The Grampians are great waves of ancient sandstone covered in forest intertwined with walking tracks that lead to stunning waterfalls, breathtaking views and Aboriginal rock art.

The Grampians' settler history, with its sprawling colonial homesteads and regional towns that grew fat on the sheep's back, mingles with wine traditions dating back as far as the region's oldest producing vines (1860).

A renaissance of its food culture, from the olives groves in the north to small cheese producers to classic country pubs, culminates with Australia's best regional restaurant, dramatically nestled under the shadow of Mt Sturgeon - The Royal Mail Hotel.