The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
The National Heritage Places inscription notes that the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has been included in the register because:
- The region has been home to the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people for 20,000 years and contains the densest concentration of rock art paintings and the largest assemblage of Aboriginal art motifs in Victoria.
- Famous for beautiful landscapes of rugged sandstone escarpments, high rocky plateaus and sheltered gullies, the Grampians have inspired works by Australian writers, poets, photographers and painters such as Arthur Streeton, Arthur Boyd and Eugene von Guerard.
- This unique landscape also supports an abundant array of fauna and flora, with the wide variety of rock and soil types supporting high levels of biodiversity.
- As the majority of the western Victoria plains have been cleared for agriculture, the remnant bushland in the Grampians National Park has become a refuge for native plants and animals.
The Grampians support over 975 native plant species, including more than 75 orchid species. This represents one third of the total Victorian flora.
20 of these species are only found in the Grampians. The Grampians is also home to the Grampians pincushion lily (Borya mirabilis) – one of the rarest native lilies in Australia.
Nationally threatened animals recorded in the park include the endangered red-tailed black cockatoo and smoky mouse. Animal biodiversity here includes:
- 230 bird species
- 40 mammal species
- 30 reptile species
- 11 amphibian species,
- 6 native fish species,
- with 50 species classified as threatened.
In March 2022, the Gang-gang cockatoo, which also lives in the Grampians National Park, was listed as endangered by the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Our Commitment To Sustainability
We’re proud to hold accreditation through the Quality Tourism Framework, developed by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), awarded for being outstanding in the fields of Sustainable Tourism and Camp & Adventure. We are a Licenced Tour Operator with Parks Victoria, and were named a Gold Winner of the 2021 Victorian Tourism Awards in the Adventure Tourism category.
These accreditations demonstrate that we follow practices that result in experiences that are reliable, consistent, predictable, and sustainable; we are “committed to creating high quality, engaging, and memorable visitor experiences that address the changing global trend of experiential tourism.”
We support the sustainability of the planet as part of being good corporate citizens. Through 1% For The Planet, we choose to give 1% of our gross annual sales to support the Australian Conservation Foundation, which speaks out for a world where forests, rivers, people, and wildlife thrive.
We more than offset our carbon emissions with Greenfleet Australia. This helps restore native forests and ecosystems, which provide crucial habitat for endangered wildlife, help counter the devastating impact of the bushfires, and reduce the impacts of climate change.
Sustainability & Conservation Strategies
- Off-set our carbon footprint by 2x what we need to
- Sourced local produce for sustainable tours
- Partnered with climate-friendly businesses and suppliers
- Encouraged and supported other businesses to develop conservation strategies
- Redesigned our shuttle services to reduce carbon emissions
- Implemented our “green purchasing policy”
- Continue to stock products in our store from manufacturers that have the same commitment to environmental sustainability as us
- Energy efficiency core consideration in equipment renewal
- Development of Injured Wildlife policy
- Strengthened environmental and cultural education for new staff
- Sourced green energy for our store
- Eco-driving principles are included into policy and practice
- “No-print” policy implemented
- Digital copies of information to our guests/clients as much as possible
- Replaced shuttle bus with more efficient vehicle for sustainable tours
- Planning change to electric vehicle fleet
- Applying for Ecotourism Australia certification in 2022
Minimal Impact Strategies
We are committed to and encourage others to commit to minimal impact strategies. These include minimal impact camping, bushwalking/hiking, and rock-climbing/abseiling. Minimal impact strategies include ways to:
- Reduce and prevent pollution
- Stop introduction and spread of invasive plants/weeds
- Protect animals and vegetation through minimal disturbance
- Waste reduction and management
- Protect biodiversity
When you come on sustainable tours with us, you learn about how your Grampians hiking trip is designed to protect the environment, but also how you can keep protecting it after you leave.
“Our field staff combine the power of the special natural places and Aboriginal cultural significance of the Grampians National Park with mindful insight to consistently deliver transformational experiences for our guests.”
Grampians Peaks Walking Co Interpretation Plan 2022
Protecting the cultural significance of Gariwerd
All Aboriginal cultural places in Victoria are protected by law. Aboriginal artefacts are also protected. It is illegal to disturb or destroy an Aboriginal place. Artefacts should not be removed from site.
We do not sell any merchandise derived from heritage artefacts or items of significant cultural value. Please do not buy these items from other sources.
Cultural sites are sacred and beautiful. Please don’t disturb them.
