Media personality Jade Seah visited the Grampians in Victoria, Australia for a scenic, back-to-nature experience. Here are some must-do highlights from her travel diary.
Media personality Jade Seah visited the Grampians in Victoria, Australia for a scenic, back-to-nature experience. Here are some must-do highlights from her travel diary.
1. Getting there
My first time flying Qantas Airlines to Melbourne! I stopped at the Qantas International Lounge for a delicious dinner before stepping into the newly refurbished A330 aircraft. I was impressed by the state-of-the-art cabin environment, including its new Economy seats and in-flight entertainment, which helped me de-stress and relax for the journey ahead of me.
2. Breathtaking landscapes
It took about three hours to reach the park from Melbourne Airport. The splendid weather meant that I could really admire the spectacular mountain vistas, and later, enjoy the sunset at the Reeds Lookout and The Balconies.
My next stop within the park was the iconic MacKenzie Falls, one of the largest in the state and a must-visit. The Bluff Lookout, an easy 40-minute walk, provided a sweeping view of the falls from high above the gorge. Make sure you try to spot the “locals” in the area, including kangaroos, wallabies and myriad bird species.
3. Heritage towns and villages
I visited Halls Gap, a delightful village nestled within the park. It has a variety of accommodation to suit different preferences, including DULC for contemporary and rustic cabin stays. For majestic views of the park, try the Royal Mail Hotel at Dunkeld, a town located at the foot of Mount Sturgeon on the southern tip of the Grampians.
4. The Great Western Vineyards
The Grampians has been a quality wine-producing region for more than 150 years, and is particularly known for its dense and peppery shiraz and sparkling wines. I enjoyed my afternoon tour through the famous Seppelt underground drives while indulging in the finest local produce.
5. Gastronomic Grampians
It’s foodie heaven here. I stopped at Harvest Halls Gap Café & Provedore for local wine and fresh produce, followed by Coolas Ice Creamery for a homemade waffle cone and ice cream. My last stop was Dunkeld Old Bakery & Café for its freshly baked bread.
