Grampians

We have never been to the Grampians but are now converted.  What a spectacular place.
The rock material that composes the high peaks is sandstone which was laid down from rivers during the Devonian period 380 million years ago. This sediment slowly accumulated to a depth of 7 km; this was later raised and tilted for its present form.

Marg picked up a luxury escape at wonderful accommodation in Halls Gap.  Log fire, spa bath, a bottle of bubbly on arrival and king size bed was a great way to spend a couple of nights

Not only is the scenery amazing but we also found (not hard given the tourist information available) the sandstone quarry where the material for Victoria's Parliament House, GPO and State Library were sourced.  The former Mt Difficult quarry was once one of the most important stone sites in Victoria, famous for its high yield of Grampians Freestone.  Extraction is now only permitted for repairs.

The trip through the northern half of the Grampians is enhanced by the aftermath of the horrific fires in January 2014. From this event the scenery is now even more spectacular as you get to see the sandstone cliffs through blackened trees and the many stream that run through the area that would be hidden from view by foliage.  The place seems to be starting to come alive again.  The amazing part was some ferns and blackboys that seem to remain untouched by the fire.