Halls Gap Grampians
A preliminary note:
When I am not enjoying the natural wonders of South Australia I sometimes cross state borders and enjoy the wildlife of our close neighbours, Victoria and Tasmania. This post is about one of my favourite Victorian destinations.
Dear Reader:
There is an old fencepost on the edge of the creek trail. The weathered wood is in stark contrast to the red and black colours of a Red Jewel Beetle crawling across it.
Red Jewel Beetle
I am staying at Halls Gap in the heart of the Grampians National Park. Because I am here for a wedding, there is not the usual time available for exploring the natural environment. My observations will only cover those animals which are casually encountered.
Classic Grampians scrub with rocky outcrop in the distance
I take the Mt Victory Road from Halls Gap to meet some friends at Zumsteins. On the way I am surprised by a large Eastern Grey Kangaroo which decides to make its way down a steep bank to cross the road in front of us.
Eastern Grey Kangaroo descending sloping hillside
Further along the road, a small group of Emus are feeding amongst a patch of grass and thistles. These adaptable birds forage for a wide variety of foods including: tubers, grasses, fruits, insects, centipedes and other arthropods.
Emus foraging
We reach the camping ground at the Zumsteins Historic area on the MacKenzie River. Apparently there are Platypuses in the river but my only sighting of a monotreme (egg laying mammal) is a lone Echidna.
Echidna foraging
Grey Currawong
Taking a more circuitous track back to Halls gap we have a few more interesting wildlife encounters along the way. I photograph a Long-billed Corella perched high in the canopy, numerous Eastern Greys by the roadside and a Grey Currawong in the trees where we stop for a snack.
Eastern Grey Kangaroos alert to a disturbance
Long-billed Corella
However, the sun is getting low in the sky and we have one more place to visit, an orchard with a lovely view of some rocky outcrops. The site of tomorrow’s wedding.
Sunset on the edge of The Grampians
Cheers
Baz
Additional notes
This is an easy drive which is quite suitable for families and seniors. Dogs are not allowed in the National Park
Please pass on this blog title and or contact information (URL) to any person or organisation with an interest in taking walks and enjoying wildlife in SA. Dogs are not allowed in the National Park.
Click on these links and see more South Australian stories and pictures in my Weekend Notes articles as well as locating similar blogs on Feedspot’s top 20 Australian wildlife blogs
https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/writer/452/
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