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Bunjil Shelter - Stawell

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bunjil Shelter - Stawell

Bunjil Shelter is located in the Black Range Scenic Reserve near Stawell and this is the only rockart painting of Bunjil known. It is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural sites in south eastern Australia. Bunjil does no harm; I think he does well. These words were spoken by John Connolly, of the Jardwadjali people a little north of here, and recorded by A.W. Howitt. In 1884 Connolly added that Bunjil was a man, and was the father of all his people. Bunjil Shelter sits within the Gariwerd, a cultural landscape that supports people both physically and spiritually. Bunjil created our land, our people, the plants and animals, our religion and the laws by which we live. He is the leading figure in our spiritual life, essential in teaching young people the importance of laws and beliefs, Levi Lovett, local custodian, Parks Victoria.

Black Range VIC

10 km away

Old Pleasant Creek Courthouse — Image credit: Stawell Historical Society

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Stawell Historical Society and Museum

Museum and Research Centre housed in the old Pleasant Creek Courthouse. Showcasing the history of Stawell and District from the original discovery of gold in 1853 to the present day. For those keen on heritage, history, buildings and people this presents an ideal place to visit and view photographs, historic items, stories of the gold rush, industry, schools and business from the day with the benefit of assistance and interesting stories from their experienced and passionate volunteers. They are pleased to announce that if you are planning on bringing a Coach Tour to the area, they can provide a hosted tour highlighting the heritage and history of their town. Please call or email to discuss further.

Stawell VIC

13 km away

Chalambar Golf and Bowls Club

Entertainment Venues

Chalambar Golf and Bowls Club

Chalambar Golf and Bowls Club is just two kilometres from Ararat at the foot of One Tree Hill is a peaceful rural setting with an abundance of natural wildlife and magnificent views across the Pyrenees Ranges and Mount Langi Ghiran. Visitors are welcome to test their skills on this challenging Par 70 layout. The course has fully watered couch fairways with superb grass greens and presents in excellent condition all year. Very affordable green fees and motorised golf carts are available for hire. The turf bowls green presents in fantastic condition and is available for casual use all year. Chally’s Bar and Bistro has something for everyone in a relaxed and social atmosphere. Lunch and dinner menus with a wide variety of delicious dishes, daily specials, craft and domestic beers, a range of local wines plus coffee and biscuits. Chally’s offers a fantastic social atmosphere with a dining area for meals, lounge and high-bar areas for a more casual catch up. Dining or having a drink on the deck overlooking the course and bowls green is a great way to unwind after a game. A courtesy bus operates on Friday and Saturday nights.

Ararat VIC

14 km away

Gum San Building

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre

Gum San translates as Gold Mountain and the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre is literally sitting on the site of the Gold Mountain that started Ararat's gold rush. The Centre tells the story of the 19th century Chinese miners that braved a perilous sea journey followed by a long trek across southern Australia to the new goldfields of Bendigo and Ballarat. Life size scenarios in the centre depict their travels and experiences of the excitement of gold discoveries mixed with the hardship of life on the goldfields plus the prejudices and hatred from other nationalities that sometimes erupted in to riots. Visit their website for the opening hours during public holidays and school holidays.

Ararat VIC

16 km away

J Ward, Ararat's Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

J Ward, Ararat's Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum

Take a guided tour of J Ward, Ararat's Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum. Hear stories of murderers, ghosts and mistreatment of mental illness. J Ward is two and a half hours from Melbourne, close to the Grampians and open daily for tours by passionate Friends of J Ward volunteers. More than 10,000 people visit each year. Tours run at 10:00am, and 1.00pm Monday to Friday: 10.00am 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm on Saturday and Sundays and Victorian public and school holidays (except Christmas Day). J Ward started its life as a goldfields prison in 1859. When the gold ran out in the mid 1880s the prison buildings were acquired by the Lunacy Department as a temporary housing for the Criminally Insane. The County Gaol then became a ward (J Ward) of the Ararat Lunatic Asylum where the most depraved and most dangerous men in Victoria were housed in horrific conditions under the highest security.

