Grampians Wildflower Walkabout 2016

Grampians Wildflower Walkabout 2016

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Posted 2016-09-16 by Gayle Beveridge-Marienfollow

Sat 01 Oct 2016 - Sun 02 Oct 2016

The Grampians Wildflower show has been running since 1937, but it is only since 2014 that visitors have been treated to guided tours to view and identify the wildflowers in their natural habitat.


In keeping with tradition, there will be a static display of labelled Grampians specimen flowers, massed floral displays and local wildflower related art in the Halls Gap Hub. Here visitors keen to learn more about our native flora will be able to talk local experts but the real focus of the show is outside where the flowers grow. Regular guided walks commencing from the Hub will be held in the nearby Grampians Flora Botanic Garden.


The Botanic Garden was established in 1998 and after facing ruination in the 2011 floods, has been lovingly restored by dedicated and hardworking volunteers. Impressive new gates have been modelled on the floral theme. Walking paths meander through mulched garden beds displaying flora endemic to The Grampians which is said to be Victoria's most botanically diverse area. In the 1800's botanist and first director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, Ferdinand von Mueller described The Grampians as 'the garden of Victoria.' Amongst the native flora are a number of exquisite native orchids and lilies.


Moving beyond the floral theme and adding interest to the weekend a night walk will be held on Saturday and an early morning bird walk will take place on Sunday. The bird walk is sure to be a pleaser as the Grampians abounds in native wildlife.


If you would rather go it alone self-guided drive and walk notes will be available from the Grampians Wildflower Walkabout desk and from the Grampians Tourist Information Centre. Some tag-along car tours to wildflower hot spots are also being organised with two tours planned for Saturday and one for Sunday.


This isn't just an event for gardeners. A program of children's activities and crafts marks the weekend as a happy family outing in this well-provisioned tourist town.

In the unlikely event that your flora fix will not be sated at Halls Gap, in the nearby town of Pomonal the Australian Plants Society Grampians Group will be presenting the Pomonal Native Flower Show. The Pomonal show extends beyond the native flora of the region to present flowers from across Australia as well as plants bred for the home garden.


Add to all this the natural wonder of The Grampians National Park and you have a perfect weekend getaway. Visit the mountain lookouts for sweeping vistas across the town and surrounding countryside. Choose a walking track that suits your fitness level and wanter the wetlands and hinterlands where you will spot many colourful wildflowers. Take in the rugged mountains, the waterfalls and the Aboriginal rock art. See native animals, visit a day spa, go fishing, check out an art gallery, or call by a winery. Go to the Visit Halls Gap and The Grampians websites for detailed information.


Halls Gap is around 250kms and just under 3 hours' drive from Melbourne via Ballarat on the Western Highway. The wildflower displays and the starting point for the tours is the Halls Gap Community and Tourism Hub, 115 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap, 3381. The entry charge including the garden walk is $2.00, printed guides are $2.00, and tag-a-long tours are $5.00. More information can be obtained by visiting the Grampians Wildflower Show website , emailing [email protected] or [email protected] or telephoning the Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre on 1800 065 599. Halls Gap is the perfect base for a stay in the Grampians and has accommodation options to suit every purse. Accommodation is also available in the nearby towns .

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!date 01/10/2016 -- 02/10/2016
%wnmelbourne
204243 - 2023-06-16 05:31:14

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