Like tree bark creaking in the wind, the cries of the red headed Gang Gang welcomed us on our morning hike up the Grampians. Over rocks and stones we clumbered, holding on tightly to odd shaped formations and finding a grip in small crevasses while we were trying to keep our eyes fixed on the uneven ground and at the same time try to take in the magnificent view over the forest covered mountain ranges.
**** This post came to be through a sponsored trip with Groovy Grape Tours. ****
The last part was especially tricky and required treading carefully and having sturdy hiking shoes and was as promising as it sounded. Imagine standing on the end of a mountain range, overseeing valleys of gumtrees and red tinted rocks poking out of the canopies, perfectly illustrating how plate tectonics and climate change had amassed and shaped such a dramatic landscape as no text book would ever be able to.
Seeking refreshment after the exciting climb, we had a rest at the Brambuk Cultural Centre, where we were informed about aboriginal culture, the 6 seasons and could taste an important bush tucker food ingredient: wattle seeds. Whether coffee, cream with damper or muffin, the wattle seed was cleverly integrated into the available breakfast option at the centre’s café.
The last part of today’s trip consisted mostly of driving and dreamily gazing at the passing landscapes with the retreating mountain range of the Grampians in the background and the thinning tree line to our sides, we mentally prepared ourselves for grassy landscapes.
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On our way we stopped by a collection of grasstrees, which the Aborigines use as speers, as well as the pink lake. This time around, the water had retreated and we were walking carefully on its salty crust with each step sinking in deeper and digging up the pink sediments.
Incidentally as last time, I was dressed in pink. Again unplanned. What was planned, however, was our arrival in Adelaide and the end of our fantastic Great Ocean Road Trip with Groovy Grape Tours. Definitely a must see in Australia.
This diary is part of my near month long trip with Groovy Grape Tours towards and through Australia’s heart.
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