#thegrampians

[classicjalopy]

The Long Way Euround – Day 3: The Grampians, Goldfields Way and a wrecking yard

Today was the third day of our Classic Mercedes road trip.   Yesterday we finished in Horsham after driving the Silo Art Trail.   Horsham is a great starting point for The Grampians National park, which was our drive for the morning. It was quite cold and wet as we rolled out of Horsham at 6AM.  For the first part of our drive, we were still in wheat country, but after a while the elevation started to rise and farmland gave way to dense foliage.   Kangaroos and Wallabies were everywhere, and we had to slow right down to ensure I didn't damage a second car hitting a Kangaroo.

As we ascended into the Grampians, we encountered thick fog and rain, and the roads were windy with steep drop offs on either side.   We had to drive quite slowly due to the conditions. Our first destination was Lake Wartook, which is a man made reservoir at high altitude.   Even with all the fog it was quite an impressive view. After Lake Wartook, we headed to MacKenzie Falls.  The falls are about 950 meters from the parking lot but due to the dense fog we didn't walk the trail.  Some people returning told us that you couldn't see much.   We also went to Reid lookout nearby, and there was nothing but fog from there either.

A drive down a very windy road took us into Halls Gap for breakfast.  The local birds were rather brazen and cockatoos made off with somebody's apple slice and used somebody's head as a perch.  Since the local bakery had won an award for their Vanilla Slice, I tried one.  It was pretty good, but I have preferred others. After breakfast, we drove down the road to Lake Bellfield, where we managed to find a gap in the rain to have a look and take some photos.  It was at that point that the 380SEC, which had been struggling with hot starts, decided enough was enough and refused to start at all.

I had a multimeter in the boot and we soon established that the fuel pump was not getting power.   I had some spare wire, so we started to make a bypass for the fuel pump relay, but one of the guys had something far better.  He had a proper bypass with Mercedes-Benz pins and a fuse.   With the bypass installed, the 380SEC roared into life. After lake Bellfield, we had a break in the rain, and the road between the lake and Dunkeld at the end of the National Park was really good.  Not only was it great to drive on, but there was some amazing scenery.  The rock escarpment was very impressive, but there wasn't really a good place to stop to take some photos. At this point our group split in two.   We planned to visit a Mercedes-Benz wrecker outside Ballarat.  Those of us who didn't want as much time at the wrecker, split off to visit a metal working shop first.   The other half the group made a quick stop at a cafe outside Ballarat and then went to the wrecker to have a look around.

Driving though this part of Victoria it was very green and lush.   There was a combination of agriculture and sheep farms.   The crop became more and more likely to be canola as we progressed.   Throughout the day we had varying weather, from sunny breaks in the rain, to drizzle to torrential downpours. At the wrecker, a few of us managed to grab a few useful things they were looking for.   The wrecker was currently in the process of moving premises so the only parts available was those that were already on the cars.   I managed to get a couple of W123 trim bits which was useful.   We got a second hand fuel pump relay for the 380SEC while we were there.

After our visit to the wrecker, the rest of our afternoon was spent driving the Goldfields Way to Bendigo.   You could see some of the impressive buildings from the gold rush still in the towns.   We even stopped to take photos of our cars at Clunes town hall in the rain.   Talbot was still a very small town with some impressive preserved buildings, whereas Maryborough is an interesting combination of turn of the last century banks and more modern buildings.

As well as the impressive public buildings paid for my the gold rush, the road was very good too.   Not quite as good as the road through the Grampians, but still very enjoyable to drive on. After taking the Goldfields way, we arrived at our hotel in Bendigo.  Since the car show is tomorrow, we washed out cars, despite the high likelihood of rain overnight.  They certainly look a lot better. Throughout the afternoon, the 380SEC still suffered hot starting problems.   I'm not 100% on the cause, but its possible that the relay ais going at the same time as the fuel accumulator.  It totally conked out in the driveway of the hotel.  Wwe managed to get it started again, and washed for the show.   The 500SL had a minor problem with low power steering fluid, which was easily picked up.   My SLC used another litre of oil as compared to yesterday.    I'm a bit surprised given it used to drink a lot les before the the valve stem seals were replaced.

We then went to a nearby pizza place for dinner.   Even with the bad weather, the day was excellent.   Tomorrow is the actual show and it is not supposed to rain as much.   . Read the full article

[toptiercommunity]

“Climbing and Camping in Australia: The Best Winter Adventures”

Australia is a land of adventure, with stunning landscapes and unique wildlife that make it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. During the winter months, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the country's natural beauty, whether you're into climbing, camping, or both.

MT. ARAPILES, VICTORIA

One of the best places to go climbing in Australia is “Mt Arapiles” in Victoria. This world-renowned climbing destination has over 3000 routes to choose from, making it a mecca for climbers of all levels³.

MOONARIE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Another great climbing spot is “Moonarie” in South Australia, a jagged and highly technical 2km crag with sweeping views of the surrounding desert².

HANGING ROCK IN BLUE MOUNTAINS

If you're looking for a more laid-back adventure, why not try camping in one of Australia's many national parks? Some top picks include “Blue Mountains National Park” in New South Wales, “Daintree Rainforest” in Queensland, and “The Grampians” in Victoria⁵.

DAINTREE RAINFOREST, QUEENSLAND

But what if you're looking for something a little different? Why not spend your winter exploring the tropical north of Australia? Darwin, in the Northern Territory, is the perfect place to visit during an Australian winter. Some of Darwin’s famous attractions are seasonal and only operate during the dry season between May and October when the tropical weather cools to a balmy 22 to 32 degrees Celsius⁸.

