Today, we went to the Grampians National Park. It was a Saturday and part of the Easter Holiday weekend, so our guide was telling us to expect a crowd at the park. In fact, there was a crowd on board the bus too.

It was an hour plus drive out to the 1st stop, which was a wildlife park at Ballarat (which was where the Gold Rush took place), and while we were there, we got to see kangaroos, and a reptile farm exhibition. It was a quick stop and we continued our way.

We stopped for lunch at a little town called Halls Gap. It was the original town which was the only way into the Grampians. Lunch was good, though we had to rush through it as the food took longer than expected to prepare. It was a beautiful Saturday and there were a lot of locals out in the sun, having picnics, camping, and just lazing around.

After which, we went into the Grampians Mountain ranges.

Our 1st stop was at the Boroko Lookout, which overlook the flat plains of Melbourne and also the 2 reservoirs in the state of Victoria. There is currently a serious drought going on in Australia and there are serious water shortages and a lot of water restrictions are being placed on the locals. The locals are hoping and praying for rain.

Next stop was a tiring one. It was Reids Lookout which was on a high cliff overlooking the ranges and it had a steep drop to the flat plains. There was also a 1 km trek into the park where we will see the Jaws of Death. My mum, after the initial 10 min hike up the road to the starting point decided that she could not carry on. I agreed with her that she should stay around at the carpark, while I went ahead.

Our 3rd stop for the day was at the MacKenzie Falls. It was a waterfall, not very high, but had 259 steps to climb down and the same number back up. In fact, it was a short walk down and nothing compared to the memorable and absolutely unforgettable climb I had in Yunnan (China) at the Leaping Tiger Gorges, where we had to climb 3 hours down hill and then another 4 hours up hill. That was terrifyingly ardous. Yet, looking back on it, I’m proud and very happy that I made it through.

Anyway, so the climb down was a quick one. The falls were beautiful, though not majestic. Yet, it was a nice weather and nice scenery. So great! I climbed back up to meet my mum half way, as she did not want to climb all the way down. She’s fallen ill and it’s been tough on her, considering that she has not walked this much in her life before.

We then packed up and went on our way back. The dinner stop was at Target Hotel. A nice little hotel and there were set menus, so it made it easier for everyone to have their meal.

On the journey back, the driver (Geoff, pronounced Jeff) played this movie – The man from snowy river – which was the really old Australia movie about a young lad who lost his father, but was extremely goof with horses and eventually earned the respect of everyone in the town and wins the girls of his heart. Ok flick, but not recommended.

It’s Easter Saturday. It’s a big thing here. The guide said that a lot of places would be opened tonight, but I’m not going to venture out. Mum’s not feeling well, and I think she needs lots of rest and water, which I have been forcing her to drink. Hoping she recovers quick. There are a couple of days more in Melbourne and I hope she enjoys it and not just feel that this trip was a suffering trip.

Tomorrow is Easter and it’s a free day! Go shopping and eating!