The Grampians - One of Aussies best kept secrets

While Australia is well-known for its natural wonders like The Great Barrier Reef and Uluru (Ayer's Rock), equally spectacular natural attractions remain largely "insiders secrets," known only to Aussies and adventurers. One such Australian natural wonder is the GrampiansNational Park. Located 162 miles (260km) from Melbourne, this rugged mountain range is a magnet for outdoors lovers, attracting over a million visitors per year.

If the Grampians enjoy an international reputation, it is largely based on the word of mouth ravings of rock climbing aficionados. Although not actually part of GrampiansNational Park, Mt.Arapiles, near Horsham, the gateway to the Grampians, is one of the world's premier rock climbing destinations. Tens of thousands of avid rock climbers from all over the world visit Australia every year for the sole purpose of climbing the hundreds of climbing routes that cover this amazing rock formation. Once there, they hear stories about the even more challenging and difficult to access climbs in the Grampians. Returning home with videos and digital photos of the majestic scenery, the wildlife and the uniquely Australia flora they discovered in the Grampians, word spreads and little by little, the Grampians are being added to overseas visitors' "must see" Australian destinations.

Long before European settlers discovered the Grampians, they were already well known to Australia's indigenous population. Aboriginal rock art and other findings in the area trace their history in the region back at least 20,000 years. Today, Brambuc, the National Park and Cultural Centre, located on Grampians Road in Hall's Gap, is run by the local indigenous communities and showcases their amazing cultural heritage.

Hall's Gap is most visitors' first stop in the Grampians. Located in the lush valley between the peaks of the Wonderland and MountWilliam ranges, it is the perfect introduction to the park. During the Australian Springtime months of October and November, the valley becomes a vivid display of wildflowers and the lakes and streams, full to overflowing from the winter rains, are perfect for escaping from the approaching summer heat. To celebrate the season, the locals host the annual Hall's Gap Grampians Wildflower Show each October. This is a perfect time to visit the area. With lush vegetation punctuated by cascading waterfalls and shimmering lakes, the Grampians really put on a display in Spring.

Summer visitors to the Grampians are never disappointed, either. The Christmas season is when the rock climbers and hikers arrive in droves. First time rock climbing visitors usually stay in the Mt.Stapylton camping area and climb the relatively easy routes in nearby SummerDayValley. Those looking for a more remote challenge find everything they want and more in the Grampians, with some rock climbing sites like the Taipan Wall, also in the Mt.Stapylton area, having some of the most challenging cliff faces in the world.

Even during the busiest season, finding a Halls Gap accommodation is not difficult. There are numerous camping grounds in and around the area and if you're looking for more comfortable accommodation, there are plenty of cozy guesthouses, hotels and lodges in the area as well. But don't spend too much time indoors. The Grampians are too spectacular to miss!