The Grampians National Park allows you to get away from it all and ensures you can recharge your batteries.
Today’s story is about our walk to the Pinnacle Lookout via Wonderland Loop.
As I've already said some words about history of the Greampians region earlier (see link below), I will go straight to the point, the Pinnacle Walk.
So, the Parks Victoria website says following:
The Pinnacle is one of the rocky spurs jutting out from the jagged cliff faces that loom over the Halls Gap town. From the street, The Pinnacle appears unnervingly high and potentially difficult to walk. The good news is that it is not, and the views from the lookout make every bit of effort worthwhile. It is one of the very best vantage points in the Grampians National Park for terrific scenic views over a vast expanse of western Victoria.
There are a number of walking options to reach The Pinnacle, varying in distance and difficulty. The easiest route to The Pinnacle departs from the Sundial carpark within the national park and ascends to The Pinnacle via Devils Gap. This is the best route to use if young children or unconfident walkers are part of your walking group. The 4.2km walk will take one and a half to two hours for the return trip. It does include some water crossings and rock-hopping, so good sturdy shoes are essential.
A more challenging walk departs from the aptly named Wonderland carpark and ascends via the impressive Grand Canyon. It does not resemble the American canyon of the same name but is equally impressive with its unique Australian rock formations, albeit on a smaller scale! The walk continues through the Silent Street before rising up to The Pinnacle.
For the really adventurous, you can walk to The Pinnacle from the base of the mountains, starting at the Halls Gap caravan park. This extended walk will take around five hours return so is suitable for fit and experienced walkers.
After reading this information we decided to walk the longest track to see the best of this part of Grampians. Whole walk took about 5h, including lunch at the Pinnacle Lookout.
We started from the rear of the Halls Gap Caravan Park and followed the walking track to the base of a large staircase.
A steep climb through heathy forest took us up the front of Mackey’s Peak via many staircases. The track then winded its way up through rocky outcrops before arriving at the Pinnacle Lookout.
The Pinnacle lookout is really beautiful and worth the walk. However, it was VERY busy: lots of parents with young kids who came here either from Sundial Carpark or Wonderland carpark (it is the last weekend before school starts!)
Can you spot a group of tourists taking selfies?
As for us, we enjoyed views over Fyans Valley and headed further, down to Wonderland carpark via Silent Street and the Grand Canyon.
Nice place to be in a shade:
Grand Canyon:
After a rest at Wonderland carpark (very busy as well) we followed the path to the Splitters Falls, then walked to the Venus Baths and back to Halls Gap.
Splitters Falls (summer is not the best time for waterfalls):
This is not the Venus Baths, but also a cool place to sit in a shade:
Venus Baths information sign:
With lots of kids playing near water I decided do not take any photos at the Venus Baths itself. But it is a nice place to be, trust me:
Local flora and fauna that we've seen on our way:
If you don’t have that much time, but you’d like to see ‘the best’ of this area, I would recommend walk to the Pinnacle Lookout from Wonderland carpark via Grand Canyon (2.1km, 1h30min one-way). Good walking shoes are a must as there will be some not to difficult rock scrambling and stairs. Runners are acceptable. Take a camera, water and snacks or lunch to have at the top. It tends to be a bit windy once you reach the top so a jumper is also a good idea, even if you don't need it on the way up.
This is by far one of best hikes through the Grampians. Do yourself a favour and come see it for yourself - you won't be disappointed!
