Grampians, Western Victoria, Australia
August to November 2011

Pyrenees State Forest

For those seeking a picnic site in a relaxing forest setting, the Waterfalls Picnic Area is hard to beat, being easily accessible from Avoca with toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces, rainwater and a short walk available for day visitor use. Spring wildflowers, including delicate understorey orchids are a treat for the keen observer.

Toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces and rainwater are also available at Camerons Track Campground which is located deep in the Pyrenees State Forest.

Governors Rock Lookout has views across the Pyrenees Ranges, Blue Pyrenees Winery and on a clear day you can see the Windfarm at Waubra. Picnic Tables and fireplaces are available at the base of the lookout.

 

Self-drive itineraries

The Grampians National Park and its peaks dominate the skyline of much of western Victoria. There are many national and state parks, forests and reserves that offer space to breathe, adventure and experiences.

The wildlife is also a must! Kangaroos and wallabies, roadside families of emus, snuffling echidna, nocturnal possums and hundreds of bird species – keep your camera handy!

Walking trails offer short 30 minute, creek side rambles through to extended multi- day hikes and mountain biking adventure is increasingly being pursued. There are sealed bike paths for family outings and a range of accommodation and service centres to meet travellers' needs.

Here is a selection of suggested touring itineraries:

For more detailed information on holidaying in the region, pick up a copy of the Grampians Visitors' Guide from a Visitor Information Centre or visit the website at: visitgrampians.com.au.

What people are saying...

"We turned off the Western Highway just before Dadswell Bridge (famous as the home of the Giant Koala), following Roses Gap Road. I noted the recent fires and made a mental note to come back to these areas in two years for magnificent wildflower displays. Long swaths alongside Roses Gap Road are about to come into full bloom. Wattle buds are well developed and only weeks away from flowering in profusion and already the whites and pinks of the massed Thriptomene are starting to flower. Mile upon mile of glorious colour, splashes of yellows, deep reds, oranges and whites as this mid winter display starts to gather momentum. We stopped and walked up to Beehive Falls and found several vantage points to marvel at the towering cliffs on either side of the car as we drove through the Gap. Lunch in Wartook Valley, in front of a cosy log fire was a nourishing interlude." - Submitted by John Winston, July 2010