paulclanonwheels

A nature reserve in Victoria, Grampians National Park is famous for camping with wildlife, beautiful trekking trails to stunning lookouts and waterfall, and winerie.

Our trip was just a one night and two day trip. It’s a three and half drive from our home. We went to Halls Gap zoo as kids were keen to watch the cheetah. 

Halls gap zoo

This zoo is a delightful experience for all ages.
As we entered, we were welcomed by peacocks roaming freely — we even spotted a rare albino peacock! Visitors can feed select animals, with food packets available for purchase at the reception. When we opened the gate to the deer enclosure, they casually wandered up to us, eager for treats.

The highlight of our visit was the hands-on interaction — kids loved feeding, patting, and gently touching a variety of animals and birds. We were also lucky enough to witness a unique moment: one of the ostriches laid an egg right before our eyes!

There is a communal area for having our food. Also, we can purchase food from there.

Our stay in the middle of kangaroos

We checked into our cottage, one of the most beautiful stays.
To our delight, wallabies welcomed us, fearlessly grazing right on our front yard — a truly magical sight! Then, we decided to witness sunset at pinnacle.

Trekking to the Pinnacle

There are two ways to hike to the Pinnacle Lookout in the Grampians. The easier route begins at the Sundial Carpark, ideal for less confident walkers. The more challenging trail starts from the Wonderland Carpark and winds through the stunning Grand Canyon path — and that’s the one we chose, despite being joined by our 9- and 10-year-old kids! Surprisingly, they turned out to be the most energetic trekkers in the group.

Since we hiked in July during the off-season, we encountered only a handful of people along the trail. The entire circuit took about two hours and led us through dramatic gorges, trickling streams, and the constant, calming sound of flowing water. Light drizzle accompanied us, making the landscape even more magical and giving rise to several small waterfalls along the way.

With laughter, excitement, and the occasional “Are we there yet?” echoing between us, we finally reached the Pinnacle. The view was absolutely mesmerising — a moment that made every step worth it. Though clouds hid the golden hues of sunset, the mist and rain gifted us a different kind of beauty: serene, moody, and unforgettable.

Mackenzie waterfall

It’s a short 1 km trek from the parking area, with some steep steps toward the end.
The rainfall from the previous days had enhanced the beauty of the waterfall, making it even more captivating. We continued the trek beyond the falls, descending to the tranquil Fish Bowl — a peaceful spot where we paused, sat quietly, and soaked in the serene surroundings of nature.

After lunch, we began our journey home — already certain we’d return someday for a camping adventure.