I love Grampians. It is also called "Gariwerd", which means "ranges" in traditional aboriginal language. This is a place where photographers would find it challenging to photograph: the harsh lighting from the typical angry sun, dense dark foliage of native plants (not reflecting colours) and the gale that would blow your mind away (because your tripods get blown away too).
It is reported that over 60 cultural sites have been identified in Grampians. The murals are certainly worthy of visits for any photographers - the tracks leading to the murals are often good photography opportunities.
Over the past 20 years, I have frequented this place for photography opportunities. It turned out this place had turned into an escape from the reality for me. I love the Gala screaming their lungs off every morning. I love the kookaburra squeaking like a group of zombies every sunset.
This is a little summary of my photography experiences in Grampians:
* Visit in winter months - diffuse light from cloudy sky is better than harsh light in summer. Summer is high risk for bushfire as well. The frequent rain often creates mood for the photo ops and great to get mists/fog to render better pictures.
* Do check news about closed roads/paths through national park website
* Always bring a GBS phone and bring plenty of water with you. Drive a 4WF.
* Bring food and groceries from Melbourne as the pricing in Halls Gap is often at least double of the city prices
* Photograph in early mornings or late afternoon
Waterfalls
Mckenzie fall - part of it - funny that I cannot find any more photos of this largest fall in Victoria. But this one was different from the generic full frontal shot seen on the web everywhere.
Pentax 16-50mm f2.8
Ferret's waterfall - disappeared after the bushfire in 2006
Silverband waterfall - not a long walk, pretty much flat track. Problem is this fall dries out easily. Only to visit after a rainfall. And watch out brown snakes in the area!
Pinnacles
This is a good 5 hour track return trip. Three major phases in geographical changes as you walk through this region. This place is all about rocks.
Wonderland Carpark
Balcony Lookout
On a sunny day, strong UV cast really sucks. There is no point to visit in the day hours. The photos will turn out shit really.
This lookout is bad for sunset shots at the magic hours. This is because the sun goes down on the completely opposite side of the look out. So you dont get much light at all except occasional purple sky at times.
Reeds Lookout
This lookout is more photographer friendly - at least sun is going down within the view of the look out.
Canon 50mm f1.2L
Lake Fyans
Tracks
The colour is certainly better in a foggy and wet condition. I prefer to shoot in the rain in here.
Giant Koala - Dadswell Bridge Victoria
Nice for a visit if you get really bored like it is raining cats and dogs or it is just simply too hot to bear in the extreme heat. Not a long drive north to Grampians. There is also a waterfall nearby - single span but puny water flow. Lucky to see it after a rain fall (I did have a few shots at it and they turned out like a poor stream wee due to prostate enlargement)
Wild life
I could easily captures shots on most of the native Australian animals in Grampians. Not much effort required. Just wander in parks or myriads of tracks in early morning or near sunset.
Near Lake Fyans after a rain fall
In the reserve park near central Halls Gap
At the carpark near Wonderland car park entrance
Useful resources:
Travel and Accommodation
Park Victoria - Grampians National Park
Grampians Map
Grampians Map
Halls Gap
Halls Gap - the nearest town
3 breakfast cafes there in the central. Always packed with people. I tend to get specials of the week for the sake of getting something new each time.
Among these, this middle eastern sausage was memorable because it looks like number 2 in the toilet. But it tastes really good though. From Black Cat Cafe
