So You Think You're in Shape? Grampians Edition

Overall, I feel like I'm generally a healthy person. I try to eat healthily, walk the dog regularly, and I occasionally try to work out. When I've gone on hikes around Melbourne, they're typically not too challenging for me... So when I was told about a "5km" hike that takes 4-5 hours (but our friend Tim could complete in 2.5 hours), I was more than up for the challenge. Now when Tim said it was a 5km hike, he slightly gave us incorrect information. The whole circuit turned out to be 11kms so right off the bat my judgement of this hike was skewed. Being the brave souls my mate and I are, we decided to walk from the Botanical Gardens, through the Venus Baths, down to the Grand Canyon, back up to the Pinnacles, and back down the face of the mountain. No problem right? 

WRONG! We were not (mentally) prepared for the hike ahead of us. That is not to say that it was any less enjoyable, just that it was a little more physically demanding than previously expected. This is why you should always do your homework before embarking on a hike. 

Beautiful Start to the day

The Grampians are a mountain range, so naturally, this wasn't going to be an easy hike. The first 1.2 km was pretty tolerable. From the Botanical Gardens to the Venus Baths, the path was relatively flat with slight inclines. We had left early enough in the morning that it wasn't too hot either so the beginning was quite pleasant. 

On the walk from the Gardens to the Venus Baths

Venus Baths (not that much bath water in summer)

After passing through the Venus Baths, the path became quite steep. Luckily, it was so breathtakingly gorgeous that after the occasional stop for water (and a light snack) we were still able to stay pretty optimistic! Not going to lie, though, the morale was severely starting to lack at this point. There aren't many signs on the trail, and most navigation is done by little yellow triangles spray painting at various points. 

Guardrails are optional in the Grampians

It is an additional 2ish km from the Venus Baths to the Grand Canyon. By this point, it was starting to get significantly hotter, and we were becoming increasingly more tired. I believe this was the point where I realised that Tim had misinformed us. It was not 5kms round trip but 11kms. The scenery continued to become more exquisite. I honestly did not think it was possible for a place to be so beautiful. 

The Grampians Grand Canyon

Bit of a tight squeeze

Once making it through the Grand Canyon, we were only a short 2.2 km from the Pinnacles! This is probably the steepest and most exhausting part of the trail. There is a carpark extremely close to the Grand Canyon so this appears to be where most people start and end their hike. We were pretty beat at this point, so we got some pretty judgemental looks from people (Haha they thought we were out of breath and just starting haha). As long as you continuously tell yourself "right foot, left foot, you're almost there! No time for quitters! Plus you'll be stuck here if you stop", next thing you know you'll be at the Pinnacles.

That view though!

The view was totally worth the hike (and the ever-looming hike back down the mountain)! My suggestion: pack a lunch. This way you're able to sit and soak in the marvellous view. Plus you'll have some time to rest. One could seriously spend all day at the top of the mountain. I know words and pictures will not adequately describe it but it was well worth the effort to get there!

Perfect place to have a picnic

After the 5.5 km hike up to the top, the walk back down the face of the mountain seems like a breeze. It's mostly downhill, which was a welcome change from the up and down landscape on the hike up. Here are my suggestions if you're going to make the entire 11km loop (and aren't the bloody Hulk):

• Bring at least 2 Litres of water (if you can carry it). You're definitely going to need it, especially on a hot day. 
• Pack a lunch or a few snacks. This way if you get peckish, you have a little something to keep your energy high. There is nothing worse than getting a good 4kms into a hike and then realising you're starving with no food. 
• Make sure you wear sunscreen (and reapply the sunscreen)! There are areas of the hike that provide excellent shade and coverage, but a good chunk, you're out in the open. Nothing is worse than ending up with a massive sunburn. A hat would also be a good idea!
• Take your time. There's no need to rush through the hike. If you need breaks, take them! Enjoy the scenery, really appreciate the beauty around you. Also, take plenty of pictures! I would suggest getting to the top around sunrise or sunset. I'm sure it would be absolutely beautiful. 
• Have good conversations! It'll help when you get too tired and want to call it quits. Most of ours consisted of Game of Thrones theories and Harry Potter. Definitely made the time go by quickly!
• Lastly, have fun! 

What has been the most strenuous hike you've ever done? If you've hiked in the Grampians, what did you think?

And until next time...

Stay Curious!