Winter in the Wimmera and Grampians is a magical time to rug up, breathe deep, and enjoy the changing season

Situated at the foothills of the majestic Grampians mountain ranges, the Halls Gap zoo is home to 160 species of native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds. Halls Gap is known for being at one with nature; theres always a kangaroo or too within cooee of your picnic. If you need a closer look, a friendly getting to know you visit, then call in to the Halls Gap Zoo, where there is a wide range of animals on display. Wallabies, alligators, giraffes, reptiles, birds and more call the zoo home. The zoos unique animals encounters are very popular, where you can play with the dingoes, feed the meerkats and get close with snakes. (Check the website). You may have started out feeding the ducks when the kids were little, but at the zoo its so much better as you can encourage the wallabies and kangaroos for a nearer looksee. The kids can also watch the inquisitive meerkats, gigantic giraffe, loud cheetah, red panda, playful lemurs, colourful macaws and a plethora of wallaby and kangaroo species. Theres no time like today to make the Halls Gap Zoo a part of your next Grampians experience. The Halls Gap Zoo is Victorias largest regional zoo and is also privately owned. Owners Greg and Yvonne Culell invested heavily in infrastructure that has allowed the Halls Gap Zoo to acquire several unique species. The zoo is set on 52 acres of land, and features over 160 native and exotic species of animals from all over the world, from tiny tamarins to gigantic giraffe and everything in between.

When you explore the Grampians wineries you can expect to traverse underground cellars, take in sweeping views of vineyards stretching out to the mountains, and drink an array of delicate wines, particularly the regions signature reds. Located against the backdrop of the magnificent Grampians mountain range, it is one of Australias most historical and acclaimed wine regions. Producing quality wine since the 1860s, the region has an impressive mix of large and boutique wineries surrounding the towns of Great Western, Ararat, Buangor, Moyston and Halls Gap. From famous sparkling wines to the regions signature Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Dolcetto, the award-winning wines are nothing short of spectacular. So take the time to taste, discover and delight in the Grampians wine region as there are cellar doors open and waiting. No time? You can visit the Grampians Wine Cellar at Halls Gap, located in the heart of the Grampians wine region, for a fabulous selection of many of the local wineries best offerings.

Theres no doubt the appeal of our Australian wheat silos decorated with stunning artworks are a strong drawcard for our local communities, many of them in tiny rural towns who really appreciate your support. Here are just two of the many silo art stops to call into see. There are many more Goroke Silo Art Artist Geoffrey Carran was heavily inspired by the birdlife in West Wimmera Shire when creating the Goroke silo art. The word Goroke is the local Aboriginal word for magpie, so the native bird was a great fit for the design. Geoffrey then expanded the ides to include other native birds, including a kookaburra and galah. His love of birds has meant they are a regular subject of his artwork. The silo art was completed in 2020 and the design is a tribute to the vibrant birdlife in the area. The three birds are depicted in front of the rural landscape, typical of the West Wimmera region. The artwork took about seven weeks to complete and both the kookaburra and the magpie are more than 10 metres high. Kaniva Silo Art The artwork pays tribute to the nearby Little Desert and its diverse flora and fauna. The Little Desert National Park is one of Victorias truly special places. It is home to more than 600 species of native plants, 220 species of birds and 60 native mammals and reptiles. The design features the Australian Hobby bird; it is relatively slender and long-winged. To the left of the bird is the plains sun orchid (Thelymitre megacalyptra) with the salmon/pink sun orchid (Thelymitra rubra) on the right. Flowering occurs between September and November and they generally only open on warm, humid days.