Waking up to the maniacal laughter of kookaburras in the trees reminds me that I’m in Australia. Opening my cabin shades to see kangaroos munching on the grass lets me know I’ve found the essential Australia.
I’m near the town of Hall’s Gap in the state of Victoria, surrounded by the Grampians National Park. We’re staying at the Hall’s Gap Valley Lodges, a moderately priced set of self catering cabins set along a tree-lined drive just off the main road going into town. Hall’s Gap is so named due to being in between the Grampians ranges and the Wonderlands mountains.
The mountains with jagged sandstone cliffs rise up in all directions, and deer, kangaroos, and rabbits roam across the green lawns. Sulphur crested cockatoos squawk loudly and perch on the cabin roofs, enjoying the attention of visiting photographers (us!).
Many other birds we can’t identify add to the background noise. This is a perfect base for exploring the mountains, the small towns and the Brambuk Aboriginal Culture Centre.
Hall’s Gap is under 3 hours west of Melbourne, and is a popular holiday destination in Victoria.
I’ve been on a 5 day tour from Adelaide, in the state of South Australia, to Melbourne, in the state of Victoria, courtesy of AATKings Tours, and the tourism boards of South Australia, the Great Southern Touring Route, Grampians, and Victoria.
We’ve been able to experience many of those essentially Australian activities, from “cuddling” a koala, becoming master wine makers by blending our own wine, learning of the Aboriginal heritage and history of this area, and seeing the sights, from city museums to natural wonders.
Now, some people think that essential Australia has to include visiting the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef, but this trip has shown me there’s so much more to Australia, I can’t wait to see more.
