Every season is a great time to explore the Grampians National Park with the nuances that each season presents. Although there is a greater likelihood of fog, mist or rain, walking the trails of the Grampians in winter provides a unique perspective of its world-renowned beauty, geological heritage, and flora and fauna. Most of the Grampians’ famous landscapes are within easy reach of Dunkeld, with walking tracks reaching the rocky peaks of Mt Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon and the Piccaninny within a few kilometres of the town. Make sure you are well equipped for winter bushwalking!
If the weather is too inclement for bushwalking, there are plenty of other options. There is much to see and do in the picturesque village of Dunkeld – with fine dining at the award winning Royal Mail Hotel, complemented by other fine eateries, the old restored Fitzpatrick Sawmill set in the local Arboretum, the Dunkeld Museum and the associated Heritage Trail.
You could visit the regional centre of Hamilton 30km to the west with its magnificent Botanic Gardens, famous Art Gallery (adjacent to a modern Library and Movie Theatre), the heritage museums (Pastoral Museum, Ansett Transport Museum, Campe’s Motor Museum), or a local winery. Perhaps you could embark on a trip to the south and west to check out the spectacular volcanic cones and waterfalls of the significant Kanawinka Geotrail, or a trip north through the Grampians to the northern town of Halls Gap with its famous Brambuk Indigenous Culture Centre and iconic lookouts with breathtaking views. Or you could explore the neighbouring villages of Balmoral, Byaduk, Cavendish, Coleraine, Glenthompson, Penshurst and Tarrington.
You will return to a comfortable well-equipped cottage where you will be able to keep warm with the cosy heat of a wood heater (ask George to have it going for you!), or an electric heating option. You will keep warm in bed with quality doonas, electric blankets and extra blankets.
