Grampians School Tours – Ancient Culture Meets Natural Wonder

The Grampians are a series of five spectacular sandstone ridges running north to south with steep and craggy slopes on the eastern side and gentler slopes to the west. They are the result of earth movements lifting and tilting the hard sandstones to create an impressive landscape of peaks and valleys.  The Grampians National Park is the richest site for Aboriginal rock art in Victoria. The region has the largest number of rock art sites in Southern Australia and over 80% of Victoria’s rock art sites, some dating back more than 20,000 years. There are approximately 200 rock art sites recorded in the Grampians National Park with five sites open to the public. Most art sites are situated under rock overhangs providing shelter and strategic viewing points of the surrounds.

Hiking

Planning to go on a hike, visit the National Park Information Centre where you can source the latest park information including walking track updates and maps for the Grampians National Park.

Parks staff can help you discover world famous hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, spectacular mountain views and ancient Aboriginal rock art shelters. A unique range of local Indigenous products, Australian made souvenirs and park maps are available in the gift shop.

 The Pinnacle Walk 

 From the street, The Pinnacle appears unnervingly high and potentially difficult to walk. The good news is that it is not, and the views from the lookout make every bit of effort worthwhile. It is one of the very best vantage points in the Grampians National Park for terrific scenic views over a vast expanse of western Victoria.

Choose from two different routes up to the Pinnacle lookout – an easy to medium walk from Sundial Carpark and a more challenging walk from Wonderland Carpark.

Mackenzie Falls

Mackenzie Falls is the most iconic and spectacular waterfall in the Grampians.   Watch the majestic waterfall from the lookout platform or tackle the steep track to the base of the falls.   Make the most of your time in the Grampians National Park with a strenuous walk through the beautiful MacKenzie River Gorge to Zumsteins Historic Area.

Zumsteins Historic Area

Zumsteins Picnic area is located on the banks of the MacKenzie River and is the site of an historic settlement.   It provides a great opportunity to relax in the natural setting of the Grampians, enjoy the wildlife, eat your packed lunches and take a short walk.

The Cultural Centre building has been closed for a number of years now, for major refurbishments and a “re-imagining” project but the Park Information Centre, gift shop, and public restrooms remain open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to help you plan your Grampians trip.

Brambuk Wetland Loop Walk

The self-guided Wetland Loop Walk and native gardens are accessible, though it’s always best to check current trail alerts before heading out.

Victoria’s largest privately owned regional zoo, Halls Gap zoo features over 120 species and 500 individuals of native & exotic mammals, reptiles and birds.

Home to a diverse range of animals, from exotic species to native Australian wildlife, the zoo provides an enriching experience through beautifully landscaped enclosures and informative talks by our knowledgeable staff.

Education  (approximate time, depends on number of students:  2.5-3 hours)

They offer guided tours, with an experienced keeper, or self-guided options. Their guided tours have curriculum-based options of focus for the tours.

See, touch and learn. Their Full Tour options include an educational session with the reptiles where the students are able to touch or hold snakes and lizards followed by an escorted tour around the zoo, with educational and interesting talks around your selected package. Discover interesting details and inside knowledge about the animals from our dedicated Keepers.

Ask more, learn more.  They encourage student interaction. During your tour up to 4 animal species will be presented, The Keeper will discuss habitats, survival, breeding and other interesting, engaging facts.

Twilight Night Zoo Tours  (Maximum number of people per night:  48 – split into groups of 16

Discover a whole new side of Halls Gap Zoo after dark. Their exclusive twilight tours offer a rare chance to explore the zoo in a relaxed, small-group setting as nocturnal animals begin to stir.

Wander the grounds with an experienced guide, enjoy unique animal encounters, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the Grampians at dusk and after dark.

End your evening gathered around the fire, toasting marshmallows under the stars.

Please note:  Due to the uneven nature of their gravel paths and considering the tour is at least partially in the dark, they do not recommend wheelchairs or walkers.

