Grampians A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME Itinerary Amended July 2017 Highlights Learn about the culture, volcanic landscape & environment of Victoria s Western District Begin with walks at Mt Eccles National Park & visit the Byaduk lava caves Understand the geological history at Volcanoes Discovery Centre Take in walks to Mt Noorat, Mt Napier & Mt Sturgeon Learn about Aboriginal culture at Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre Spend four nights based in Halls Gap surrounded by the grandeur of ancient landscapes Enjoy day walks featuring the sandstone mountain ranges, stringy bark forests & spring wildflowers of Grampians National Park This eight day journey explores the youngest volcanic features of Victoria s Western District along with the ancient landscapes of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Commencing in Geelong, we take the short walk up to Mt Noorat and peer into its crater while learning about the intriguing geological history of this region. Near Port Fairy, Tower Hill Reserve is a crater lake and a haven for native wildlife. Further inland, Mt Eccles (Budj Bim) National Park protects Aboriginal heritage, lava tubes and crater lakes. Nearby Mt Napier is the youngest volcano in Victoria and we follow the lava flow to the Byaduk Caves. After visiting the Volcanoes Discovery Centre at Penshurst we travel across the third largest volcanic plain on earth. Our first walk in the magnificent Grampian Ranges is to the summit of Mt Sturgeon. We then learn about the unique Aboriginal culture and history at Brambuk National Park and Culture Centre. Based for four nights in Halls Gap, we immerse ourselves in this ancient landscape of massive sandstone outcrops and eucalypt covered slopes towering above the surrounding plains. Half and full day walks lead us to places with names lifted from explorers diaries. We marvel at the valleys and vistas from Grand Canyon, Silent Street, MacKenzie Falls, Boroka and Lakeview Lookout to the Wonderland Ranges. Finishing with a taste sensation we visit the famed Seppelt Great Western winery and there are options to end in Ballarat or return to Geelong. DETAILS Price: Twinshare / person (ex Ballarat) Advanced Early Bird: A$2,995 until 25/11/2016 Early Bird: A$3,195 until 30/06/2017 Regular: A$3,495 Single Supplement: A$450 Note: For single people who prefer to share, we will try to find a suitable roommate, but if this is not possible the sole-use surcharge will apply. Minimum Group size: 10 guests Special Interest: Wildlife, Birding, Geology, History, Botanical Note: Can be joined with Kangaroo Island - Coastal Walks & Wildlife For bookings call 1300 197 201 visit www.parktours.com.au or email info@parktours.com.au 1
WALK RATING FAQ S Moderate: 5-15km per walking day with some rough sections (moderate options include ascent/descent). Age is not necessarily as important as your fitness and recent walking experience, and anyone of reasonable fitness should be able to join this tour. We reserve the right to be flexible with the itinerary to allow for unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions and group fitness. INCLUSIONS 7 nights twin share accommodation 3-4 star motels, cabins, guesthouses with private facilities (1 night shared) Meals include - 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners All transport / transfers as listed in itinerary National Park, museum & cultural centre entry fees (where noted) Wine tasting Professional tour leader Pre-departure material including background and personalised A-Z tour information EXCLUSIONS Airfares and taxes to start / from end of tour Airport transfer Heavy or excess baggage Travel insurance Personal expenses e.g. drinks (water, alcohol, tea and coffee), laundry, telephone, or optional tours / excursions TOUR LEADERS Graeme McGregor is a geographer with a passion for discovering our natural and cultural environments, especially through walking. Some of Graeme s early roles include teaching and establishing and operating the Grampians Field Studies Centre near Dunkeld; planning for the Grampians and Point Nepean National Parks in Victoria, and planning or managing numerous national parks and reserves in Queensland, Northern NSW and on Kangaroo Island. Graeme is the author of many park management plans and schools educational material on soil conservation and land use planning. Graeme s most recent work was with the SA National Parks and Wildlife Service on Kangaroo Island where he lived for 4½ years, finding time to discover the wonders of Kangaroo Island and other areas of SA. He now lives in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Graeme is passionate about our natural and cultural environments and enjoys nothing more than sharing it with others. How & when to book? Our biggest message to you is BOOK EARLY!! Many tours book out very quickly so the moral of the story is the early bird catches the worm! To qualify for any of the early bird prices, you