Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NORTHWEST OF THE GRAMPIANS
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Horsham
The major town to the northwest of the Grampians and the capital of the Wimmera region,
Horsham makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding national parks and Mt
Arapiles. The main shopping strip has postal and banking facilities, supermarkets and
plenty of other shops and eateries.
Grampians & Horsham Visitors Centre
(
03-5382 1832;
9am-5pm)
has information on the surrounding
www.visithorsham.com.au
;
20 O'Callaghan's Pde;
areas.
Horsham Regional Art Gallery
( 03-5362 2888;
www.horshamartgallery.com.au
;
21 Roberts Ave; gold coin
donation; 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, 1-4.30pm Sat & Sun)
houses the Mack Jost Collection of significant
Australian artists, including works by Rupert Bunny, Sir Sidney Nolan, John Olsen and
Charles Blackman.
Horsham's
Botanic Gardens
(Firebrace St)
were established in the 1870s and designed by the
curator of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, William Guilfoyle.
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Mt Arapiles State Park
Mt Arapiles, 37km west of Horsham and 12km west of Natimuk, is Australia's premier
rock-climbing destination. At 369m it's not the world's highest mountain but with more
than 2000 routes to scale, it attracts salivating climbers from around the world. Popular
climbs include the Bard Buttress, Tiger Wall and the Pharos. In the tiny nearby town of
Natimuk a community of avid climbers has set up to service the visitors, and the town has
also developed into something of a centre for artists - the biennial
Nati Frinj Festival
, held in
November in odd years, includes performances and a colourful street parade.
Even if you're not into climbing, there are two short and steep walking tracks from
Centenary Park to the summit, or you can drive up along the sealed Lookout Rd.
