocky
outcrop. A short uphill scramble completes the climb to the windscoured
caverns with views overlooking Mt Stapylton and the
Wimmera plains. Return by the same route.

GULGURN MANJA SHELTER
...an Aboriginal cultural site
Distance: 1 km return Time: 20 - 40 minutes
Elevation Change: 30 metres Grade: easy
Start: Hollow Mountain Carpark
A short up-hill stroll leads to Gulgurn Manja Shelter - meaning
‘Hands of Young People’. Signs tell some of the stories and legends
of the Jardwadjali people and the mountains they call Gariwerd. The
local Aboriginal communities welcome visitors here to learn about
their culture and heritage. Please respect Gulgurn Manja. Return by
the same route.

MT ZERO
...a steep climb for the adventurous family
Distance: 2.8 km return Time: 1 - 1½ hours
Elevation Change: 151 metres Grade: medium
Start: Mt Zero Picnic Area
From the picnic area, carefully cross the Halls Gap-Mt Zero
Road to the sign-posted walking track. Track markers guide you
up the rocky hillside. Near the top of the ridge the track becomes
steeper – a hand rail will help you up the rocky steps to the
summit. Views of Mt Stapylton and the surrounding Wimmera plains
are some of the best in the area. Return by the same route.

MT STAPYLTON
...a rugged strenuous walk with panoramic views
Distance: 4.6 km return Time: 2 - 2½ hours
Elevation Change: 278 metres Grade: hard
Start: Mt Zero Picnic Area
This walk, suitable for fit and energetic walkers, can involve water
crossings, slippery track surfaces, rock hopping and rockscrambling.
Signs and track markers guide the way up the steep rock slope of
Flat Rock to a splendid vantage point overlooking a natural
amphitheatre. The track descends briefly to the base of the
impressive Taipan Wall before continuing its steady climb along
rock terraces to a track intersection. Follow signs and track markers
on the final steep ascent, which involves some rock hopping and
scrambling past a wind-scoured cave. The view from the summit
is spectacular, taking in much of the park and surrounding plains.
Return by the same route.

MT STAPYLTON LOOP
...a walk for the fit and adventurous
Distance: 12.2 km circuit Time: 5 - 5½ hours
Elevation Change: 230 metres Grade: hard
Start: Stapylton Campground
This walk, suitable for fit and energetic walkers, can involve water
crossings, slippery track surfaces, rock hopping and rockscrambling.
A sign posted walking track leads through dense scrub and crosses
Pohlner Road, continuing to a track intersection. Turn right and begin
the steady climb up the timbered slopes. Signs and track markers
guide you over exposed rocky outcrops and through forested gullies.
The final steep climb involves some rock hopping and scrambling
over rock ramps. The summit views are spectacular, taking in much
of the park and surrounding plains. Return to the last intersection
and follow the sign toward Mt Zero Picnic Area. The track follows
water-etched rock terraces flanked by low vegetation, and leads into
a natural amphitheatre. Continue to a sign posted track intersection
which will direct you back to Stapylton Campground.

NGAMADJIDJ SHELTER
...an Aboriginal camping place
Distance: 300 metre circuit Time: 10 minutes
Elevation Change: 10 metre Grade: easy
Start: Stapylton Campground
The walk from the carpark to Ngamadjidj Shelter is short and
suitable for people with limited mobility. This self-guided walk gives
an insight into the culture and heritage of the local Aboriginal people.
This is an important Aboriginal rock art site. Please treat Ngamadjidj
with respect.

BEEHIVE FALLS
...spectacular after rain
Distance: 2.8 km return Time: 1 - 1½ hours
Elevation Change: 110 metres Grade: medium
Start: Beehive Falls Carpark, Roses Gap Road
A gently undulating walking track follows Mud Hut Creek
upstream, to a series of rock steps and on to Beehive Falls (best after
rain). Enjoy the pretty rock pools and ferns. The base of the falls
makes a peaceful resting spot. Return by the same route.

BRIGGS BLUFF
...grand views and a rich diversity of flora
Distance: 10.6 km return Time: 4½ - 5½ hours
Elevation Change: 419 metres Grade: hard
Start: Beehive Falls Carpark, Roses Gap Road
Warning: Do not embark on this walk on a misty day, when
visibility near cliffs is poor. This walk, suitable for fit and energetic
walkers, can involve water crossings, slippery track surfaces, rock
hopping and rockscrambling. Follow directions to Beehive Falls (see
notes for Beehive Falls). From Beehive Falls, the track
immediately becomes steeper. An unrelenting scramble over steep
slopes and rock outcrops brings you to a plateau with splendid
views. The track, flanked by low vegetation, then cuts a large arc
across the plateau to the base of an imposing cliffline. Signs and
track markers guide you on a steady climb through massive boulders
and over windswept terraces to the summit. The view from the plummeting
cliff edge is unrivalled. Return by the same route.

BRAMBUK LIVING ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE

Aboriginal people have had an association with the Grampians, traditionally known as Gariwerd, for thousands of years. Indigenous Australians have left evidence of their lives in the region, including ancient oven mounds, scatterings of stone left over from tool making, rock art sites and the beliefs handed down from one generation to the next.

This impressive building near Halls Gap is dedicated to the interpretation of Koori culture in Southwestern Victoria through exhibitions, tours and live performances.

The Western and Northern sections of the Grampians contains the most accessible indications of the early Aboriginal inhabitation.

The Happy Wanderer is strategically placed for half day and full day trips in and around the Grampians, or to nearby well-stocked lakes for fishing, as well as to the wineries and towns such as Horsham, Halls Gap and Stawell. Guests of all ages can enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, Aboriginal art sites, rock-climbing, bush-walking, horse riding, wildflowers, wildlife, sporting activities or just relaxing.

As well as enjoying the local attractions and scenery, guest are invited to relax and partake of the activities at the Happy Wanderer resort including practicing putting or that golf swing, a refreshing and invigorating swim in the pool, burning off that holiday energy swinging a tennis racquet or, spending quality time with the children in the play ground. : definitely, "A place to stay for more than a day"

A list of suggested Touring Drives is available and our General Store is stocked with Walks Maps, Driving Maps and a variety of brochures and general information.

Contact Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort