Ditch the city and start uncovering those Aussie towns on this ultimate road trip. From spooky ghost tours to powerful waterfalls, this trip will spark all the senses.
Begin your journey in Ballarat. Pack up the car and hit the road!
Explore Mount Buangor State Park
About 50 minutes into your ultimate road trip playlist you will find yourself at Mount Buangor State Park. Known for its breathtaking scenery, bush walking trails and wildlife encounters, this state park is perfect for nature lovers. Jump on a tour with a local guide and experience activities ranging from abseiling, birdwatching, four wheel driving and nightwalks.
Hear Haunted Ghost Stories at the Ararat Lunatic Asylum
Located 30 minutes from Mount Buangor State Park lies Australia’s largest abandoned lunatic asylum. The facility accommodated thousands of patients over 130 years of operation. Be led through the asylum on the Aradale Ghost Tour, one of the creepiest ghost tours in Australia. Prepare to be haunted by stories of bizarre history, brutal treatments, amazing personal stories, and of course, lots of ghost stories detailing some of the most infamous people to walk these halls.
Enjoy unique animal encounters at Halls Gap Zoo
You’re next stop is only a 30 minute drive from the Aradale Lunatic Asylum and will lighten the mood from your previous stop. Spend the day with friends or family exploring Halls Gap Zoo. There over 160 species of native and exotic animals ranging from inquisitive meerkats and giant giraffes to Australian dingoes and saltwater crocodiles, making this regional zoo the largest in Victoria.
Let MacKenzie Falls take your breath away
Located in the Grampians National Park, MacKenzie Falls is an iconic waterfall within the park. Flowing year round, the falls sees water cascade over huge cliffs into a deep pool, sending fine sprays of rainbow mist high into the air above a stunning gorge. Take your pick from a range of different walks of varying abilities and take in the breathtaking views from the lookouts.
Enjoy a picnic at Hamilton Botanic Gardens
Located in the heart of Hamilton, the Hamilton Botanic Gardens provides the perfect backdrop to any summer picnic. Grab some freshly made food from the local eateries and enjoy lunch or an afternoon snack surrounded by beautiful landscaping, wildlife and outdoor decor. The garden was designed by one of Australia’s greatest garden designers, William Guilfoyle, and is one of Victoria’s most intact 19th century Botanic Gardens.
Mount Gambier
No matter what level of adventurer you are, Mount Gambier is set to take your breath away.
Explore the limestone caves, sinkholes and volcanoes that shape the unique landscape, enjoy the arts and culture scene that makes the city so vibrant and indulge in local food and wine at local eateries.
Here are just a few experiences you should tick off while you’re here:
- Snorkel the crystal clear water of Ewens Ponds Conservation Park
- Watch the Cave Garden come alive in the city centre
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Gambier from the Centenary Tower
- Be enchanted by the sunken garden of Umpherston Sinkhole
- Uncover what makes the Blue Lake so blue during summer
- Immerse yourself in local and national art at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre
- Venture down into an underground cave at Engelbrecht Cave
- Take a walk through history on the City Heritage Walk
- Keep an eye out for koalas at the Valley Lake Conservation Park
This is just a taste of what you can do. With so much to see, plan to take your time and enjoy every moment!
