Find Wimmera Mallee and Grampians, two of Victoria’s most beautiful places where nature and culture meet. Whether you’re after adventure, stunning views or Aboriginal history these regions have it all. The regions have mountains and valleys to get back to nature.
Start here
The Wimmera Mallee is big sky country, get back to nature through hiking, camping and wildlife spotting. It’s the start of adventure, perfect for a road trip or rock climbing expedition. The region has some unique landscapes, Lake Hindmarsh, Little Desert National Park and Mount Arapiles where rock scramble and rock hopping will challenge even the most experienced walker.
Highlights
From lakes to parks, Wimmera Mallee has it all. Here are some of the top attractions in the region.
Lake Hindmarsh
Lake Hindmarsh is the largest freshwater lake in Victoria and a must-see for anyone visiting Wimmera Mallee. It’s a birdwatcher’s, angler’s and nature lover’s heaven, a peaceful oasis in the middle of Victoria’s bush. Whether you want to take a leisurely walk around the lake, get hands-on with kayaking or fishing or take in the views, Lake Hindmarsh has it all. The deeper rock pools are perfect for a quick dip on a hot day, and the surrounding woodland is home to native animals, so there are plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.
Little Desert National Park
Despite the name, Little Desert National Park is not desert at all. Covering over 130,000 hectares, the park has many different ecosystems, from sandy plains to dense woodlands. Little Desert National Park is renowned for its unique flora and fauna. Kangaroos, emus and the elusive Malleefowl call the park home. It’s also perfect for experienced walkers with sign-posted tracks to get into the wilderness. As you walk the many trails, you’ll see interesting rock formations, green valleys and magnificent rock formations that showcase the region’s geology.
Mount Arapiles
If you’re looking for adventure, Mount Arapiles is one of the world’s best rock-climbing destinations. The mountain has over 2000 climbing routes to suit all levels of skill, so it’s a paradise for beginners and experienced climbers. The jagged mountain ranges and rocky terrain provide challenges galore, and the views from the top are the ultimate reward for walkers. Even if you’re not a climber, the surrounding Little Desert Wilderness Park has many trails where you can rock scramble, rock hop and bushwalk. The area also has many natural rock pools to explore, so it’s a great destination for those looking for a more relaxed adventure.
Cultural and Historical Heritage
Aboriginal and European heritage. Aboriginal rock art sites to small country towns Donald and Birchip.
Cultural Sites
The Wimmera Mallee has many Aboriginal rock art sites, including Black Range State Park and Mount Arapiles.
Brim Silo Art
The Brim Silo Art is one of the most iconic sites in the region and part of the bigger silo art trail that runs across Victoria. This amazing piece of art, painted on the grain silos, features local farmers and rural life and the Wimmera Southern Mallee. The silo art trail has become a major tourist attraction, with people from all over Australia and beyond coming to see these old industrial structures turned into works of art. As you follow the trail, you’ll see more beautiful views and tree-lined roads that pass through small country towns like Birchip and Donald.
Wyperfeld National Park
One of the oldest national parks in Victoria, Wyperfeld National Park is a stunning natural and culturally significant place. The landscape has been shaped by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years and is a sacred place for the traditional owners of the region. Visit the park and explore the mallee scrublands, go bushwalking, see kangaroos, emus and parrots. Wyperfeld National Park is also a great place to camp, with many facilities if you want to get up close and personal with the park.
Wildlife and Flora
The Wimmera Mallee and Grampians regions have many different ecosystems and lots of flora and fauna. In the Grampians National Park, you can see native animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and emus, as well as rugged mountain ranges with ancient eucalyptus trees. For nature lovers, spring is the best time to visit when the wildflowers are in bloom and the landscape is at its best.
Accommodation and Eat
Wimmera Mallee has many options for accommodation, from Holiday Park camping to the Royal Mail Hotel. For a more rustic experience try farm stays like Rosehaven Farms where you can shop from the farm gate. Eat in the region with locally sourced ingredients, something for everyone, award winning wines at Barangaroo Wines and hearty meals at the Gap Hotel.
In the Grampians, you’ll find Breeze Holiday Parks – Grampians, boutique wineries and cafes serving wine and local produce. The Breeze Holiday Parks network also has access to Grampians Peaks Trail, so you can retreat to a cozy cabin after a day of exploring.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the region, especially if you’re joining Grampians hiking tours, depends on what you want to do. Spring and autumn are great for outdoor adventures with mild temperatures and wildflowers. If you want to see the panoramic views and do the hard hikes, visit in the cooler months to avoid the summer heat. The Grampians Peaks Trail, Mount William and Boroka Lookout have great views all year round, while Lake Wartook and MacKenzie Falls are at their best in the wet season.
FAQ
What to do in the Grampians?
What wildlife will I see in Wimmera Mallee and Grampians?
Are there tours in the Grampians?
When to visit Wimmera Mallee and Grampians?
Spring and autumn are the best time to visit, mild temperatures and the regions are at their best. If you want to see wildflowers and native animals, spring is the time to visit.
Eat something different?
Related Tours
Related articles about Grampians