Ararat VIC

16 km away

TAMA Collection 1 — Image credit: Ararat Rural City Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ararat Gallery TAMA

Established in 1968, Ararat Gallery TAMA (Textile Art Museum Australia) has a unique place amongst Australia's public galleries, through its longstanding commitment to supporting and promoting textile and fibre art – a curatorial and collection focus that began in the early 1970s. The gallery has continuously collected textile and fibre based art since the early 1970s. Today the collection is arguably the most significant of its kind in Australia. On the first Thursday of the month, they also host a Stitching Circle, a friendly monthly gathering for lovers of stitching. You can bring your embroidery, sewing, knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, any textiles project. All varieties of stitching and skill level welcome and there is no need to book.

Ararat VIC

16 km away

Ararat Railway Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ararat Railway Museum

Train buffs will delight in this fascinating collection of railway history memorabilia and a working model train. The museum's display is a reminder of the important role the railway played in shaping the region. The Museum contains two historically significant signal boxes. Ararat Railway Heritage Association are a not for profit organisation with all members being volunteers.They request an optional donation of a gold coin for each adult person to enter to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the Museum.

Ararat VIC

16 km away

Langi Morgala Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Langi Morgala Museum

The Museum's Aboriginal name translates as "home of yesterday". The collection is housed in a bluestone and brick building built in 1874 and is the home of the Ararat and District Historical Society. Displays, including many photographs, dressed models, clothing and farm machinery, reflect the gold mining rush of 1856. The Mooney and Charles Best collections of Aboriginal artefacts are also featured. The large collection covers a wide variety of themes of local importance, and includes objects from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Ararat VIC

16 km away

Aradale Lunatic Asylum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Aradale Lunatic Asylum

Aradale Asylum was an Australian psychiatric hospital, located in Ararat, a rural city in Victoria. Aradale was opened in 1867 and served as an asylum for psychiatric and intellectually handicapped patients until 1993. At its peak it housed almost 1,000 patients. J Ward became an annexe of Aradale in 1887 to house the criminally insane in a more secure facility. Aradale was once known as the Ararat Lunatic Asylum. Aradale and its two sister asylums at Kew and Beechworth were commissioned to accommodate the growing number of 'lunatics' in the colony of Victoria. Construction began in 1860 and was opened for patients in 1865. It was closed as an asylum in 1998. At its height, Aradale had up to 900 patients yearly and is a large complex with up to 70 interesting historic abandoned buildings. Currently, tours are run externally while safety audits are carried out on the buildings. The stories are the same as the internal tour and provide an understanding of life in Aradale. Tours run each Sunday and Wednesday and are 90 to 120 minutes in duration. Group bookings can be arranged, limited to 25 people per group. Visit their website for tour timings and bookings.

Ararat VIC

17 km away

Sitting at Lake Fyans — Image credit: Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism

Natural Attractions

Lake Fyans

Located at the foot of the Grampians National Park and a short drive from Halls Gap, Lake Fyans is a relatively small man-made catchment. Make the most of the lake and enjoy swimming, water skiing, jet skiing and sailing. Please note camping and animals are not permitted at the lake.

Lake Fyans VIC

21 km away

Tunnel Track trailhead — Image credit: Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Pomonal Tunnel Walking Track

The Pomonal Tunnel Walking Track offers a rewarding blend of history, nature and gentle adventure on the eastern side of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Beginning near the village of Pomonal, the trail follows a steady rise through open woodland, where native wildflowers and birdlife are common companions. The highlight is the hand‑cut rock tunnel, created in the late 1800s as part of an early water‑race system. Beyond the tunnel, the track opens to views across the valley toward the Mount William and Serra ranges, making it a favourite spot for photographers and walkers seeking a quieter alternative to Gariwerd's major lookouts. The return walk is rated as moderate to hard. There are a relatively steep uphill and downhill (return) gradients on this track and after rain, it can become very difficult.

