The Grampians
Heritage
The Grampians, Victoria has a long and proud cultural heritage which permeates any visit to the Grampians.
The first inhabitants of the land were five aboriginal communities, whose stories of the origin of the beautiful scenery were translated into stunning aboriginal art, using the canvas of local cliffs and rocks. Over 60 aboriginal art sites have been identified in the Grampians, with over 4000 separate motifs.
Some sites are open for public viewing, with a number of aboriginal art tours operating in the region. Tours of these sites leave from Melbourne, Victoria while others leave from the local Grampians area, including the Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap. This centre also has maps of the Grampians, with the public access sites identified.
The Grampians history after European settlement was driven by the search for gold. Old gold mining towns and communities dotted the Grampians map. Some of these communities today offer glimpses of this early history, with glorious architecture and historical displays. The township of Ararat is one such site, with the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre celebrating the role Chinese gold miners played in settling the area.
Gold is still being found in the Grampians' hills. The township of Stawell operates the largest gold mine in Victoria, as well as being home to the Stawell gift - the oldest and richest short distance running race in Australia. The Grampians first Stawell gift was in 1878 as a race between gold miners.
Looking from Melbourne, a map of Victoria shows the Grampians to the north-west. The Grampians are a 3-hour drive from Melbourne.
