The Grampians National Park Australia.....

The latest addition to The Halls Gap Zoo...xxx

The Grampians National Park is a national park in Victoria, Australia, 235 kilometres west of Melbourne. Autumn is the perfect season to visit the Grampians, Nature lovers will savour the walking tracks, wildlife, lookouts and waterfalls in the breathtaking rugged landscape.

The Grampians Wine Region is celebrating 150 years of grape growing , so there's even more reason to visit the regional cellar doors and chat with winemakers. This season The Grampians celebrates It's food and wine, famous sporting spectacles, and more.

The Grampians national Park attracts more than 800,000 visitors each year, and It is no wonder why. Accommodation in Halls Gap ranges from Back Packer hostels, Camping grounds, Big 4 Holiday parks, Hotels, Bed and Breakfast's, private holiday homes through to amazing spa resorts, there is something for everyone, whether your looking for a family friendly escape or a romantic getaway.

Today we explored our backyard and discovered 'The Pinnacle' located in The Grampians National Park. Sometimes it is so easy to forget the beauty that lies within your backyard. Today was magical 23 degrees and very busy, with lots of international tourist's coming to visit such a magical spot! It is great to get the children out of the house, away from 'Electronic devices' and they love spotting lizards, playing with sticks and enjoying all that mother nature has to offer. As we do, we took the children on a walk to the Pinnacle and cooled off in the cool chamber and a quick shower at Bridal Veil Shower's, followed by a climb to "Chook Rock' a stone formation in the shape of a chicken, which the children love to climb over.

Halls Gap is a vibrant bustling township during the holidays and has a wide array of cafes and restaurants to indulge in after some strenuous mountain climbing, and you can't go past an ice-cream in a waffle cone by stoney creek and some home made fudge.

Our children have always delighted in visiting 'The Hall's Gap Zoo' which over the past 10 years has significantly grown, with the recent addition of 2 Giraffes late last year. We always purchase food and hand feed the deer as they flock around you as you enter the park gate...be careful to hold onto your paper bag as today a very hungry Ostrich ate the paper bag and all, not once, but twice. From Spider monkey's, marmets, crocodiles's, reptiles, Wombat's,Tasmanian Devil's, Cassowary's, Emus, Kangaroos, Red Panda's , Meerkats, Dingoes.....the list is endless, but you and your children will have an amazing time...guaranteed. A Picnic and BBQ facilities are provided for your enjoyment within the playground area. http://www.hallsgapzoo.com.au/. The owners of the Zoo are very family orientated and give family's discounts for those of us with lots of children. Be sure to try an animal encounter whilst you are there, get up and personal with a Meerkat, Alligator, Dingo, Snakes and Lizards.

Halls Gap Zoo

Who's a popular boy? Feeding time at the zoo....xxx

William and his 'DEER' friend...xxx

Hand feeding a Wallaby

Try an animal encounter at The Zoo.....

Louie the Dingo licking Will's face clean from Ice- cream...and he loved it...xxx

Even I braved it...:)

OUCH.....that Emu pecked me....xxx

Now I'm not sure if your aware of the tragic flooding's that Halls Gap and many parts of Australia copped in January 2011, after years of drought, but this is an image of Silverband falls prior to the flooding and what it is like now....It was absolutely smashed.

Silverband Falls prior to being smashed by the torrents flooding...xxx

After, what a mess.....xxx

The aftermath....xxx

What remains of the miserable waterfall that used to come back up from the ground and form a pool...xxx

Warning...xxx

Kangaroos just lounging around on the football field....xxx

A very sleepy Koala...xxx

THE AMAZING CHOOK ROCK

The boys climbing the chook...xxx

Time for a rest after a tough walk....xxx

Let's fly......xxx

THE PINNACLE

From the Wonderland Carpark, cross the Stony Creek and travel via the impressive Grand Canyon and wonderful rock formations of Silent Street to the awe inspiring views from the Pinnacle.It's the easiest way to discover 'The Pinnacle' with children in tow...xxx