Pomonal VIC

22 km away

Lake Lonsdale — Image credit: GWM Tourism

Natural Attractions

Lake Lonsdale

Lake Lonsdale sits just north of Stawell and offers a peaceful setting for outdoor recreation in the northern Grampians. Known for its wide views, quiet foreshore and easy access, the lake is a popular spot for swimming, paddling, boating and relaxed days by the water. Families enjoy the calm shallows and open spaces, while anglers make use of productive fishing areas around the shoreline. The lake supports a mix of native and stocked species, giving visitors the chance to catch redfin, trout and other freshwater favourites. The surrounding landscape creates a sense of space and simplicity, with low vegetation, sandy edges and clear water that reflects the changing light throughout the day. It is a practical and welcoming place for picnics, short walks and time spent outdoors. Boat users appreciate the accessible launch points and the room available for exploring the lake at a gentle pace. Lake Lonsdale is also a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions, including Stawell, Halls Gap and the wider Grampians National Park. Its location makes it an easy addition to a regional itinerary, whether you are travelling for a weekend or passing through on a longer journey. With reliable water levels and a relaxed atmosphere, Lake Lonsdale offers a straightforward and enjoyable lakeside experience for visitors of all ages

Deep Lead VIC

23 km away

Langi Ghiran State Park

National Parks and Reserves

Langi Ghiran State Park

Rugged granite peaks and gentle sloping woodlands are the dominant features of this park. A pleasant walk to the mountain summit presents a view of ancient red gums on the surrounding plains skirted by Mount Buangor in the east and the Grampians in the distant west. Lar-ne-jeering (Langi Ghiran) is from the Djab Wurrung language meaning 'home of the black cockatoo'. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Dobie VIC

24 km away

National Centre for Environmental Art

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Wama Foundation

Wama is Australia's first dedicated space for environmental art, set amongst 16 hectares on the foothills of the Gariwerd/Grampians National Park. Experience world-class art in the National Centre for Environmental Arts, or get lost in the Endemic Botanic Garden and Jallukar Grasslands. There are no public transport options to the site, meaning that the best way to reach them is by car. It is approximately a six-minute drive from Halls Gap, 90 minutes from Ballarat, or three hours from Melbourne.

Halls Gap VIC

25 km away

Halls Gap Zoo

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Halls Gap Zoo

Halls Gap Zoo is Victoria's largest regional zoo exhibiting over 120 native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds from cheetah, giraffe, meerkats, monkeys, red pandas and bison to kangaroos, Tassie devils, wombats, crocodiles, snakes and dingoes. Halls Gap Zoo is home to a number of endangered species captive breeding programs. Overall management of these programs is by a species coordinator through the Zoo Aquarium Association (ZAA) which is an association that links over 90 zoos and aquariums across the Australasian region, including Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Visitors have the opportunity to have close encounters with a number of species while at Halls Gap Zoo. Special animal food can be purchased to hand feed kangaroos, wallabies and deer or as an optional extra experience meerkats climbing onto your lap, feed the giraffe or rhino, go in with the dingoes or perhaps holding a reptile would appeal. The two and a half kilometre pathway around the zoo is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue lunch while the children amuse themselves in the playground. Halls Gap Zoo have food, drinks and souvenirs available. For further information please contact them or view their website.

Halls Gap VIC

26 km away

Lake Bellfield

Natural Attractions

Lake Bellfield

Lake Bellfield is located five kilometres from the main shops in Halls Gap. It is known to be a popular tourist spot with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and reflective waters. The lake is used for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing and picnicking. The lake serves as the local water supply, therefore only electric motors are permitted.

