Page 40 - Our Favourite Walks by Brian Everingham

The Pinnacles – the Grampians

Cheryl and Deo Sharma

On a road trip in 2017 where we drove through outback NSW, South Australia and Victoria there was
one place we eagerly awaited to visit. So, after a day’s drive from Kangaroo Island we finally reached
our destination – ‘The Grampians’ and pitched our tent in Jimmy Creek campground. Grampians
National Park is part of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape; a park of outstanding natural
beauty with various bushwalks on offer.

We entered via Halls Gap, a good stop for supplies and provides a lovely introduction to the park
with a visit to the Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre a must.

The park is well known for bushwalking and rock climbing. We were there to enjoy bushwalking, the
flowers, birds, the bush and hopefully be surprised by native animals. A few short walks around the
park and we were in our element – delightful waterfalls and stunning geology!
‘The Pinnacle walk’ is an iconic walk within the Grampians. You shouldn’t miss this one.

The Grand Canyon

You will find this walk on the eastern side of the park. It is a brilliant, 4-5 hour circuit walk from Halls
Gap that is reasonably hard. It is suggested you walk the route via Venus Baths to Splitter Falls and
up to the Pinnacle as the other way is harder and steeper.

We started from Halls Gap with our first stop Venus Baths, a picturesque area with a fresh water
lake and many unusual rock formations. The path is quite clear and well signposted; however, stoney
outcrops, which add an interesting element to the walk, constantly confront you.

A small detour leads you to Splitter Falls – a lovely little waterfall cascading over the rock causing
variations in colour – a delight to the all the senses! Next, we head towards the bridge, stop, and
take in the sounds of the creek.

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