Gariwerd Explorer

Day 1: Ararat to Dunkeld

Ararat

We drove up on a Thursday night for the AFL grand final weekend and decided to stay the night in Ararat so that we could relax over a nice breakfast in the morning before setting off.

It turns out that Ararat plays a strategic role in freight transport as a major stopover town between Melbourne & Adelaide and if like us you choose to stay at the Ararat Motor Inn, bring ear plugs as this role becomes increasingly apparent through the night.

Ararat to Moyston

Post breakfast and only 4km in we had our first taste of gravel with rolling hills, farmland and the grampians squarely in our sites.

At 25km we encountered the Moyston General Store and were ready for second breakfast only to discover that unfortunately, being a public holiday, the general store was closed.

The overnight Moyston Sports Ground had toilets and tank water available which I was able to treat and subsequently consume.

Moyston to Dunkeld

Some fast tarmac out of Moyston led us along a slightly sandy (very ridable) section leading into Mafeking Rd and the first major challenging climb of the tour.
An 8% average over about 5km with some very steep sections had us well and truly warmed up.

Cracking gravel roads along lush, green farmland, curious livestock and incredible views were the theme prior to arriving in the cosy township of Dunkeld via the arboretum.

Dunkeld

Dunkeld is a gorgeous little town on the southern tip of the Grampians nestled in the shadow of Mt Sturgeon.

Mainly because we left our booking late and there was no other accommodation left, we were forced to treat ourselves to a lovely room at the Royal Mail Hotel which unbeknownst to us is regarded as somewhat of an institution, together with it's attached restaurant's: The Parker Street Project and the more up-market Wickens (famous for growing their own produce).

Other great food options include Izzy's Cafe which provides casual meals & take away that are exceedingly good as well as the Dunkeld Old Bakery and Cafe which serve up freshly baked danish, scroll and other breakfast items every morning together with lovely coffee.

If you get in early enough, there's plenty of accomodation in Dunkeld by the way of AirBNB or Booking.com as well as the Dunkeld Caravan Park for a more economical option.

There's not much in the way of groceries or a general store, although the Mobil Service Station does provide basic supplies as well as a pharmacy in town.

Day 2: Dunkeld to Halls Gap

Dunkeld to Strachan Campground

Upon waking, the Dunkeld Old Bakery & Cafe had our names written all over it in the form of its home-made cinnamon scrolls.

With our mouths satisfied, we pointed our bikes towards Mt Sturgeon and begun pedalling soon immersed in farmland at the gateway to the inner grampians.

We soon found ourselves in dense scrub competing against a stiff headwind along Bullawin Rd, stopping for the occasional glance back of the views from which we came.

Glenelg River Rd beckoned and was to be the main thoroughfare of the day.
We were advised that the Chimney Pots Walk (3.7km) is only a slight detour off the intersection of Bullawin Rd & Glenelg River Rd that offers spectacular views without the crowds of the Grampians. We missed this unfortunately but it sounds like a wonderful option.

Before long we arrived at Strachan campground where we had planned to sit down and have lunch which we purchased & stashed from Izzy's Cafe the day prior.

Strachan Campground to Halls Gap

Getting to Strachan Campground involved a slight detour off Glenelg River Rd and onto Sawmill Track which was a pleasant deviation with two very light water crossings and gravel that is slightly more technical.

Strachan Campground is a fantastic place to refill your water bottles as there isn't much beyond this point. (Always remember to treat your water).

Once turned back onto Glenelg River Rd, the headwind's intensity increased and the roads straightened, reinforcing its strength.

Upon reaching Boreang Campground we were informed (via bike computer screech) that the main climbing challenge of the day was set to begin.
Roughly a 5km climb at an 8% average grade and I can't remember the grade dipping under that even once for the entire climb.
Despite the challenging nature of the climb, you can expect to receive wonderful views to your right over the Grampians as you ascend.

Once at the summit of the climb, we were treated to the grand tarmac descent of Mt Victory Rd which follows a similar grade downwards.

Just after the 85km mark we reached a roundabout signifying a junction to Halls Gap or The Pinnacle Hike (at the rear of Wonderland Carpark).
The Pinnacle Hike is likely the most popular attraction of the Grampians National Park and whilst we did investigate, we weren't game enough to leave our bikes unattended for an out and back hike.

A further short descent later and we were treated to an early afternoon meal & coffee in Halls Gap with enough time left to check-in to our motel and catch the last half of the AFL Grand Final.

Halls Gap

Halls Gap is a busy little town nestled in the centre of the Grampians and is the central hub for young families & tourists alike, looking to explore the area.
For these reasons, Halls Gap doesn't quite have the same vibe as cosy Dunkeld, however in terms of re-supply and dramatic scenery, it has everything you could desire.

We stayed at The Grampians Motel (approx. 5km from town), again not by choice but lack of availability due to our late booking. If you are looking for an affordable option, this is terrific and it has a very casual restaurant attached which is open for dinner and sometimes breakfast dependant on whether they can find the staff.

In terms of accomodation, there is a plethora of rooms available via AirBNB, Booking.com or the Halls Gap Caravan Park provided you organise with plenty of time in advance.

In terms of meals, I'm not sure I would expect anything with a hat or three given the young family and tourist vibes, however there is a cafe & pizza place in town as well as a few casual-type bistros & taverns that are more than suitable for a meal.

There is also a general store in Halls Gap which opens until around 7.30pm and will cater for most basic needs.

What you will find in Halls Gap is plenty of kangaroos and birdlife ready and waiting to share whatever it is that you are eating at the time.

Day 3: Halls Gap toArarat

Lake Bellfield

Whilst our original plan was to add-on a loop to the north side of the Grampians, heavy rain was forecast so we were to start our day late and cut the proceedings short.
To be honest we were quite relieved for an early day as the two days prior had expelled more energy than anticipated (not unusual) and a short day to complete the trip felt like the perfect way to finish things.

The rain stopped around 9.30am and we found a cafe in Bellfield that opened at 10am by the name of Adventure Cafe. The venture moonlights as a mini golf course which surprisingly seemed to appeal to demographics other than just young children. Alas, we were to give the putting a miss on this occasion.

A short pootle up the road on the bike path that runs parallel to the road all the way from Halls Gap and we arrived at Lake Bellfield which is an expansive reservoir and the main source of supply for the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline System and also used for recreational activities.

Lake Bellfield To Ararat

The original plan was to take the Redman Track and turn off with a detour into Pomonal however, a friend warned us that this was a fairly rough and steep track so we decided to continue on the current trajectory into Ararat.

The Redman Track was a pure delight until the climb (manageable at first), but entered grades of 17% for a solid 2km with some slightly more technical surfaces after the junction of Mount Cassel 4WD track (the would be turn off to Pomonal).

Much wheezing later, it was time to descend back down and it was fun. A few sharp turns and a few straight, long runs to really get the speed up on some smooth, fast moving gravel which ejected us into the country side and some seriously breath taking views looking back into the Grampians.

Canola crops blanketed the fields as we continued onwards through farmland and a mixture of gravel roads with rolling hills becoming more prominent.

One last gasp on Better Route Rd and we were to say goodbye to gravel for the last time and hello to Ararat - Halls Gap Rd which asked of us one final ascent so that we might observe Ararat from elevation.

Thankfully our car was still where we left it (out the front of the Ararat Motor Inn), we set in for the long drive home.