Halls Gap VIC

28 km away

Perfect family activity — Image credit: Grampians adventures

Amusement and Theme Parks

Halls Gap Adventure Golf

Welcome to Halls Gap Adventure Golf, a fun and challenging world class 18 hole course set in spectacular bushland in the heart of Gariwerd (The Grampians). The course is like a mini version of the mountains where it is located, with water falls, tunnels and spectacular views in every direction. Whether your game is a serious, high stakes, winner-takes-all contest or just a friendly hit between friends, it's an experience you won't want to miss on your next visit to Halls Gap. There's mini golf, and then there's adventure golf. You will not see any windmills here, but the obstacles will keep you on your toes - look out for the infamous Nerve Test. You are sure to spot some of the local wildlife as the space is share with the local emus, kangaroos and deer. You will also hear the cockatoos and kookaburras before you see them. Above all, and no matter what brings you here, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself. So take in the surroundings, stop for meal, a drink, relax and switch off from the world for a while and have fun.

Halls Gap VIC

28 km away

Paint your Pet — Image credit: Moco Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

MOCO Gallery and Boutique

Welcome to MOCO Gallery and boutique in the heart of Gariwerd, Grampians National Park. This is a unique contemporary gallery in an inspiring bushland setting with a full calendar of events including artist led workshops, regular exhibitions and artist talks, residencies and more. MOCO has a full programme of artist led workshops and classes ranging from short morning or evening sessions to multi day courses. Classes range from adults evening classes and multi day courses to classes tailored to school groups and everything in between. There will be special creative workshops during the GLOW Festival in Halls Gap. These include Paint Your Pet , Drawing, Landscape Painting, and Perfume Making. Please check the MOCO Gallery events website for dates and to book in for your favourite workshop. While you're here check out their special winter exhibition: Kellie Russell - Local Life, on display until July 20.

Halls Gap VIC

28 km away

Brambuk Cultural Centre — Image credit: Parks Victoria

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre

Make Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap your first stop before exploring Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Visit the National Park Information Centre where you can source the latest park information including walking, camping and touring. Parks staff can help you discover world famous hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, spectacular mountain views and ancient Aboriginal rock art shelters. A unique range of local Indigenous products, Australian made souvenirs and park maps are available in the gift shop. A series of self-guided and wheelchair friendly walks through the Brambuk wetlands and native gardens links the park information centre to the Cultural Centre and provides a glimpse of the native wildlife of Gariwerd. Since opening in 1990, Brambuk has provided an opportunity for visitors to connect and learn about what Gariwerd means to the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung people. The award-winning Cultural Centre building is currently closed for upgrades, and these works are expected to be ongoing between 2022 and 2026. Keep an eye on the Parks Victoria Junior Ranger website for the latest list of holiday activities and programs. Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre is two kilometress south of Halls Gap and is open seven days a week (except Christmas Day). Visit the Parks Victoria website to check park conditions. Remember to stay bushfire ready using Emergency Victoria's website while in nature.

Halls Gap VIC

29 km away

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

This park is part of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape and is home to the largest number of significant and ancient Aboriginal rock art shelters in southern Australia. Explore the natural beauty, from its world-famous walking trails. Discover majestic waterfalls, dazzling spring wildflowers and mountain panoramas. Enjoy the variety of walks in the north, Wonderland range near Halls Gap and in the south near Dunkeld. Views from the Pinnacle, Mt Abrupt, Mt Stapylton are spectacular, but these hikes should only be attempted by the fit. If you're an experienced walker, you will also enjoy the challenge of the park's overnight walks by hiking the iconic Grampians Peaks Trail. There are more relaxing pursuits to enjoy in the Grampians, too. Drive to a lookout for magnificent views from Boroka and Reed Lookouts, go fishing or kayaking at Lake Wartook, Lake Bellfield and Moora Moora Reservoir or enjoy a picnic at a beautiful location. Visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, where staff will help you explore this magnificent park, including where to hike, drive, camp or discover Aboriginal rock art shelters. Note: Mackenzie falls is closed to visitors and vehicles due to planned construction. For park closures and changes of conditions, visit Parks Victoria's website.

