Grampians, Western Victoria, Australia
August to November 2011

Lexton Toll Bar Park - Sunraysia Hwy, Lexton

When explorer Thomas Mitchell passed this way in 1836, his journal read: ‘We descend into a valley of the finest description.’ One of Victoria’s first inland townships, Lexton was established in 1945 and is noted for the historic toll bar erected across the main road in the 1800s to help pay for road upkeep.

  • BBQ
  • Rotunda
  • Information Board
  • Public Toilet
  • Picnic Facilities
  • Playground

Mather's Creek Flora Reserve, Fairburn Street, Balmoral

Mather's Creek stemming from the Glenelg River is a stunning oasis with thriving birdlife and your patience may be rewarded with a rare platypus sighting in the river. Around this area you can catch glimpses of various wildflowers such as Variable Holly Grevillea, Myrtle Wattle and Clustered Grasstree.

  • Picnic Area
  • Playground
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Public Toilets nearby

Moonambel Common - Stawell-Avoca Road, Moonambel

At the centre of Victoria’s most prestigious wine regions, Moonambel lies in a gorgeous Pyrenees valley surrounded by 15 wineries.

  • BBQ
  • Public Toilets
  • Playground
  • Picnic facilities
  • Petanque Piste

Mount Rouse Lookout,
Surkitts Lane (Off Penshurst -Warrnambool Road), Penshurst

Panoramic views of the lava plain and the surrounding district, including the Grampians. Accessible by vehicle. See various wildflowers including, Magenta Storks Bill, Feather-heads, Scented Sun-orchid.

  • Electric BBQ Facilities
  • Small information rotunda
  • Public Toilets
  • Walking trails

Penshurst Wetlands Garden, Chesswas Street, Penshurst

Fed by a natural everlasting spring, the Wetlands Garden is a beautiful, quiet area to stop and relax.

  • Public Toilets
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Picnic Area

Peter Francis Points Arboretum,
Top Hilgay Road, Coleraine

40 years ago the 30 hectare site was a tip with just two trees on it, but now it is home to over 500 species of eucalypt genus. It is Australia's official Eucalypt Collection. You can see Common Everlasting, Thin-leaf Wattle, and Blue Pincushion while visiting in Spring.

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Playground
  • Public Toilets (Wheelchair access)
  • Picnic Area

Rocklands Bushland Reserve, Cherrypool Road, Rocklands

Rocklands Reservoir a part of the Wimmera Mallee irrigation system is popular for fishing and camping. While here you may be able to spot Feather-heads, Yam Daisy and Trailing Hop-bush.

  • Camping
  • Public Toilets

Settlers Walk, Banks of Wannon River, Cavendish

Settlers Walk meanders along the banks of the Wannon River offering glimpses into the lives of local legends. The watercourse is teaming with wildlife through the wetter months of the year with sheep and cattle grazing nearby pasture in the drier seasons. Here you can find Pale Rush, Knobby Rush, Dwarf Rice flower.

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Picnic Area
  • Camping
  • Public Toilets nearby

Stuart Mill Park – Stuart Mill

A lovely place to relax and enjoy the serenity of the beautiful town of Stuart Mill.

  • Playground
  • Seating
  • Barbecue
  • Shelter

The Wax Garden – Centre Road, St Arnaud

The Wax Garden is a 3.8-ha flora reserve within Kara State Forest. Follow the Wimmera Highway south-west out of town for about 3 km then turn left into Centre Rd (gravel). It is a few kilometres to the gateway on the left which leads to the garden. It is best seen when the flowers are in bloom in October. There is an information board and the St Arnaud Information Centre can supply a pamphlet outlining the 70 odd flower species and their whereabouts within the reserve.

  • BBQ
  • Picnic area

Wail Arboretum- Wail State Forest, Wail

Wail Arboretum, between Horsham and Dimboola on the Western Highway is a 10 hectare resource for native plant lovers. The garden features numerous mature native tree and shrub specimens that are labelled with their botanical names. Wheelchair accessible pathways provide good visitor access. The site also provides an ability to assess the value and full potential of many native plant species for home plantings. There is good sealed coach road access from the highway and parking and a nature trail commences nearby through the Wail State Forest.

  • Toilets
  • Shaded Picnic tables
  • Free Entry

Wannon Falls, Glenelg Highway, Wannon

The Wannon Falls were created by lava flows that surged upstream to the Wannon River. The water, which cascades over a 30-metre vertical precipice into a deep plunge pool below, is actually flowing over hardened basalt lava. Further downstream, rapids wind their way around large blocks of basalt, dislodged over time down the embankments of the narrow valley. While here try and spot the Cranberry Heath, Creamy Candles and Showy Parrot-pea.

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Picnic Area
  • Camping Area
  • Toilets (Wheelchair access)
  • Viewing Platform

Parks and gardens

Shire Councils and Friends groups take great pride in the development and maintenance of a large number of public gardens. There is no better time to visit some of these than Spring. Many have children’s playgrounds, sealed pathways and other visitor facilities so take the opportunity to visit.

Alexandra Gardens, Ararat

Established in 1863 Alexandra Gardens is an oasis in the heart of Ararat. Early planning and planting of the plants was supplied by Baron Ferdinard Von Muelier of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens. With an ornamental lake, expansive lawns, colourful gardens and large shade trees, it is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, take a stroll or just relax. For those looking for something more active the walking path encircling the lake is ideal. Other features to explore include the fernery, the glass house, (donated by the Rotary Club of Ararat ) the asian island, the native garden, the childrens playground, and of course fishing in the lake.

