Treat yourself to a break away in the magnificent area around Horsham

Horsham Victoria, population approximately 14,500, is the regional center and biggest town in Victoria's Wimmera region. The town was originally settled as the main transport center for the produce and grains that grow in the Wimmera Plains. While Horsham is an important regional center, it is better known as the closest town to two world renowned rockclimbing meccas - Grampians National Park and Mt. Arapiles.

Although you might otherwise drive straight through the small village of Natimuk, you can't help but notice the massive rock formation that juts out of the surrounding plains just across the road from the village center. There are a few shops in Natimuk that sell things other than rock climbing gear and related supplies, but a walk down the main road of the village makes it clear that this is a town for rockclimbers..

A big campground sits at the base of Mount Arapiles. Although it does not have all the facilities of home, it does have all the basics and the atmosphere makes it special. You hear French, German, Japanese and other foreign languages being spoken all around you. Fortunately, many of the visiting rock climbers also speak English, so at night, everyone gathers into groups around their campfires to talk about their day's adventures on the cliffs and swap notes about climbing routes and gear.

Its actually too bad in a way that Arapiles is so famous for climbing, because there is so much more the region has to offer. Particularly during wildflower season, it can be spectacularly beautiful and as much of a bird watcher's heaven as it is a rock climber's nirvana.

Horsham is just 16 miles (26 km) from Arapiles and so is the place where rock climbers go to stock up on food. Once they discover Horsham, they often opt to stay in a more comfortable accommodation there or make it an overnight stopover before they proceed on the next leg of their rock climbing adventure.

Horsham is only 46 miles (75 km) from the spectacular Grampians National Park. The Grampians are peppered with great campgrounds, but a lot of of the climbers opt to rough it instead. The bolder and more veteran climbers hike into difficult to access areas and take on steep, long "multi-pitch" climbs on awe-inspiring red sandstone ciffs. Sometimes, they are forced or decide to spend the night in tiny caves high on the cliff face. While it might not make for a good night's sleep, it's well worth it when they return to the more comfortable camping area near Mt. Syapylton and brag about their adventures.

Horsham may not have a history as a holiday getaway, but that is changing as visitors discover all it has to offer. For one thing, it has a big arts and crafts community who showcase their creations in the town. For another, all the produce that grows in the Wimmera finds its way first to Horsham and is featured in the freshly cooked and hearty meals served in the a lot of restaurants and cafes in town. Finally, your Horsham accommodation will be far more luxurious than your Grampians or Arapiles campground. Next time you're in the area, treat yourself to a break from the road or the rocks and stay in Horsham.


Take a few days off, find Horsham accommodation, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.