No matter what kind of adventure you're looking for, Australia has something to offer. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure Down Under! 😊

[alexanderhaydenjamessmith]

#thegrampians #shepherdsbush #shepherdsbushroad #flats #architecture #artdeco (at Shepherd's Bush) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZZroSEIcB4/?utm_medium=tumblr

[dibujandoluces]

Via • @pirate.scapes Worth the early morning cold wind to venture here ✌️ . . . . #australia_oz #unlimitedplanet #nisifilters #hallsgap #grampians #grampiansnationalpark #nature_brilliance #earth_deluxe #instanaturelover #ourplanetdaily #tv_australia #thegrampians #fantastic_earth #sony1635mm #sonya7riii #watchthisinstagood #sunrisephotos #naturediversity #australialongexposure #awesomeearth #raw_longexposure #australia_shotz #sublimeshotsau #sky_captures #borokalookout #naturephotography #sunriselovers #raw_australia_nz #ww_australia #amazingausnz https://www.instagram.com/p/CNuYImXLB_Q/?igshid=1keg44veyuiyc

[chasingthejordans]

Husband and Wife chasing the next adventure. Sharing a collection of photos from places we have been.

[jordyalexander21]

It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living #happiness #smile #thegrampians #thepinnacle #melbourne #visitvictoria #visitTheGrampians #love #longweekend #2020 #australia (at The Pinnacles Halls Gap) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7-aTdYgoJr/?igshid=x3uo2m5vi2qa

[divealexandria]

[simi88na-blog]

"When you want more than you have You think you need And when you think more than you want Your thoughts begin to bleed I think I need to find a bigger place 'Cause when you have more than you think You need more space Society, you're a crazy breed I hope you're not lonely without me Society, crazy and deep I hope you're not lonely without me There's those thinking more or less less is more But if less is more how you're keeping score? Means for every point you make Your level drops Kinda like it's starting from the top You can't do that" 🙏 . . Eddie Vedder . . #thegrampians #nationalpark #earth_reflect #australialandscape #society #earth_shots #earth_portraits #naturelovers #eddievedder #simonasphotography (at Grampians National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1etBIynr1q/?igshid=ojnl66n67gj0

[danfarrarphotographer]

Just returned from a working holiday to Roses Gap in the Grampians to shoot the latest project from @fieldoffice.arch. This holiday home replaces a cabin lost In the 2014 bush fires. @thegrampians #architecture #architecturephotography #architecturelovers #architectureporn #archdaily #construction #corten #steel #terrace #rosesgap #thegrampians #bush #australia #victoria #countrylife #countryliving #holiday #holidayhome (at Roses Gap)

[zevenphoto-blog]

Sights from the Glenelg Highway #liveinvictoria #thegrampians #goldenplains #glenelghighway #westernvictoria #victoria #australia #sunset #thegrampians #pittong

[saranyaradha]

serenity, awe and magic.

[jonathanmilliondollarsmile]

#Repost @backpacksandbeyond with @make_repost ・・・ 🇦🇺 We have had a fabulous time exploring Grampians National Park 💕 This mountain range has so many amazing lookouts and viewpoints including this one at Mackenzie Falls (for all our top photo spots see our story take over on @studentuniverseuk ) 📸 This region has truly exceed our expectations. If the incredible views and great hiking aren't enough, once to return into town their food and wine is equally as superb! Top tip: try the sparkling Shiraz! 🍷🍷#sponsored . . @visitmelbourne @studentuniverseuk #travelmorespendless #visitvictoria #yourhappyspace #grampians #thegrampians #victoria #victoriaaustralia #mackenziefalls #waterfall #waterfallhike #travellingcouple #travelcouple #hiking #hikinglife #greatoutdoors #offthebeatenpath #viewpoint #wine #shiraz #trek https://www.instagram.com/p/BsVh2XlA7CO/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=114nxria9v7q8

[newbloctimes]

"Desperate Measures", V9/10, first ascent on Mt Fox in the Southern Grampians. Great camera angle by @sophievivianvivian. Assis was done later by the talented @doppelranga (that ear hold was too tweaky for me) #bouldering #grampians #grampiansbouldering #thegrampians #climbing #rockclimbing #klettern #escalade

[reallyveryphilosopher]

By the stream . . #throwback #hallsgap #trip #shorttrip #thegrampians #stream #victoria

[dibujandoluces]

Via @pirate.scapes ・・・ First time in the Grampians,such a beautiful part of Australia.Hard to get a good shot here with so many people as I arrived around midday.But worked out well with some nice light with the sun peeping over ���� hopefully get a clear night for some Astro ✌️ . . . . #australia_oz #unlimitedplanet #nisifilters #grampians #grampiansnationalpark #thegrampians #nature_brilliance #hallsgap #instanaturelover #ourplanetdaily #tv_australia #mackenziefalls #fantastic_earth #sony1635mm #sonya7riii #watchthisinstagood #followmebythesea #nisifilters #naturediversity #australialongexposure #awesomeearth #raw_longexposure #australia_shotz #sublimeshotsau #waterfallphotography #waterfallsaustralia #waterfallhunting #waterfallhike #raw_australia_nz #ww_australia #amazingausnz https://www.instagram.com/p/CNsXIKDsjnT/?igshid=rqrd0t0s5rrk

[ausmican]

The Pinnacles, Grampians 🤙🤙 Breathtaking views of Halls Gap 👌👌 #grampians #thegrampians #hallsgap #pinnacles (at Grampians, Victoria, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpeRqlJAas5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1c5og3lbyqvz9