Wonderland Loop Hiking Trail
After the weather was showing signs of being brighter than yesterday (only a 50% chance of rain today vs 100% yesterday!) I thought I'd just take the hit and go for the big "Wonderland Loop" hiking trail here in the Grampians.
Roughly 6.5 miles (10.5km) and with plenty of sites, this was my kind of walk!
Starting off at Venus Pool, red rock foundations and smooth surfaces have been bent and shaped by the Stony Creek river over many thousands of years.
After that, a trek up a rocky path towards Splitters Falls. No prizes for guessing why it's called that with its split waterfall!
Climbing higher still was when I gave a little laugh to myself as I was about to enter the Grand Canyon. Looks like they haven't been to the one in the USA but these rocks and steep valley surfaces do tower over you and make you feel very small! It was only a hundred metres or so along the path at its steepest.
Then finally it was time to make my way to the Pinnacle. A viewpoint that would look over the whole section of the Grampians with views over Lake Bellafield and Halls Gap. There was an unfortunate incident though where I saw rescuers carry a woman down as she rolled her ankle from the slippery rocks. A reminder to take it easy!
Once I made it to the top, I was surrounded by cloud and lots of cold wind. There wasn't much to see. But I wanted to hang around for a bit despite the biting wind and hope it cleared. I went to put on my hoody just to keep warm, reached into my bag for a snack then when I looked up, suddenly there was an amazing view! Wow, I am glad I hung around. I had to quickly take all the pictures and videos before the cloud came back as it was moving at quite a speed. Once I got them, I hightailed out of there as it was getting chilly!
Then it was a case of just walking along the ridge back down to the car park, with this part of the trail offering some sheer drops that I tried not to fall down and great views that seemed to clear for a bit before the rain came back down.
Pretty awesome hike and a party of Wallabies were at the parking area to greet me on my way back. They even had lunch prepared for me... Just kidding, they ate it before I got back, the hopping gits 💪
Sundial Peak Hike
After lunch with the Wallabies, it was time to head on to the next part of the Grampians. Why not, I may not be here again hey!
Next up, Sundial Peak, which sounded intriguing as it's got the words "Sundial" and "Peak" in its name... so I thought I'd go there for the afternoon session.
Turns out there's also a short 0.6km diversion to "Lakeview Lookout" which offered some great views of Lake Bellfield and was well worth a stop.
Carrying back on the main path to Sundial Peak ended in a steep climb up a "stony staircase", ultimately leading to the peak... With a sundial on it! Oh and some awesome panoramic views of the valley below. It's a lot higher than I thought, especially when the weather cleared up a bit so I could see even more than at Pinnacle!
Turret Falls
Is there time for one more hike? Of course there is! Come on legs!
The final short hike of the day ended at Turret Falls at the "Wonderland Car Park". It seems the falls are so called because of the way the water comes down from the falls and gives the appearance of turrets. When you're there, you can kinda see it as the two streams give that impression... Kinda...? 🤔
Anyway that's me done for the day! Time for a giant pasta I think and bed! And chocolate... Hmm chocolate first yes haha!
Soooo who wants to come with me on my next travel adventure then?? Hope you aren't put off travelling with me 🤣🤣🤣
Take it easy lol
Nicky