simply need to send a completed booking form and deposit of A$400 per person per tour, by the early bird dates listed at the front of the tour itinerary. We offer A$500 discount per person if you book by the Advanced Early Bird date and A$300 discount per person if you book by the Early Bird date. If your deposit arrives after any of the early bird dates, the tour balance will be at the regular price. To place your booking, simply visit www.parktours.com.au to pay your deposit and book online, or complete a Tour Booking Form, and post / fax / email it to us with your deposit. Once you have booked on a tour, we will stay in contact with regular mailings (see below). What information and contact can I expect? When you send your initial deposit, we will contact you to confirm your booking. Once the tour has been confirmed to depart, a comprehensive information pack will be sent to you, including a Tour A-Z, suggested packing list, medical questionnaire, balance of payment invoice, and pre / post accommodation options. We can assist you with flight arrangements but please don t book flights until our office contacts you to confirm that your tour has been confirmed to depart. The final mailing is sent out approximately three weeks before departure and includes final tour documents, address list for family and friends, meeting points, and any final travel information. What is the group size? We specialise in small group travel with an average group size of around 10-20 guests. Please see the front page for details on the minimum group size for this particular tour. All tours need a minimum number of passengers to operate at the price listed in the itinerary. If the minimum number is not reached, a tour may still operate with a surcharge. How fit do I have to be? When you are assessing your ability and agility to participate, age is not necessarily as important as your fitness and recent walking experience. Please read the tour walk rating and the day by day walking descriptions in the itinerary to determine if the tour is suitable for your fitness. If you have any queries, we are happy to put you in touch with either the tour coordinator or tour leader to discuss your fitness in more detail. What gear and equipment do I need to take? Because we focus on half and full day walks, returning to our accommodation in the afternoon, you don t need to carry any more than a daypack with rain wear, sunscreen, drinking water, camera and lunch. A few tours include an overnight hike where you will need to carry personal gear for the journey. We recommend hiking boots on most of our tours as they offer good ankle support and grip. A detailed packing list is included with your tour s information pack. Tom Stone is a trained Geologist with a special interest in the Volcanics of the Western District of Victoria, Tom has enthusiastically taught General and Senior Sciences for many years in various schools, in three states and overseas. For eleven of these years he has lived in the Victorian Western District and has developed a great appreciation of many of its wonderful and diverse landscape features. Tom enjoys exploring and geologising, both locally and further afield. As a keen bushwalker, he has maintained his interest in natural history and the environment. Tom currently lives in the Southern Barossa Valley of South Australia. For bookings call 1300 197 201 visit www.parktours.com.au or email info@parktours.com.au 2
ITINERARY TOUR ITINERARY Day 1 Sun 15 Oct Ballarat Your tour begins at Ballarat Railway station in line with the first train arriving from Melbourne at approx. 09:36am. After you connect with your tour leader who will be waiting for you in the carpark, along with the remainder of the group we travel past Ballarat s volcanic peaks, and head into the heartland of the Western District Volcanic Plains, known as one of the greatest volcanic fields in the world. Near Lismore we have the special inclusion this day to explore Mt Elephant on foot, one of the largest volcanic cones in the Western District then take the Volcanic Lakes Scenic Drive route. This showcases Gnotuk and Bullen Merri lakes, both formed by volcanic explosions called maars. At Terang, our walk ascends the small peak of Mt Noorat, where we peer into its perfect crater and learn about the intriguing geology history of this region. Named after the local aboriginal elder Ngoora this was a traditional meeting and bartering place for the Kirrae Wuurong people. We end the day with an overnight stay in Warrnambool and enjoy our welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: BYO picnic lunch (no opportunity to buy en route), D Walks: 5km / 2hr, easy summit walk Day 2 Mon 16 Oct Tower Hill & Mt Eccles (Budj Bim) National Park This morning, we visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve which protects the crater complex and wetlands area. Extensive regeneration of the park since 1961 has created a natural haven for native wildlife. Koalas, kangaroos and echidnas