After much of the Grampians National Park was devasted by fire in December, the trip was organised to inject some cash into local businesses that were hit hard in what should be their peak season.
Yet, with even more fires starting in the Park in January, the trip was in doubt right up to the day before departure. But with Halls Gap in the clear, we went ahead with a slightly modified itinerary.
On a scorching summer’s day, the group started their convoy from Ballan and I joined just west of Ballarat. First stop was Ararat for lunch followed by a tour of J Ward, Ararat's Old Gaol and for over 100 years a lockup for the criminally insane. The facility housed Bill Wallace from his age of 44 until his death at 107 and 11 months, a world record as the oldest prisoner. It was an eye opener to see the conditions and treatment of those incarcerated.
Next Trevor led us on a short drive to One Tree Hill Lookout, up a hill climb track that is recognised as the hardest and steepest on the Victorian Hill Climb Championships circuit. After a spirited ascent, the summit revealed some amazing views of the region and the Grampians, well, those parts that weren’t blanketed in smoke haze.
Then a leisurely drive to Halls Gap, with the only hazard being an echidna that was making its way slowly across the middle of the road in front of our convoy, thankfully dodged by all. After settling into accommodation, some sampled the local brewery, and later we all caught up for evening meal. Our outdoor dining experience included views to smoky skies that masked a red blazing sun, and small flecks of ash falling onto our pizza which just added to the earthy flavour.
Next morning the wind change had replaced all the smoke and we were greeted by clear blue skies. Most made their way to the Halls Gap Zoo, while I got some work emails attended to. I rejoined for lunch at Pomonal Estate, a winery and brewery. Excellent food was served up and some wine and cider tastings went down a treat.
With so many road closures given the ongoing fire, our plans for some twisty road driving had to be dropped, so a free afternoon was then spent lazily taking in the scenery or enjoying the motel facilities. For evening meal another great dining experience at the Kookaburra Hotel.
The hospitality staff at all venues were so fantastic and very appreciative of our custom.
On our last day I took the long way home with a drive south from Halls Gap to Dunkeld through the length of the Park. The vastness of the fire devastation was evident as kilometre after kilometre repeated a blackened forest. Here’s hoping for a quick recovery of the environment and that not too many little creatures were lost.
A great trip and a huge thanks to the organisers, and to all attendees for their great company.
Drew Matthews #903
BMWDCM recently organised a short 4-day trip with 2 (over-night) stays at Halls Gap, after becoming aware of the severe damage to tourism caused by the recent fires. The purpose being to inject some much-needed tourist dollars on which the town relies after the mass cancellations the town suffered.
The residents of Halls Gap had faced a close call as a bushfire raged perilously close to the town's outskirts. The fire, fuelled by the dry summer conditions and strong winds, threatened to engulf the serene landscape, turning the peaceful haven into a scene of chaos and destruction. Thanks to the swift response of firefighters and volunteers, the flames were contained just 200 metres from the town’s edge, sparing it from devastation.
On arrival, we discovered that the motel we were had booked into suffered some severe plumbing issues, therefore we were all upgraded to a very up-market motel minutes away at no extra charge. This motel was almost full of fire fighters with their trucks from every imaginable part of Victoria. (a rig from Tasmania was also spotted).
Dinner the first night was enjoyed outside on a restaurant’s forecourt, with flakes of ash temporarily descending on us and our food. The sky was black with an orange tinge but with a change of wind direction, it all cleared away by the time we had finished our dinner. (phew!).
The clearings around our motel were a sanctuary for kangaroos and emus, which graze peacefully, seemingly unfazed by the presence of humans. The air was filled with the sounds of the Australian bush, from the raucous calls of cockatoos to the melodic songs of magpies. The rich biodiversity of the area is a testament to the thriving ecosystems that flourish in the Grampians and this wonderful scene was very much appreciated by us all.
Day two was spent at Halls Gap Zoo. It is a 53-acre zoo located about 7 kilometres from Halls Gap. From the zoo you can see Grampians National Park. It is Victoria's largest regional zoo, holding over 120 native and exotic species. It was a very pleasant day, walking for 2 ½ hours (and catching some sunburn by those of us prone to this problem). We all commented how much we learned about wildlife when reading the stories of the animals and birds we encountered along the way.
Lunch was an extraordinary experience at Pomonal Estate, which is a newly established Winery, Microbrewery and Cider House located in the picturesque town of Pomonal, 10 minutes from Halls Gap and nestled alongside the Grampians National Park. We all enjoyed some amazing wine tastings, great food and then an opportunity to purchase from a great display of local produce. A very congenial dinner was arranged for day two, the food was great and enjoyed in very pleasant surroundings, in walking distance from our motel.
Day three was time to book out of our motel and think about heading for home. All our amazing firefighters descended on the same café where we had planned to have breakfast, so a trip back to our motel restaurant paid dividends as we were the only patrons there.
With some reluctance we finished this very enjoyable get-away, the trip was exceptional and all thanks to our Treasurer Lawrence Glynn, who made sure that every moment was organised to perfection.
Anne Lane #1112
Photos : Lawrence Glynn, #3 Treasurer
