The rustic charm of Southern Grampians

Dunkeld Arboretum
Julian Kingma | Grampians 2017

Roadtrippers can combine the spectacular scenery of the rugged Grampians mountain range with western Victoria's rich pastoral heritage on this inspiring touring route.
Visitors can begin their journey in picturesque Dunkeld, wander through the 2-kilometre walking track around the waterways in the tranquil Dunkeld Arboretum and revel in the excellent views of the Grampians' Piccaninny, Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt.

Those wanting to spend the night in Dunkeld can rest their head and indulge their senses at Royal Mail Hotel. The hotel features two restaurants, the two hatted Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel - serving five and eight course degustation menus Wednesday to Saturday evenings and for lunch on Saturday, and Parker Street Project - casual diner, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days.

Visitors can continue on to historic Penshurst, home to quaint bluestone buildings, the Wetlands Garden and the Volcanoes Discovery Centre. At the centre, visitors can make their way up to the peak of extinct volcano, Mount Rouse (Aboriginal name 'Collorrer), to view the landscape of the surrounding volcanic plains.

Hit the road again and head towards Hamilton. Discover the treasures of local homesteads at the renowned Hamilton Regional Art Gallery and interesting exhibition such as ‘Blue and White’ which showcases diverse blue and white ceramics from the permanent collection by noted Australian and international artists, and includes the recent acquisition – a monumental Japanese Imari Floor Vase, from the Meiji Period.

Visitors can also while away an hour or two at one of Victoria’s most intact 19th century Botanic Gardens, Hamilton Botanic Gardens. Designed by William Guilfoyle, one of Australia’s greatest garden designers, the Hamilton Botanic Gardens include an impressive display of 19th century trees, an ornamental lake and a caretaker’s cottage dating from the 1870s.

En route to Coleraine, visitors can take in the spectacular views of Wannon Falls from the viewing platform and Nigretta Falls, perfect for swimming, fishing, picnics and barbecues. Sample handmade chocolates at the local Glenelg Fine Confectionery and then take a wander along the paths of Australia's official Eucalyptus Collection at the Peter Francis Points Arboretum boasting over 12,000 native plants.

Travellers can press on to Cavendish and take a break at the Bunyip Hotel Cavendishserving up delicious meals using locally grown produce in a true country pub setting. Following the meal, visitors can end the day with the most spectacular views of the Grampians as they pass through the Mirranatwa Gap.

Visit Victoria
https://www.visitvictoria.com/