Halls Gap, Victoria

Ratings: CP **** Surroundings *****

A view of the man-made Lake Bellfield with our caravan park centre left below the 55m high dam wall. The lake is situated in the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd in the Aboriginal languages of the Djab Wurrung and the Jardwadjali, the traditional people of the area).

Morning light on the sandstone rock formations of the Grampian ranges form a backdrop as some of the wild life enjoy breakfast in the caravan park. Four hundred million years ago, this area was an inland sea. Sedimentary layers interspersed with siltstone and mudstone were laid down and later earth movements and the weathering process assisted in creating the spectacular scenery. It is also rich in Aboriginal rock art shelters.

A walk to the surprisingly dry Clematis Falls the day after rain.....sparkling drops of water trickled over ancient rocks feeding thirsty waterfall plants...and allowed me to catch a few cooling drops!

Time to rest and reflect on the wonders of this ancient landscape at MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria's largest waterfalls. The steep descent and ascent challenged our fitness levels and included 347 steps!

Heading towards the Pinnacle through the Grand Canyon where some rock passages deep in the landscape narrowed allowing one person through at a time.

Vast valleys of the Grampians from Reed Lookout on a perfect day when wispy clouds added to the beauty of this vista.

Brambuk building, a place where indigenous culture of the Gariwerd region is interpreted and explained by local guides, displays, educational activities and two short films on the Gariwerd Creation Story and the geology and history of the area.The  Aboriginal owned and operated building is shaped in the form of a cockatoo in flight, the totem animal of the Djab Wurrung and the Jardwadjali. Within the building there are symbolic representations of important aspects of culture and traditions including a ramp leading to the upper level representing the Eel which was a staple food. A wooden seat represents Bunjil, the creator Spirit of Aboriginal people in south eastern Australia, with arms out caring for whoever sits there looking into the fire.