Episode 19: Grampians

Aspect Villas and Aboriginal Art
Some people want everything from a holiday they want somewhere thats contemporary but still rustic, luxurious, but still cosy, private but still close to everything. Well at Aspect Villas you can have it all. These 5 star villas have all the secret ingredients for the perfect escape. You can sit in the spa, snooze in the king size bed, curl up on the large leather lounge or just take in the scenery. And when you feel the urge to venture outside, take a look at the local aboriginal rock art. The Bunjil Shelter depicts Bunjil the traditional creator of the land and his two dingos. The very heart of the Grampians is the aboriginal presence which has been here for over 22,000 years and still going strong. To open your eyes further to the magic of this unique land and its indigenous people, pop into Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre.

Aspect Villas
Valley Drive, Halls Gap
Ph: 03 5356 4457
www.aspectvillas.com.au

Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre
Grampians Tourist Road, Halls Gap
Ph: 03 5661 4000
www.brambuk.com.au

DULC Cabins and 4x4 Tours
DULC Holiday Cabins have been designed to compliment the surrounding area and leave their guests with a lasting impression. The cabins have been constructed using sawn untreated timber, straight off the tree giving it a totally natural look. The idea was to give the impression that you are living within the trees, and even though youre inside, the open space and large windows will have you feeling like youre surrounded by nature. If you explore the National Park, Grampians Pyrenees tours could be exactly what youre after. They offer both half and full day luxury tours where everything is provided and youll get to see what makes this area so special. Considering theres 170,000 hectares to cover, its nice to have the experts take all the guess work out of it for you, so you can get the most out your experience.

DULC
Thryptomene Court, Halls Gap
Ph: 03 5356 4711
www.dulc.com.au

Grampains Pyrenees Tours
Ph: 03 5352 5075 www.grampianspyreneestours.com.au

Blaze Rock Retreat
Serenity is everywhere in the Grampians so its only natural the secluded hill top location of Blaze Rock Retreat beckons a visit. Set on 48 acres of private ground they also have new villas which offer five star ratings with three R refuge; Relaxation, Rejuvenation and Reflection. And what better way to ponder than with your entire body fully submerged in a Tasmanian Peat Mud Bath. Their rhythmic Kodo body massage uses traditional aboriginal techniques and products from the LyTia spa care range, derived from mother earth, to relax and realign energy flow. Sixty minutes away in Dunkeld Frank Jesse from Griffins Hill Yoga Retreat guides you through a couple of yoga postures that will leave you feeling invigorated and standing taller. He practices a style of Yoga called Eye-Yanga which focuses on the physical and emotional side of the body. So if its time to nourish your body and spirit then its time for a weekend at either Blaze Rock Retreat or Griffins Hill.

Blaze Rock Retreat
3757 Ararat - Halls Gap Rd, Pomonal
Ph: 03 5356 6171
www.blazerock.com.au

Griffins Hill
Victoria Valley Rd, Dunkeld
Ph: 03 5577 2499
www.griffinshill.com.au

LyTia Spa Products
www.litya.com.au

Grampians Station
Grampians Station is a classic train station, with some trains that dont actually go anywhere, but they are taking passengers. Youve got to admit there is something cool about this place and its a little quirky. Anyone whos ever slept the night on a train would know theres not a lot of space, but on this old girl theres plenty of room. Wherever you look theres train memorabilia and if you feel like cranking out some tunes, then the piano in the separate lounge room is just the place. And last but not least, the one thing that sets this locomotive apart from the rest..an outdoor spa with a stunning view.

Grampians Station
3084 Moyston- Halls Gap Rd, Pomonal
Ph: 03 5356 6356
www.grampiansstation.com.au

Grampians Winery Tour
The Grampians are known for their great beauty and famous walking tracks. Therere also the wellness retreats and the regions abundant wineries. If you want in indulge at some of the 20 cellar doors in the region then Grampians Pyrenees Tours can take care of the driving with their all-inclusive full day tours. The first stop at Bests Winery has a real history. It was established in the 1800s and has been in the same family for five generations. Originally founded by Henry Best the vineyard was sold in 1920 to the Thomson family who still run it today. Next up is Seppelt, the home of Great Western, founded in 1851 and also steeped in history. Our last port of call was Montara Vineyard, a property showcasing views across the valley with a charming mud brick cellar door for visitors.

Grampians Pyrenees Tours
Ph: 03 5352 5075
www.grampianspyreneestours.com.au

What's On

Red Nose Day
Look like a clown while supporting a good cause for this years Red Nose Day on Friday 27 June. It is the major fundraiser for SIDS and kids.
When: 27 June
More: Ph 1300 308 307 or visit
www.rednoseday.com.au

The National Sports Museum Winter Holiday Program
If youre looking for something to entertain the kids these school holidays then take them along to The National Sports Museum Winter Holiday Program which will be celebrating the forthcoming Olympic Games.
Where: MCG
When: 28 June - 13 July
More: Ph 9657 8879 or visit www.nsm.org.au

Fun4Kids Festival
Or why not plan a trip to Warrnambool to check out the Fun 4Kids Festival, featuring a huge line up of Australian and international entertainment including kids favourite, Hi-5.
Where: Warrnambool
When: 29 June- 6 July
www.fun4kids.com.au