Western Victoria has much to offer winelovers and nature lovers. The great natural attractions of The Grampians National Park draw both the energetic, and the not so energetic, to witness its fabulous lofty vistas. Even if camping and hiking are not on your agenda, it's too stunning to miss. But if your interests lean more to viticultural experiences, there are two significant wine regions to explore, the pioneering Grampians Wineries and the somewhat younger but exciting Wineries of the Pyrenees. Gold discoveries first drew settlers to these areas, and consequently the towns have a rich history that only just pre-dates the earliest vineyards. The Central Goldfields Region effectively overlaps this area.

The Pyrenees Wineries Avoca, Moonambel and Redbank all have very highly regarded wineries in the vicinity. Dalwhinnie, Taltarni, Mount Avoca and Blue Pyrenees Estate are just a few of the higher profile vineyards. Warrenmang Vineyard has developed a first class restaurant. In fact it's not too hard to find gourmet food to accompany a bottle of local wine.

The Grampians Wineries

Two historically significant wineries Best's and Seppelt Great Western have fascinating underground cellars. The latter offers guided tours (www.seppelt.com.au). Great Western's name is widely synonymous with the champagne-style whites it has produced for so long. There are now quite a number of relatively newer wineries to visit in the same area. Almost all provide picnic areas and some have BBQ facilities.

Many towns throughout the Western Region offer appealing Bed & Breakfast accommodation in beautifully restored historic houses and homesteads. Self-contained cabins, from luxurious to rustically simple, are also quite common around the Grampians. These are a popular choice for those who don’t fancy camping, but prefer the economy or independence of fending for themselves.

The Grampians National Park

From the basalt plains of Western Victoria rise the majestic Grampians, 167,000 hectares of national park. Around 3.5 hours or 260km from Melbourne, Halls Gap is the usual starting point for exploring the three sandstone ranges. The ranges can also be approached from Dunkeld in the south, or Horsham in the north, but all roads lead to Halls Gap.

There are many extraordinary rock formations, lakes and lookouts to explore through short casual walks to serious hikes. The Grand Canyon, Mushroom Rock, the Balconies, Jaws of Death, the Pinnacle, the Chimney Pots - all breathtaking to the senses. A true nature wonderland, wildflowers festoon the landscape in spring. Kangaroos graze at Zumsteins picnic ground, Koalas are seen around Halls Gap, and many birds and other wildlife are spotted throughout the park.

Indigenous Heritage The informative Bambruk Cultural Centre in Halls Gap gives visitors an insight into the area's aboriginal heritage and the rock paintings hidden away in the mountains. The Manja Shelter – formerly known as the Cave of Hands – is adorned with the work of the Jawardjali people.

The southern end of the Grampians has a geological link with the volcanic plains stretching down to Warrnambool on the coast, and the inland salt water lakes around Derrinallum and Colac. Not quite so far afield are the Byaduk Caves, and Wallacedale Tunuli.