Rising dramatically from Victoria’s western plains, the five sandstone ridges that make up Grampians National Park harbour a third of Victoria’s flora. This includes around 20 species endemic to the area, among them the endangered Grampians Pincushion lily (Borya mirabilis).

Traditional land of the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung people, the Grampians (Gariwerd) also claims the highest concentration of Aboriginal rock art in Victoria, adorning Gulgurn Manja and Ngamadjidj shelters in the park’s north at the Billimina and Manja shelters in the west.

The park is a hiker’s Valhalla. For a short yet breathtaking walk, hit the steep Mt William (Duwul) Summit Walk (4km), which rewards with cinematic views of the ranges and plains beyond. Those after a serious trek should consider the 160km-long, 13-day Grampians Peaks Trail, which traverses the entire span of the ranges, from Mt Zero (Mura Mura) in the north to the hamlet of Dunkeld in the south. The latter is home to the Royal Mail Hotel, one of Victoria’s top destination restaurants. For trail and camping details click here.