Set in a beautiful bush setting, Roses Gap Recreation Centre can sleep up 250 people in cabin accommodation.    With in-house catering, multiple dining rooms and amenity blocks, as well as a massive games room to keep students occupied at night, the centre assists in making the Grampians a great place to take students on camp.

Activities

The Roses Gap Recreation Centre is more than just accommodation, they offer a wide range of outdoor adventure activities designed to challenge and excite participants of all ages. Under the expert guidance of their friendly instructors, experience the thrill of stepping out of your comfort zone and learn to reach for your goals in a stunning setting within the Grampians National Park.

Abseiling

Harness up and descend some beautiful natural rock walls specifically chosen by our instructors for your groups age and skill level. A great challenge with great rewards.

Rock Climbing

An amazing physical and mental challenge as you navigate your way to the top of some world class Grampians rock walls, all within walking distance of camp.

Giant Swing

At 19m high the Giant Swing is one fast and fun experience not to missed while on camp. Team mates pull you up to your preferred height before the countdown and release sends you flying!

Flying Fox

Spanning over 100m, the biggest challenge for most on the Flying Fox is leaping from the tower, but once you do it’s an exciting ride to the other end where your classmates will be waiting and cheering you on.

Vertical Playpen

Tackle a variety of tricky elements as you and a team mate navigate your way to the top of this massive climbing challenge, while the rest of your group and your instructor support you from below on the belay teams.

Leap of Faith

The Leap of Faith will require all of your focus and confidence as you scale the pole, balance on top, and leap out into the air as you reach for the suspended ball. A true test for the mind and the nerves!

 Crate Stack

Reach for new heights and stack your crates as high as you dare in this fun and challenging activity that sees you working with your teammates to carefully build a tower of crates without toppling your creation and falling off.

Canoeing

Our lake is the perfect size for groups to learn and practice some new paddling skills on the water. Under close supervision of an instructor you’ll get the chance to participate in races, raft-ups, and games in our fun and energetic Canoeing sessions.

Raft Building

Challenge your group to design a raft that will keep the chosen paddlers afloat as they make their way across to the lakes central island and back to shore. A creative challenge with a focus on teamwork that sometimes involves getting a little (or a lot) wet!

Low Ropes

Swing, balance, climb and crawl your way through a series of fun team building and initiative challenges that will test not only physical skills, but also the groups ability to work together and problem solve.

Archery

Shoot for a bullseye on the Roses Gap archery range in this popular activity for all ages. You’ll learn proper safe handling, loading and firing techniques, as you take turns lining up the target with your bow and arrows.

Hut Building

Set in a secluded spot on the Roses Gap property, this session challenges the group to create a shelter using only natural materials. Tapping into creative and team building elements, this activity is also about exploring the outdoors, bonding, and having fun.

We can organise a Welcome to Country at your accommodation (depending permission from accommodation), provided by Wotjobaluk Nations Traditional Owners, marks the beginning of gatherings on Wotjobaluk Country.   This ceremony may include a Smoking Ceremony (for an extra cost) to cleanse, show respect and provide safe passage into Wotjobaluk Country.

Add a stop at the Gum San Chinese Heritage on your way to or on your way home from your Grampians Camp!

Gum San translates as Gold Mountain and the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre is literally sitting on the site of the “Gold Mountain” that started Ararat’s gold rush.

The Centre tells the story of the 19th century Chinese miners that braved a perilous sea journey followed by a long trek across southern Australia to the new goldfields of Bendigo and Ballarat.

Life size scenarios in the centre depict their travels and experiences of the excitement of gold discoveries mixed with the hardship of life on the goldfields plus the prejudices and hatred from other nationalities that sometimes erupted in to riots.

Along the way they discovered gold in a creek near their camp. After the gold petered out and the bulk of miners moved on to goldfields in other areas and overseas, some of the more enterprising Chinese who had created market gardens and opened stores to supply the miners, travelers and a growing surrounding population, decided to stay on.

Thus Ararat was born and became to be known as the only town in Australia to be founded by the Chinese!