  • Facilities include: Picnic tables, toilets, drinking fountain, park benches, free electric Barbecues, Rotunda and shelters.

Ararat Regional Hills (including McDonald Park)

Close to Ararat, this park is a wonderful place to enjoy a scenic drive, picnic or a nice walk among woodland, spring flowers and abundant wildlife, such as, kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas sugar gliders and brush tailed possum. Three separate blocks make up the park. The ancient Ararat Hills block apart from the magnificent views has a rich gold history, (people still try their luck with metal detectors). Dunneworthy block is to the north and Bradys block with its rich ironbark forest is the the norval Cathcart area. Explore the park by foot, bicycle or horse along the many well signposted tracks and roads. Enjoy the two kilometre loop walking track along Bridal Hill and enjoy a picnic at Bridal Hill or Blackie Reserve. Drive the sealed road to One Tree Hill to the Pioneer Lockout for panoramic views of the Grampians, Mt Langi Ghiran and Mt Cole.

Avoca Central - Sunraysia Highway, Avoca

Avoca’s wide main street has maintained its historic appearance that is reminiscent of the gold rush days. The main street is spotted with many picnic locations, with the petanque piste that takes pride of place at the north end of town where two tournaments are held each year.

  • Toilets
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Picnic Tables
  • Shelter

Avoca Lions Club Park - Creek Street, Avoca

This quaint little picnic area is situated off the Pyrenees Highway along the banks of the Avoca River. It is surrounded by large Pencil Pine trees which keeps the park lovely and cool during the hotter months and blocks out the wind during the cooler months. There is plenty of space for parking large vehicles and caravans and is also home to small petanque piste for visitors to play on.

  • Toilet Facilities
  • Playground
  • BBQ Facilities under cover
  • Picnic tables
  • Petanque Piste

Beaufort Lake Recreation Reserve - Lake Road, Beaufort

Beaufort Lake is accessed via Lake Road to the South of Town and is surrounded by  parkland, recreational facilities and a caravan park. Beaufort Lake has something for everyone and is great for fishing, water skiing and short walks.

  • BBQ
  • Picnic Facilities

Beaufort Rotunda - Havelock Street, Beaufort

Beaufort Band Rotunda is located in the centre of the Beaufort township. It was built in 1903 as a memorial to Queen Victoria and was restored in 1993 to its original glory. The Rotunda is crowned by a fine octagonal lantern with iron-grille decoration and a four-faced clock.

  • Picnic Tables
  • Garden setting

Cato Park – Victoria Street, Stawell

Home to Cato Lake with lush grassed surrounds and also featuring a variety of trees and shrubs, including Canary island Palms, firs, wattles and eucalypts.  Cato Lake is also home to an assortment of birds and wildlife.

  • Public toilets
  • Seating
  • Walking/running tracks and paths
  • BBQ facilities
  • Playground
  • Picnic area

Cemetery Creek Walking Track, Ararat

This walking track runs from Banfield St in the west through to Campbell St in the east. The walk runs through public land along the cemetery creek that is important habitat for numerous plant and animal species as well as a recreational resource for the Ararat Community. Over 160 native plant species have been recorded along the creek. Bulbine Lillies and Golden Moth Orchids also can been seen along the walking track. 13 mammal, 42 bird, five reptile and six amphibian species have been recorded.

Central Park – Lower Main Street, Stawell

Home of the Stawell Easter Gift, Central Park also offers a beautiful garden area to wander through or just sit and relax.

  • Public toilets
  • Seating
  • Walking paths
  • Picnic area

Dunkeld Arboretum- Old Ararat Road, Dunkeld

This well loved sanctuary has been cleverly planned, the walking track meanders past hundreds of trees including many giant red gums. It is home to native grasslands that are amongst the most threatened ecosystems in Victoria, and this reserve is a valuable resource. Central to the area is a series of small lakes that are crossed by several bridges. Panoramic views of Mount Abrupt, most spectacular at sunset. Here you can spot Kangaroo Grass, Clover Glycine and Lemon Beauty-heads.

  • Picnic Area

Federation Park –  Western Highway, Stawell

Take a stroll along the Pleasant Creek Walk a great place to stop and rest when travelling along the Western Highway.

  • Public Toilets
  • Walking Track
  • Rotunda Shelter

Green Hill Lake - Western Highway, Ararat

Is situated approximately three kilometres east of Ararat, a great place for the family to enjoy picnics, fishing, boating sking, swimming. For a small fee there is lots of space for caravans and camping under shady trees. Must be self efficient as there is no power. Bird Life is abundant. A small island is accessible by a bridge.

  • Facilites include: hot showers, toilets, barbeques, shelters, boat ramp.

Hamilton Botanic Gardens,
Corner French Street and Thompson Street, Hamilton

One of Victoria's most outstanding regional civic gardens, recognised as an important part of Victoria's heritage. Designed in 1881 by William Guilfoyle, the gardens are open every day. The innovative walk through bird aviary is home to many exotic and native birds while kangaroos, emus and wallabies also reside in the gardens.

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Picnic Area
  • Rotunda Shelter
  • Playground
  • Toilets (Wheelchair access)

Ironbarks Forest – Newington Road, Stawell

Stawell Ironbark Forest showcases spring wildflowers and rare orchids. Nature and wildflower lovers will enjoy the many walks available through the Ironbarks. This beautiful unique eucalypt fills the forest floor on the northern outskirts of the town.

  • Walking tracks
  • Bushwalks