This was published 3 years ago
The Grampians, Victoria, travel guide and things to do: Nine highlights
By Mark Daffey
Visitors to the Grampian Ranges are blessed with lookout points that are easily accessible via short walks.Credit: Visit Victoria
THE ONE VIEW
Visitors to the Grampian Ranges are blessed with lookout points that are easily accessible via short walks – Boroka, Reed, The Balconies, The Piccaninny. Some are best visited at dawn, others at dusk. One that's suitable at any time of day is Mount William, the highest point in the Grampians at 1167metres , providing 360-degree views of the ranges and surrounding plains.
See parks.vic.gov.au
THE ONE BAKERY
Housed inside a historic Heritage-listed cottage that's far from the noisy Glenelg Highway in Dunkeld is The Old Bakery. Dine beneath pressed-metal ceilings or under a veranda framed by grape vines. Try a lamb ragu or beef and ale pie accompanied by six varieties of the bakery's own branded Signal Peak loose-leaf teas.
THE ONE BERRY FARM
Five Ducks Farm sells handmade preserves direct to the public from a berry farm in Pomonal. A range of jams, honeys, chutneys, relishes and marmalades are on display in the tasting room, as well as ice cream. Better value though is the hour-long farm tour, escorted by an assortment of farm animals and costing just $10 a person, including Devonshire teas.
THE ONE TAKE AWAY
You wouldn't know unless you asked, but Izzy's Café in Dunkeld grows its own vegetable and salad ingredients, and also makes its own cakes and pastries. In addition there are European-style pizzas, fresh Portland flake, Illy coffee and Timboon ice creams that will leave your tastebuds singing.
See izzys.com.au
THE ONE RETREAT
One block back from Grampians Road, at the foot of the Serra Ranges and an easy stroll from the town shops or Visitor Centre, is Cedar Country Retreat. Three upstairs bedrooms sleep up to six guests, with full kitchen and barbecue facilities, wood-fired heaters and sofas that you can sink into, accompanied by complimentary wines and chocolates.
THE ONE FAMILY ACTIVITY
Mini golf has never been so much fun – or varied – until you step onto the 18-hole Grampians Adventure Golf course in Halls Gap. Set among landscaped gardens incorporating waterfalls and ponds, it would challenge and excite even Tiger Woods, with bridges, funnels and obstacles galore.
See grampiansadventuregolf.com.au
THE ONE HIKE
Hiking trails for all levels criss-cross the Grampians. But if you had to choose one, it's hard to go past the scenic trail to The Pinnacle from the Wonderland car park, passing through the Grand Canyon and Silent Street on your way to a cliff-top viewpoint overlooking Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield.
THE ONE PIZZERIA
After a pandemic-enforced hiatus, Harvest café owners Richard and Carly Flecknoe relaunched as Raccolto Pizzeria last November. Open during evenings from Thursday to Monday, as well as weekend lunchtimes, their gourmet pizzas cater to meat and seafood lovers, vegetarians and vegans, and are accompanied by a selection of craft beers and local wines.
THE ONE COTTAGE
The sweet-smelling aroma of scented candles greets you as you walk through the front door of Salt Creek Cottage, Dunkeld. Two bedrooms at the front complement a back-of-house open-plan living area offering views towards Mount Sturgeon. And as a bonus, any food or drinks left in the pantry or fridge are yours to take, and you're actually encouraged to pilfer the locally made soaps from the bathroom.
ONE MORE THING
Though it's best known for its outdoor pursuits, the Grampians is home to more than 20 wineries. Pomonal Estate draws the crowds for its lazy lunches. Best's and Seppelt are two of the oldest family-owned wineries in Australia. And cutting-edge producers with rich pedigrees – like ATR Wines' Adam Richardson – ensure a steady flow of wine lovers to the region. An ideal starting point is Grampians Wine Cellars in Halls Gap, where raconteur Simon Freeman will regale you with stories about famous winemakers from across the world while you sample local drops.
Mark Daffey
The writer travelled with assistance from Volkswagen Australia (volkswagen.com.au) and Visit Victoria (visitvictoria.com.au).
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