Halls Gap
 

Just sitting here, thinking, "I wish it were a bit warmer" and mind turning to holidays....

For those of you who don't know Halls Gap, it is in Western Victoria about 2 hrs west of Melbourne. Wifey and I have been there half a dozen times or more for a short break as it is only 2 hrs from us (but in the other direction.) That's a very leisurely 2 hours as well.

It looks a bit isolated on the map but it is served entirely by sealed roads, and fairly good ones. To get to the sites from the town, you need to travel by roads which remind me of Italy. Steep, hairpin bends and precipitous falls to the side. Somewhat different to the road to Alice Springs.

We love the scenery and the BEST bit of all is that you can get to most of the stunning views by car and just walk the last 50 yards!

There are challenging walks and hill climbs if you want them. McKenzie Falls is probably the highlight of the area.

FOOD in Halls Gap is fantastic, from bakeries to the fish 'n' chips to 5 star restaurants. Accommodation is available from backpackers to complete luxury.

For a short break Halls Gap is easily accessible and therefore worth the trip but I'm sure one could stay for longer. There was a very serious fire through there a couple of years back and the amazing regrowth of the gum trees is still in evidence.

I have no financial or other interest in the place but just think it would appeal to those outdoor types who like to take it easy in the evenings.

Anyone been there? Anyone have anywhere else they'd like to recommend?

Google, as always, will give you all you need to know about Halls Gap but here's a taster:

Re: Halls Gap
 

Looks gorgeous - lucky git! I shall go look for more piccies :)

Re: Halls Gap
 

You could always fit it in easily enough on a trip down south.

Re: Halls Gap
 

I agree - fantastic place! We've been several times now.
Some great easy walks for those with young kids as well as some
for the more adventurous (my favouite is the pinnacle!)

Re: Halls Gap
 

Funny you should say - I'm off to the Gap first weekend in September for a weekend of walking - never been.

I'll take a bivvi bag and traverse the Major Mitchell plateau feature, sleeping somewhere convenient.

Looking forward to it.

Re: Halls Gap
 

You'll love it....guaranteed...gets bloody freezing at night for much of the year though.

Re: Halls Gap
 

I've been eying my 2 lightweight sleeping bags, one synthetic, one down, and thinking I will use them together one inside the other. Tested down to 3 degrees, I can always sleep in thermals and clothes and will add a silk liner.

Next winter I'll get a proper winter bag.