Aboriginal Rock Art In The Grampians


The Grampians are very important to the Aborigines from south-west Victoria. The national park is host to more than 80% of the state's Aboriginal rock art works sites. Only five, scattered to the four corners of the park, are open to the public. We feel truly privileged to have access to them. The Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre located just outside of Halls Gap, in addition to being a building with stunning architecture, allows you to learn a lot about the history and culture of local Aboriginal communities. A must see!

Gourmet Experience In The Grampians


We had no idea that the Northern Grampians had a Mediterranean climate and favorable complex sandy soils for olive trees. Whilst driving on the trails of the region, lost in the middle of nowhere, we stumbled upon the largest olive grove that we have ever seen: 28,000 olive trees planted on a property of 1,200 acres. Welcome to Toscana Olives. It is quite impressive especially when you do not expect to come across it! It is one of Australia's oldest groves. It produces extra virgin organic olive oils. The olives are cold pressed onsite immediately after picking. Actually it is possible to attend a tour of the pressing process at this time of year. It is really interesting to witness the behind the scenes of this production. If, like us, you love olive oil, make sure you stop at the farm gate shop for a tasting of their full range of award winning gourmet products. You will fall in love. The foodies that are not close by can also buy online. Our very favourite gourmet experience during our visit to the Grampians!

Win 1 bottle of Premium Organic Olive Oil (375 ml)!


The writers were guests of Toscana Olives.

Renting A Holiday House In The Grampians


Want to know where to sleep in the Grampians? We stayed in a special place around thirty kilometres northwest of Halls Gap. A country house overlooking a vast acreage immersed in the wonders of nature: Kangaroos in the Top Paddock. This house is the perfect place for a peaceful and restful stay. Because, trust us, long term travel can be exhausting! Staying in the comfort of this home away from home allows you to completely relax among the kangaroos that come to feed on the property while being able to admire an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. The house, indoor and outdoor, is furnished in style with attention to detail. Beyond a fully equipped modern kitchen, you can also enjoy a fireplace, barbecue, pergola, a collection of books, CDs and DVDs etc. During the three days of our stay, we had permanent sunshine. In short, everything you need to unwind and rejuvinate is right here waiting for you!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Kangaroos in the Top Paddock.

Visit The Grampians


Between Adelaide and Melbourne, the Grampians are one of the most impressive natural sites in Victoria. These mountain ranges are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are many hiking trails and climbing areas to be found. The few kilometers between Troopers Creek campground and top of Mount Difficult are beautiful. If you are not particularly fond of hiking, it is still possible to drive to amazing lookouts. The views from Boroka Lookout (photo) and Reeds Lookout are worth the drive. They are located a few kilometers east of Halls Gap, the charming little village that is used as a stopover in the area. On the road, keep your eyes open, the area is abundant with kangaroos.

Chateau Life On The Edge Of The Great Ocean Road


iPhoneography Oz spent a few days at Saint Patrick's Luxury Boutique Hotel. As its name suggests, here we do not skimp on comfort! This superb accommodation, a cross between a bed & breakfast and a hotel, is located in Koroit. This small Irish rural town lies at the western end of the Great Ocean Road. The building is an impressive convent which has been renovated to provide all the necessary comfort. The interior design, combining antique and contemporary style, is amazing. There are five bedrooms in total which are all different from each other. The one we stayed in is handsomely appointed including a small lounge with armchairs covered in burgundy velvet. The bathroom has a retro claw-foot tub and a huge shower. On the ground floor, you can spend time in the Lilac Lounge or the library where you can borrow books and DVDs for your room. We did not experience the breakfast but know that it is included in the room price. Staying at Saint Patrick's Luxury Boutique Hotel is an affordable luxury that we highly recommend!

The writers were guests of Saint Patrick's Luxury Boutique Hotel.

Where To Stay When Visiting The Twelve Apostles?


The village of Port Campbell is an excellent base to explore the Twelve Apostles and other rock formations of the Great Ocean Road. It is located a little over two hours west of Melbourne. We spent one night there at Port O Call Motel. This little stop-over is located in the centre of the village, just five minutes drive away from the Twelve Apostles. The rooms are as large as the ceilings are high: you will not feel a lack of space. Each room has access to free Wi-Fi and cable television. If weather permits, outside your room, you can spend time on the veranda overlooking a lovely garden. Finally, although the visitor information centre is located across the street, be sure to talk to the venue owners. They have lived in the area for generations and are an absolute wealth of information!

The writers were guests of Port O Call Motel.

The Twelve Apostles


This is the most visited and most photographed area of the Great Ocean Road. The coastline that stretches for several kilometers near Port Campbell consists of impressive cliffs overlooking a raging ocean. Over time, the sea has carved the rocks turning them into a set of canyons, arches and caves. The erosion rate is estimated at two centimeters per year. The most famous rock formations are the Twelve Apostles which stand in the middle of the ocean. Today only six are still "alive". In the neighborhood, do not miss the Gibsons Steps that let you walk down onto the beach and close to one of the apostles. Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch (formerly London Bridge) are also to be seen.