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Summer adventure with Absolute Outdoors

24 Jan 2022

Summer is a wonderful time of year to enjoy the great outdoors in the Grampians. From stunning hikes to a sunset cast, and thrills and spills on our pristine lakes, there are plenty of activities the whole family will love.

Local outdoor enthusiast, Adrian from Absolute Outdoors, tells us there are so many fun summer adventures to embark on this season. With over a decade of experience in creating unique adventures for visitors, he knows the area like the back of his hand.

Take inspiration from his list of ideal outdoor pursuits to embark on this summer.

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Stand up paddling

Stand up paddling (SUP) is a fantastic way to experience our region’s mesmerising ranges from the water. Head out with Absolute Outdoors and enjoy an afternoon of gentle exercise and magical views from the pristine waters of Lake Fyans.

Absolute Outdoors’ staff are passionate about the environment and natural surrounds and will share their stories and regional knowledge while you coast along mountain waters.

Afterwards, jump in for a swim, the perfect way to cool off after your fun-filled adventure.

Details:

  • Safety briefing with qualified guides prior.
  • Approximately 3 hours in duration.
  • Sturdy Balance required!
  • No prior experience needed.
  • All relevant safety equipment supplied.
  • Experienced and qualified guides.

Book here

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Canoeing

No visit to Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is complete without a canoe across one of the region’s pristine lakes.

Take in the spectacular rugged ranges while gliding across reflective waters with Absolute Outdoors. Suitable for all ages, the three-hour experience will give you the chance to relax, unwind, and find your happy space.

Details:

  • Safety briefing with qualified guides prior.
  • Approximately 3 hours in duration.
  • Suitable for all ages.
  • No prior experience needed.
  • Experienced and qualified guides.
  • All relevant safety equipment supplied.

Book here

Pic 4

Rock climbing and abseiling

Rock climbing and abseiling are fun, thrill-seeking activities. Scramble your way up a climbing route selected to challenge you or launch yourself off the edge and descend down the cliff. Both experiences are incredibly safe, fun and challenging. Absolute Outdoors also tailor these sessions to suit young families, from beginners to the more experienced.

The rock climb and abseil can be booked as separate activities, or there's a session called "Rock Adventure" that combines both and is great for families.

Rock climbing

After assessing your ability, one of our expert climbing guides will select a site suited to your skills and the experience you’re after. After a thorough safety brief participants can take to the walls and the vertical realm.

  • Approximately 3 hours in duration.
  • Session times 9:30am and 1:30pm daily (subject to minimum bookings and weather.)
  • Climbing walls up to 25m.
  • Perfect for beginners to intermediate level climbers.
  • Experienced and qualified rock climbing guides.
  • All relevant safety equipment supplied.

Abseiling

We have a range of abseils available depending on the age and desired level of challenge, from 8m to 30m, there's something for everyone! Is 25m not enough? Ask us about our "Ultimate Abseil"!

  • Approximately 3 hours in duration.
  • Session times 9:30 am and 1:30 pm daily (subject to minimum bookings and weather).
  • Abseil from 8m up to 30m.
  • No experience needed.
  • Experienced and qualified guides.
  • All relevant safety equipment supplied.

Book here

Absolute Outdoors also offers a large range of rental gear that can fill the gaps and get you out to play! From tents, stoves, packs, sleeping bags, bikes and even baby carriers – they’ve got you covered.

Venus Baths

Top summer travel tips:

Hit the beaten track with Adrian’s suggestions below:

  • Take a short walk to Venus Baths and dip your toes in natural rock pools.
  • Embark on a medium walk (2km) from Zumsteins to Fish Falls where you can rest and swim at the base of the falls.
  • Visit Lake Fyans for a breathtaking 'beach day'. Enjoy a swim or kayak on crystal clear waters.
  • Cool down with a sparkling Shiraz or refreshing Resiling at one of the great wineries in our region.
  • Restore your connection to the land with a hike or bushwalk. Be sure to hit the tracks early before the heat sets in.
  • Bring or buy yourself a great water bottle and refill it at many available spots in Halls Gap, the very same village Absolute Outdoors is located. Avoid single-use plastic bottles and always take your rubbish out of the national park.

With thousands of square kilometres to explore and boundless colourful skies, plan your summer adventure, the Grampians way.