are often seen, and emus are common around the picnic area. A number of themed walks radiate out from the visitor centre. We take the Journey to the Last Volcano to explore the reserve s fascinating geological features, or the Peak Climb for views of the lake, outer volcanic rim and nearby coast. Get a close look at the many waterbird species that are attracted to the lake from within a specially constructed bird hide on the Lava Tongue Boardwalk, which winds through the wetlands. A visit to Mt Eccles National Park (Budj Bim) offers some great walks, wonderful scenery and if we are lucky koalas. Mt Eccles contains many volcanic formations including a natural bridge, a lava canal and a lava cave, all of which we will explore. After leaving the park we clamber over a number of circular mounds or hummocks of rock called Tumuli or Lava Blisters some up to 10m high and 20m in diameter. We continue onto Dunkeld for two nights and settle in to our cosy cottages. Walks: 6km / 3hr easy, stony track in parts Day 3 Tue 17 Oct Mt Napier, Byaduk Lava Caves & Mt Rouse This morning we explore Mount Napier, possibly the youngest volcano in Victoria and the highest volcanic point in the Western District Plains. Nearby we follow the lava flow to the Byaduk Caves, one of Australia s most extensive and accessible series of lava caves. Being so young geologically, they are largely unweathered and in their natural state. Before heading towards the extinct volcano of Mt Rouse for an afternoon walk, we visit the Volcanoes Discovery Centre at Penshurst. This continues our insight into all things volcanic, with specific information about Australia s most recent volcanoes found in Western Victoria and South-East South Australia. Meals: B, D Walks: 6km / 3hr easy, some ascent / descent on uneven footing Day 4 Wed 18 Oct Grampians - Mt Sturgeon & Halls Gap This morning we begin to explore the ancient sandstone formations of The Grampians National Park with a hike to the summit of the magnificent Mt Sturgeon, the most southerly peak in the park. Here we follow the path up through open woodland and view endemic montane species such as the Grampians gum. Whilst there are several steep sections through rocky terrain, once you have gained enough elevation to see above the trees you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Grampians Ranges, including Mt Abrupt to the north and Dunkeld and the volcanic plains to the south. After lunch we learn about the unique Aboriginal culture and history at Brambuck, the national park & culture centre in Halls Gap. Gariwerd, the Aboriginal For bookings call 1300 197 201 visit www.parktours.com.au or email info@parktours.com.au 3
ITINERARY TOUR ITINERARY continued... name for the region, is a cultural landscape. The Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung Aboriginal people have lived in and around these rugged mountains and valleys for thousands of years. Major Thomas Mitchell passed through the area in 1836, opening the way for European settlement. We settle down and enjoy four nights in Halls Gap, staying in comfortable self-contained cottages. Walks: 6km / 3hr return, moderate walk, +300m/-300m in elevation Day 5 Thu 19 Oct Grampians - Pinnacle Lookout, Grand Canyon & Silent Street We continue to explore walks in this dramatic area of massive sandstone outcrops and eucalypt-covered slopes towering above surrounding plains, gullies and heathlands. Today we commence our walk from the Wonderland carpark and hike to the awe inspiring Pinnacle Lookout via the spectacular Grand Canyon. The title is a somewhat ambitious but the walking is excellent, with cliffs rising 20m on either side of the track as we rock-hop along the base of the canyon. We also pass through Silent Street, a 10m deep crevasse in the sandstone and make our way to the Pinnacle. This protruding slab of rock at the crest of the range has great views of the surrounding cliffs and the Fyans Creek Valley at Halls Gap, and is one of the most popular sites in the national park. The track then descends along the eastern escarpment of the Wonderland Range before returning to Halls Gap (a one way hike). Walks: 12km / 4hr combined sections, moderate one way hike, optional easy self-guided walks on offer Day 6 Fri 20 Oct Grampians - MacKenzie Falls & Boroka Lookout Starting with a walk to view the full height of MacKenzie River, the largest in the Grampians, we follow the MacKenzie River gorge all the way to Zumsteisn. In the shade of the large trees, you can often see a variety of wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies and kookaburras. On the banks of the river, Zumsteins picnic area was an historic settlement and the perfect place for a peaceful lunch. After Zumsteins we proceed to The Balconies lookout provides a panoramic view of the Victoria Valley. We take in the Boroka Lookout on the Mt Difficult Range for spectacular views of the Wonderland Range, Mt William Range, Fyans Valley, Lake Bellfield and the plains to the