Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Halls Gap

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What would it mean to live from a place of clarity, connection, and purpose? To align our everyday with our highest self; to the sacred, to source? Join us for a very special immersion into the wild of the iconic Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. We will draw on mindful hiking, meditation, and yoga practices, along with seasonal bushfood, nature interpretation, and re-wilding, and the wisdom of the Ancient, to rediscover deep rest and the sacred in ourselves, and in the wild.

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Our journey of deep connection begins on the Saturday as we meander along the MacKenzie River to discover the depth of Fish Falls, and the sacred power of MacKenzie Falls.​ Our journey continues on the Sunday as we wind our way back to the source of the falls, through The Canyon and on to panoramic views of The Pinnacle; finding respite among the quiet reign of Splitters Falls. As stars awaken we will gather in communion for a fire-side Dharma sharing. On the Monday we return to the Self, and dwell along the shores of the tranquil Lake Bellfield; before bearing witness to the wisdom of the Jardwadjali People, exploring the ancient Hollow Mountain and Gulgurn Manja Shelter. 

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Join us on a journey of deep rest and connection, as we remember together how dwelling in the wilderness can draw us back to source, to sacred, and to our true wild selves. 

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Saturday 6th - Monday 8th April 2019

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Saturday: Return to Sacred

• 9.00am start

• Fish Falls + Mackenzie Falls

      

Sunday: Return to Source

• The Canyon + The Pinnacle + Splitters Falls​

• Fire-side Dharma Sharing, Halls Gap Lakeside

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Monday: Return to Self

• Lake Bellfield for Retreat Close

• 11.30pm close

 

• Rock Art Cultural Tour to Hollow Mountain + 'Gulgurn Manja Shelter' 

• 2-4pm

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Meeting places for each day are provided after registration + in your email confirmation (5-10 minute drive from Halls Gap; 1 x 30 minute drive).

 

The hikes: Graded Easy-Moderate* (read below)

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The yoga: Restorative flow + yin (beginners welcome)

 

Your investment includes:

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• Welcome To Country, cultural talk + didgeridoo

• opening + closing ceremonies

• daily:

  • welcome chai + eco-snacks

  • guided day hikes

  • yoga practices

  • meditation, mindfulness + 're-wilding' classes

  • chanting, mantra + pranayama (breath work)

  • nature interpretation + bushfoods

  • plentiful rest breaks + down time (lunch not provided, BYO)

  • self exploration + intention setting practice

• fire-side dharma sharing

• rock art cultural tour to 'Gulgurn Manja Shelter' 

• secret eco gift! 

• Stunning views + good vibes + admittance to the Wilderness community

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Guided by Dr Belinda Christie, Environmental Scientist + Yoga Teacher.

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Optional extras:

• Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Rock Climbing with Absolute Outdoors Australia

• Cultural tours with Brambuk Cultural Centre

• Bike hire

• Halls Gap Zoo

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Investment options (sliding scale):

• $350 - Sacred Kingfisher (discounted fee for those in financial need)

• $375 - Wandering Albatross (pays for you)

• $400 - Powerful Owl (supports others as well as yourself)

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Wedge-Tailed Eagle Scholarships! We have a limited number of full scholarships to help support those in difficult circumstances get a little closer to the wild. Please only apply if you have sincere need.

For more information see our scholarship page.

 

**Travel + accommodation:

Arrange your own travel to/from each day's location. Camping, glamping, or 5 star? Choose and book your own accommodation to create your perfect weekend getaway! (Some suggestions to meet all budgets included in registration). We highly recommend Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, our Sunday evening fire-side location!

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* Please read - Easy-Moderate hiking grade:

Walks range from 2km to 7km distances; approx 1 to 3.5 hours walking time. While these hikes are on popular well-made sloping or flat trails, and are mostly graded easy-moderate, the terrain is quite varied. You can preview sections of the trail through 'My Story Highlights' here. The Saturday and Sunday hikes include some steeper sections, including a long ascent to The Pinnacle. After rain, parts of the tracks will be slippery and/or muddy. We will be taking it slow, supporting and helping each other through these sections - a good exercise in trust and building confidence! Uneven surfaces will be present throughout (rocks, tree roots, etc). If you have any questions about the trail, or if they may be appropriate for you, feel free to contact us. 

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Note: This is not a "walk in the park" :) As with all hikes in wilderness areas, the walking trails will of course be unpaved (these are not suburban parks). As such, all hikes (including those categoried as 'easy') will have plentiful uneven ground, rough, slippery and undulating surfaces. This is the wild after all! If you have any concerns about the trail, or any injuries or illnesses which you'd like to discuss, please feel free to contact us (there is also a place to provide this info during online registration).

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Pictured above: MacKenzie Falls + the view over Halls Gap from 'The Pinnacle' lookout