The Grampians

The Grand Canyon

View of Lake Bellfield from The Pinnacle

We have just today to explore the Grampians and to be honest it’s quite a daunting prospect because the area is vast. We’re going to follow the advice we got yesterday from the manager when we checked in at Kookaburra Motel. She had suggested that we set off at 8am to avoid the heat but we miss that timeslot and it nearly 10am when we finally get going. So, our first stop is The Pinnacle, according to our information it should take us 3 to 4 hours, once we set off. I’m concerned I might need to double that target as I’m stopping so often to get my breath. The route winds constantly uphill through the Grand Canyon, past the Cool Chamber, past Echo Cave, the Lady’s Hat, up through the Silent Camber until we finally emerge onto the Pinnacle. Now, the views and rock formations have been spectacular all the way up, but it really doesn’t prepare you for the jaw-dropping view from the top. 

The Pinnacle

We take a few pictures, but I’m not going to be standing near any edges like some of the other people, in fact, I’m really unhappy with Dave getting too near the edge. Time for the return journey, I’d like to say it’s easier but to be honest our knees are shaking from the unrelenting descent. Did we make our guides target time? Only just!

Dave at the top of The Pinnacle

Next stop, Mackenzie Falls, not far on the map but the winding tree lined road makes driving slow. Just as well really, it gives us chance to cool down and recover! Again, the route is well marked and the views from the viewpoints are spectacular. Once we reach the top of the waterfalls, I see a notice which states, “260 very steep steps to base of the falls”. And, I can confirm this is a more than accurate description, however, the path gives small glimpses of the majesty of the falls. Once, at the base of the falls, the thunder of the water is deafening and the spray as it hits the pool is so welcome. Time to climb back up to the car park, only 260 steep steps and a hill to reach it!

Mackenzie Falls

We’re done with hills and steps now, but Dave does agree to stop at The Balconies on the way back down to Halls Gap. The view from Reid Lookout by the car park renders us speechless, its so vast, miles of green trees and majestic peaks in the distance. We can only say wow, as we try to take it all in. The walk to the Balconies is relatively flat, just as well, but we seem to walk for ages until suddenly we around a corner and there’s the view. Again, jaw droppingly beautiful. And aptly the rock formation by the view point has the nickname, The Jaws of Death.

View from Reid Lookout

The Balconies, The Jaws of Death

Our final bit of sightseeing is the road down to Lake Bellfield, a winding road through trees and at times one way, occasionally the view opens out giving us glimpses of the reservoir which is Lake Bellfield. We follow a National Ranger in his 4x4 and he kindly stops every so often to point out photo stops. Surely that wouldn’t happen in England! 

View from The Balconies

Finally, we’re at shore level, I guess that the sandy perimeter of the lake should really be covered by water but, because there has been so little rain the water level is really low. This exposes eerie dead trees that stretch their silvery fingers towards the sky, it would make a great location for a gothic murder mystery film. We finally get back to our motel for a relaxing coffee only to witness a flying display by a flock of Cockatoo’s. Judging by the noise they are making they are not happy, and we are not going to have a siesta!

Lake Bellfield