north and east of the Grampians. Here there is an optional walk down to the Wonderland carpark (quite difficult for the first 400m) or an easier walk from the Wonderland carpark to Halls Gap following Stony Creek. Walks: 7km-15km / 3-6hr combined walk, moderate / difficult section downhill Day 7 Sat 21 Oct Grampians - Lakeview Lookout & Fallen Giant / Boronia Peak Today we look at a number of walking options depending upon the interest and abilities of the group. One option is the easy walk to Boronia Peak on the Mt William Range. Alternatively, we can walk from the Sundial Turntable carpark to Lakeview Lookout and the Fallen Giant on the Wonderland Range. Walks: 7km-15km / 3-6hr varied options Day 8 Sun 22 Oct Seppelt Winery & Ballarat We celebrate the end of our journey with a visit to the historic Seppelt Great Western winery. Here we enjoy a tour and optional wine tasting (own cost) inside the underground cellars before venturing back along the volcanic plains to Ballarat. We arrive at the railway station in time to connect with the 1:19pm train to Melbourne or you may like to extend your stay in Ballarat. Oozing character, Ballarat features beautiful streetscapes, parks, cafes, art, culture and major historical attractions. Explore www.visitballarat.com.au to discover the best options to enjoy attractions as well as suggestions where to stay ranging from B&B, lodges / retreats to hotels. Meals: B Walks: short strolls For bookings call 1300 197 201 visit www.parktours.com.au or email info@parktours.com.au 4
REDISCOVER EXPERIENCE CONNECT WHY TRAVEL WITH US? InterNATIONAL PARKtours have been leading small group walking holidays since 1975. Our like-minded guests bond easily and often create reunions, celebrations and friendships, many of them life-long. Our tours are active with regular half and full day walks. Aside from walking, we also spend time meeting local people, tasting regional food and immersing ourselves in the culture and history of a destination. Our flexibility enables us to adapt to the likes, dislikes and agility of our travellers, and changing situations such as weather and unforeseen circumstances. In most locations, we stay 2-3 nights and sometimes longer. This allows us to slow down, unpack our bags and enjoy the local atmosphere at different times of the day. Accommodation is comfortable, unique plus locally owned and operated where possible. Our guides are dedicated, informative people who share their passion and knowledge on local history, culture, wildlife & topography. Our journeys are designed to safeguard the ecosystems; benefit the communities we visit and contribute to the sustainability of destinations. Travel is a chance to change your perspective. Nature always provides a new view if we take the time to look. IPT offers great value for money with their programmes. There is minimum spending money needed once on tour and there are no hidden extras along the way. Judy & Peter Hughes Disclaimer of Liability Although international PARKtours has prepared the Information contained in this itinerary with all due care and updates the Information regularly, international PARKtours does not warrant or represent that the Information is free from errors or omission. Whilst the Information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the Information. The Information may change without notice and international PARKtours is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user. Itinerary Updated: July 31, 2017 2:30 PM Responsible Travel For your protection, we are allied members of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents. Your payments are kept in a trust account until required for payment of your tour. We are accredited with ATAS, a national accreditation scheme, endorsing travel agents who have met strict financial and customer service criteria. We also have advanced accreditation with Ecotourism Australia and are members of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Serendipity of travel Our guides will work 24/7 on your behalf to make sure that we are doing all we can to ensure your enjoyment. We have planned an intimate adventure, but adventure cannot be guaranteed. If indeed it could then it would lose its appeal. Though we do the best we can to plan a smooth journey, sometimes things change at short notice. Some things may take longer than anticipated, transport and accommodation arrangements may alter, and you may experience occasional shortcomings and be frustrated by the manana attitude; at other times you will be amazed by local efficiency. Tour itineraries may need to be modified but this is done so with your needs in mind and to provide the best tour experience. So, be flexible, surprised and delighted with the serendipity that comes from being open to the unexpected. Your enjoyment of this journey is ultimately up to you. T 1300 197 201 T +61 7 5533 3583 F +61 7 5533 3683 28 Timbarra Drive Beechmont QLD 4211 Australia info@parktours.com.au www.parktours.com.au