When you hear the name, ‘Grand Canyon’, you might immediately think of the striking red rock formations and dramatic landscapes of Arizona in the United States. But, did you know that Victoria has its own Grand Canyon? This gorge, located in Grampians National Park, features stunning rock formations for you to admire on your next nature walk. You can admire this gorge on its own, or check it out on the way to the famous Pinnacle lookout. The Grand Canyon is a 3.5 hour drive away from Melbourne, perfect for weekend escapes.
Grand Canyon, Grampians National Park
Put on your sturdy hiking shoes, pack plenty of water and get ready for an adventure to the Grand Canyon. Nestled within the Wonderland Range of the Grampians, your journey begins at the aptly named Wonderland Carpark. From there, you’ll continue on rocky path to the lower end of the canyon, where you can gaze up at the towering rock formations. Along the way, you’ll see a trickling stream and a tranquil waterfall.
At the end of the gorge, there are some steep steps that would normally take you on towards The Pinnacle. However, at the moment, these stairs are closed for repairs. If you wish to continue on towards The Pinnacle, you will need to go backwards and travel along the Canyon bypass walking trail. However, even on its own, the Grand Canyon is truly a spectacular sight to see. Ordinarily, when the steps are open, there is an intersection that will take you back to the carpark if you wish. This creates a 900 metre loop, that takes anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes to walk.
What else can you do?
The Wonderland Carpark is also a great launch point for other sights within the Grampians. Follow the river down stream, and see Splitters Falls. This seasonal waterfall is only a short walk away, and is best seen after rain in winter and spring. If you keep going, you can dip your toes into Venus Baths. These pools of water, formed in the sandstone rocks, are a great way to cool off.
From the carpark, you can also follow a trail towards Turret Falls. This small, terraced waterfall is best viewed after rain. During spring, you might see some wildflowers along the way. This particular walk takes about an hour to complete.
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed within Grampians National Park. As the Grampians are a part of nature, do keep an eye on the Parks Victoria website for any seasonal disruptions.