Internationally recognised for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, the Grampians National Park features spectacular sandstone ridges, waterfalls, lakes, forests and abundant native wildlife.

Join us on our first overnight trip away as we leave busy Melbourne life behind to be enchanted and inspired by the striking landscapes of the Grampians.

Day 1

0815am – Meet and Greet beneath the clock at Southern Cross Station as we grab a quick coffee and a bite to eat as we get ready to start our journey on our first Vline service to Ballarat one of our initial first 2 stops along the way to our final destination of Halls Gap.

08.36 am – We start our journey early at Southern Cross Station as we take a VLine train to our first destination stop of Ballarat!

10.01 am – Arrive into Ballarat.

10.21am – We then hit the road by VLIne Coach on our way up the Western Highway as we pass by the sleepy country towns of Beaufort and Ararat on our way to our second destination of Stawell and the home of the famous Stawell Gift Since 1898 the Stawell Gift has become Australia's oldest and richest short-distance running race. Population just over 6000!

12.02 am – We arrive into Stawell. Take a breath and relax! 40 min break.

12.42pm – We change coaches and leave Stawell on our way to our final destination for an overnight stay… Halls Gap population just over only 500 arriving into Halls Gap at 1.37pm.

137pm – 4pm -  We stop off for a lazy lunch at the Halls Gap Bakery to relax and recharge after our long journey taking in the fresh crisp clean air of regional life before heading off for a brief walking tour of Halls Gap keeping pace for our check in time from 4pm at the YHA Eco Lodge.

4pm – 6pm – Check in as we get settled into our allocated rooms* and explore the facilities of YHA Halls Gap.

6pm -7.30pm - Dinner * Please note if you have any specific dietary requirements you are able to BYO your dinner/breakfast and prepare it on site in the kitchen. We also have use of a BBQ on site.

7.30pm - 9pm – We walk down to the Halls Gap Recreation Reserve to meet the kangaroos!!!!

9pm -11pm – We return to the YHA to enjoy a campfire as we turn down the noise and close off on Day 1 as we head off to our rooms and a restful sleep!

Day 2

8am – Breakfast  & Brief  - Lets all meet in the lounge for an early morning brief on the days activities after a yummy delicious breakfast! Btw, who can cook eggs and hash browns?

10am -Checkout! (we leave our overnight bags at the YHA) as we head off on our whistlestop tour of the Grampians. First stop is a 700 metre (10mins) walk up to  Clematis Falls. After a brief photo op we then make the harder 2.2km (41 mins) climb up to the majestic Chatauqua Peak

1.30pm – 3pm Lunch – We make the journey back to Halls Gap township for a bite to eat and a chance to relax and rest our feet before heading back to pick up our bags from the YHA for the return trip back to Melbourne.

3.43pm Lets hop on board the V Line Coach as we make our way back up to Stawell arriving in around 430pm before making our way on our 2nd leg into Ararat just before 5pm.

5.17pm (VLine Train) Ararat – Southern Cross Station arriving into Melbourne 7.47pm.

***IMPORTANT INFORMATION***

Bookings are essential and are capped at 25. Hurry! Registrations OPEN 0900am Monday 18 March 2024 CLOSE Friday 29th March 2024 at 5pm.

A $30 CASH deposit is then payable to MIT Finance on Level 2 after your register on Eventbrite to hold your place and is due by 5pm Friday 5 April 2024 (which will be returned to you on the day). Your registration will be automatically cancelled if the deposit is not paid by the deadline.

Each student will have to ensure they have this amount ($21.20) is added to their Myki card to cover the cost of the return train/coach trip prior to the days journey as we MUST leave right on time from Southern Cross station at 08.36am.

Your Cost – $21.20 (Which includes your Myki fare) + any other ancillary costs outside the following. Dinner (Day1) and Breakfast (Day 2) (excluding all drinks) and Overnight stay @ YHA are FREE. All other costs ie Lunch (Day 1&2), drinks, casual coffees, snacks, souvenirs and activities are at each participants expense.

**IMPORTANT** If you register for this event you are agreeing to participate.

*MIT will have exclusive use of the entire ground floor at YHA. Rooms will be quad shared and have shared bathrooms. **MIT will have exclusive use of a dining room, kitchen and lounge. Please note if you have any specific dietary requirements you are able to BYO your dinner/breakfast and prepare it on site in the kitchen. We also have use of a BBQ on site. There will be a fridge for exclusive MIT use. A supermarket is located in Halls Gap for purchases. MIT will provide pantry staples for breakfast ie milk cereal juice and toast with condiments. Dinner (BBQ) (Day 1 included).Please just bring an overnight bag with you ie pack light! Please wear appropriate footwear ie hiking books. Check the weather conditions the day before the trip.