Halls Gap VIC

29 km away

Grampians Peaks Trail — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Grampians Peaks Trail

Located in the iconic Grampians National Park, part of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape is the spectacular Grampians Peaks Trail. This challenging hiking experience crosses a variety of terrain, stay at unique hike-in campgrounds along the trail, climb dramatic mountain peaks with panoramic views and hike along rugged rocky ridgelines. The trail caters for a variety of hiking styles, from self-guided walkers and groups to school groups and fully-facilitated hikes with a Licensed Tour Operator. The two night itinerary in the northern peaks experience provides hikers with the option of staying in eco-friendly hiker huts in Gar and Werdug. To experience the huts, you must book using a Licensed Tour Operators. If you're experienced, bold and committed you can complete the whole 13-day/12-night hike, for an unforgettable adventure and be rewarded with some of the best hiking trails and panoramic views in Australia. Minimise your environmental impact when completing the Grampians Peaks Trail. Take out what you take in – leave no rubbish, stay on the trail, leaves pets, drones and loud music at home. Campfires are not permitted. Conditions can change quickly in natural settings, make sure you plan and prepare to get the most out of your experience and check Parks Victoria's website regularly for change of conditions. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Halls Gap VIC

29 km away

‘Morning gold - laughing kookaburra’ - Pastel on Supertooth paper, Image size 30 X 45 cm — Image credit: Steve Morvell Wildlife Art

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Steve Morvell Art for Conservation

Steve Morvell Art for Conservation gallery and studio is located at Halls Gap in the picturesque Grampians National Park. Steve Morvell is an internationally acclaimed environmental artist, dedicated to raising human awareness of the beauty and fragility of wildlife and the habitats. A deep need to understand animals on their own terms takes Steve to many wild places such as Western China, Africa, Nepal and outback Australia researching his art. His powerful, evocative work is exhibited worldwide, winning many major art awards and hangs in private, public and corporate collections globally. He works tirelessly for conservation of the natural world. Steve, a former park ranger, spends long hours observing animals in their natural habitat. He only paints animals he has met in person since his life's passion is learning ever more about real nature. Steve's artworks capture delightfully intimate encounters with often shy and elusive species. His recognition of the spirit of the bush and its creatures leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. In the field of wildlife art he has a reputation for giving the viewer a real sense of being there.

Halls Gap VIC

29 km away

Ben Nevis Summit

Natural Attractions

Borella Walk

Borella Walk is located in Mount Cole State Forest Starting Point at either Ben Nevis picnic area, Ben Nevis Road, Mount Cole or Chinamans Campground, Chinamans Road, Mount Cole. This walk can be done as a one way or return walk retracing your own steps. Named in memory of respected local bird observer Max Borella, this scenic walk celebrates the rich birdlife of the area and rewards hikers with stunning lookout points along the way. Keep an eye and ear out for native species as you make your way through the changing landscape. The track can be quite steep in sections, so it's best to take your time, pause often, and soak up the surroundings. Each rest stop offers a chance to appreciate the tranquillity of the bush and the ever-expanding views below. For those wanting to extend the experience, hikers can camp overnight at Chinaman's Campground, making it easy to turn the walk into a relaxed nature escape. At the summit of Ben Nevis, you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views that stretch across the region — a perfect spot to catch your breath, enjoy a picnic, and reflect on the journey.

Mount Cole VIC

33 km away

Heatherlie Quarry — Image credit: Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Heatherlie Quarry

Heatherlie Quarry sits deep in the northern Grampians, a quiet pocket of history shaped by stone, sweat and the steady work of skilled stonemasons. Hidden among tall gums and rugged sandstone slopes, the site tells the story of the region's once‑thriving sandstone industry. Visitors can wander past old machinery, rusted rail lines and the remains of workers' huts, each offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who carved the stone used in landmarks across Victoria. The quarry walls rise in warm shades of gold and ochre, catching the light in a way that makes the landscape feel both ancient and purposeful. It is a peaceful place today, ideal for slow exploration and photography, yet every track and tool mark hints at the industry that once echoed through the valley. Heatherlie Quarry is a rewarding stop for anyone interested in heritage, geology or the quieter corners of the Grampians.

Halls Gap VIC

35 km away

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