The picturesque mountains of The Grampians cover 1000 square kilometres and form the southern extremity of the Great Dividing Range. The Grampians is Victoria's largest National Park, comprising of outstanding landforms, dense rainforests, unsurpassed mountain peaks, sparkling waterfalls and superb lookouts. The area abounds with fauna and flora as well as Aboriginal rock art sites. There are well over 50 walking tracks catering for everything from the casual stroll to the overnight trek. The Grampians region is also home to an enduring wine growing district.

The Grampians, visible from the Wimmera plains, contain three main ranges, with steep and craggy slopes on the eastern side and gentler slopes to the west. Waterfalls include McKenzie, Broken, Silverband and Drummer, with panoramic views from Reeds, Boroka and McKenzie lookouts.

Superb water stretches include Lake Bellfield, with 12 reservoirs and lakes, which form the heart of massive water supply system. The streams fed by these waters wander their course amid forests of towering red gums, sheoke and black wattles. These lakes are a fisherman's haven (with redfin, rainbow trout and blackfish) and the forests are home to a variety of Australian wildlife including koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, emus and many native birds. Over a thousand different species of plants are found in the Grampians, including almost 100 varieties of orchids. Twenty of these species are found nowhere else in the world.

Adjacent to the Wonderland Range and Lake Bellfield is Halls Gap, The heart of the Grampians. Amid natural splendour and surrounded by soaring peaks and sprawling valleys, Halls Gap is easily accessible. From the centre of Halls Gap are walking tracks to Clematis Falls and Venus Baths. You can also trek to Mackey's Peak and The Pinnacle - the panoramic views from these points are more than a just reward.

Victoria's average temperatures in summer and winter are only a few degrees lower than Sydney's but is generally far less humid. The states annual rainfall is also less than Sydney and Brisbane. The only problem with the climate in Victoria is that it is so unpredictable, especially in the spring. In the capital of Melbourne you can sometimes experience the four seasons in one day, so always expect the unexpected when in this state.

Even thought the climate is generally cooler in Melbourne there is rarely times when a big heavy jacket is needed. However, when you venture inland to places such as Ballarat or the mountain regions it can get quite cold. The nights can be very frosty and cold even if the days are clear and warm. In the summer months the whole of Victoria warms to very pleasant temperatures. There can be heat waves in the months of December and January and these can make temperatures reach almost 40C.