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    SERENITY: Melbourne tourists Lucy Serret and Shahid Qureshi enjoy Flat Rock in the northern Grampians. Grampians Tourism wants to promote some of the region’s ‘hidden gems’ as part of its ‘Host with the Most’ promotion. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Flat Rock another Grampians ‘gem’ in 'Host With The Most' promotion

By DEAN LAWSON

The Grampians mountain ranges and surrounding districts have provided a variety of nooks and crannies that have been magnets for generations of holiday-makers and weekend picknickers.

Having such regional wilderness and rural-experience gems at our back door is something many of us across the Wimmera and Western District have taken for granted.

But it’s these attractions – be they picnic hideaways in Grampians National Park, inspirational gardens, quaint meal and beverage providers or produce or craft stops – that help make up the Grampians experience. And for people who can’t absorb it all in one day, there is a variety of accommodation options and we all have our favourites.



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Grampians Tourism, in partnership with Horsham, Northern Grampians and Ararat municipal councils, is keen for people to share these attractions with friends and family members beyond the region.

Its ‘Host with the Most’ promotion is designed to help stimulate the regional economy and help consolidate the Grampians as a popular visitor destination.

In the region we all have our favourite visiting places and for many families in Horsham, Flat Rock in the northern Grampians has long been a go-to place for a picnic, somewhere to burn off energy and to soak up inspiring views.

Melbourne tourists Lucy Serret and Shahid Qureshi enjoyed Flat Rock in the northern Grampians at the weekend.

"It's absolutely beautiful," Ms Street said. "Especially after being locked in an apartment for the past six months."

"To be able to come here to this vast, incredible landscape and the gum smells is amazing."

Mr Qureshi said the hidden gem of Flat Rock surprised him.

"I've never come this far in the Grampians, I always end up in Hall's Gap," he said. "We've discovered this beautiful place and I said to Lucy why did we stop at Halls Gap, we should just camp here next time." 

"The Grampians is a wonderful place, there's so much to do here."

 

The official name of the Flat Rock area is Mount Zero Picnic Area because it is also at the base of Mount Zero, but locals have always simply referred to the place as Flat Rock. 

This is probably because it is hard to visit the spot without having a crack at the inclined and aptly named flat-rock landform. It is just like a mighty grey flat rock on a tilt. The more adventurous have gone the whole hog and taken on the extended Mount Stapleton Loop Walk, but for many just doing the relatively short hike to the top of the rock is enough. 

It is relatively easy but takes a bit of puff and you need an element of endurance. Kids do it easily, sometimes too easily, and it is wise to keep up with them.

On reaching the top, having a quiet reflection while soaking up the vista as you catch your breath is worth the effort. With a ragged drop off, this is also a particularly a good time to keep an eye on the kids.

There is often someone in the picnic party who will give the walk ‘a miss this time’ and if you have things planned well enough, their job will be to get the barbie started or organise a ‘cuppa’ on the walking party’s return.

There’s nothing quite like the sense of expectation when heading back to the picnic area and catching the smell of cooking snags on the wind.

When visiting the Grampians, a good thing to also remember is to check Parks Victoria’s website for updates on what walks are open, closed, under repair or subject to fire or flood management schedules.

And don’t forget that all COVID-19 rules governing the rest of the state applies in the park.

Mount Zero Picnic Area is just around the corner from culturally significant Hollow Mountain Gulgurn Manja rock-art shelter area.

At first look it might appear nothing special, unless you visit the area at the height of wildflower season when the whole area can be ablaze with colour.

But it holds a special place in the heart of its many long-term visitors and is within a short drive of all sorts of places that can provide a visit, a feed, a stay or an experience.

The entire November 25, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire November 25, 2020 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!