Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the Grampians in the far northwest of Victoria? If you’re a seasoned rock climber, you might already be familiar with the iconic Mount Arapiles. However, for many, this name prompts questions such as, ‘Where exactly is that?’.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Wotjobaluk people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

Mount Arapiles rises dramatically from the Wimmera Plains, an impressive sight that seems oddly isolated given that the nearest mountain range, the Grampians, is over an hour’s drive away.

Standing alone amidst expansive farmland, it is about 330km from Melbourne in western Victoria. It’s closer to the South Australian border than to Victoria’s capital. Known for its striking rock formations and thousands of climbing routes (yes, you read that right, thousands!), Mount Arapiles has been a beloved rock climbing spot since the early 1960s.

While it’s less renowned for its bushwalking opportunities, the area offers a quieter alternative to the Grampians for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Read more: The 10 Best Day Hikes in Victoria

About Mount Arapiles

Rising approximately 140m, Mount Arapiles may not tower like other Victorian mountains, but it more than compensates with a plethora of recreational choices. Known primarily as a rock climber’s paradise with over 3,000 routes across its cliffs, crags, and pinnacles, the area also offers activities for those who prefer to stay grounded, including bushwalking, rock scrambling, cycling, swimming, and exploring local heritage.

Located just an hour’s drive west of the Grampians – a region known for similar outdoor pursuits – Mount Arapiles tends to be quieter, even during long weekends. If you’re seeking a less crowded outdoor adventure in fresh air, a trip 100km further along the Western Highway to Mount Arapiles could be the ideal escape.

Read more: The Ultimate Explorer’s Guide to The Grampians

 

It’s a great kid-friendly adventure hub

The History of Mount Arapiles

For thousands of years, Mount Arapiles was home to the Djurid Baluk clan of the Wotjobaluk people. They used the mountain’s gullies and caves for shelter and crafted tools from its sandstone.

With European settlement in the mid-1840s, the Djurid Baluk were displaced and sadly within 30 years they’d all vanished – either moved away or relocated to mission stations. Today, about 40 Aboriginal archaeological sites are found in the area, bearing testimony to its rich Indigenous history.

Folklore tells us that in the 1850s, after bushranger Captain Melville stole from travellers on the Wimmera Track heading home from the central goldfields, he’d take refuge in Melville Caves on Mount Arapiles. Some even say that if you look hard enough, you may stumble upon some of Captain Melville’s hidden gold treasure.

Rock climbing put Mount Arapiles on the modern map after brothers Bob and Steve Craddock first ascended a cliff face in 1963. Since then, the mountain has remained popular due to the accessibility, quantity, and quality of its climbs, attracting both local and international enthusiasts.

The natural allure of Mount Arapiles extends beyond its rocky façade. Looking up to the mountain are the Wimmera Plains. With its semi-arid climate and fertile soils, the area is vital to Victoria’s agriculture where predominantly wheat, barley, and canola are grown.

Getting to Mount Arapiles

By Car

Driving is the most straightforward and flexible way to reach the area. From Melbourne, expect a journey of approximately 3.5-4 hours. Take the Western Highway (A8) towards Horsham, turn off towards Natimuk, and follow the signs to Mount Arapiles or your accommodation.

By Public Transport

These options are more limited. Take a V/Line train or coach from Melbourne to Horsham. From here, you’ll need to arrange a taxi or a private transfer, as there are no direct public transport routes to Mount Arapiles or Natimuk, the closest town.

Nearby Accommodation

YHA Grampians Eco

 @ 14-16 Grampians Road, Halls Gap, VIC, 3381
Book Now

Tiny Jim – Into The Wild Escapes

 @ Blackwood-Dunkeld Rd, Dunkeld VIC 3294, Australia
Book Now

Where to Stay at Mount Arapiles

While accommodation options around Mount Arapiles aren’t plentiful, there are several types to suit everyone. Natimuk, the closest town to Mount Arapiles, is a ten-minute drive away. It offers mainly self-contained accommodation, spread across the town and the surrounding pastoral lands.

 

We stayed in this cool Airbnb at Arapiles (but it’s not available anymore 😔)

 

For those seeking more choices, Horsham is a 30-minute drive from the mountain and features a range of accommodation options from budget-friendly backpackers’ hostels to hotels and apartments.

For those who prefer the outdoors, several camping spots are scattered around the base of the mountain. These sites provide basic facilities, including toilet blocks, but don’t have showers or camp kitchens. Additional camping options are available at the Lake Natimuk Caravan Park.

Read more: Camping in Victoria – 14 Idyllic Sites to Camp This Weekend

Where to Eat Near Mount Arapiles

There are no food options at Mount Arapiles. Natimuk however, provides a few local choices with the Natimuk Hotel offering counter meals (be sure to check their website for opening hours), and the local general store stocks essentials and serves fish and chips.

For a wider selection of dining options, head east to Horsham. This large country town features everything from a Woolworths supermarket to various take-away options and restaurants.

If you venture north, you’ll reach Dimboola, about a 40-minute drive away. This quaint country town offers cafes known for good coffee and excellent sausage rolls and slices from the bakery. The Victoria Hotel, a historic building, offers meals in dining areas that blend delicious comfort with quirky decor.

Activities Around Mount Arapiles

Rock Climbing

Whether you’re an experienced climber going solo or a beginner, there’s something for everyone. For novices or those wanting a guided experience, local guides are available to show you the ropes. Visit climbco.com.au or arapiles.com.au to connect with professional instructors for climbing and abseiling experiences.

Bushwalking

Explore the trails at the base of Mount Arapiles to watch climbers in action, or hike to the summit lookout via two tracks. Walks range from 1km to 15km. For a less strenuous option, you can also drive to the summit lookout.

Near the top, you’ll find a Telstra satellite and an outlook offering spectacular views. Don’t miss the chance to visit Bushrangers Bluff where you can scramble to the top for beautiful sunset views.

 

You can see Wimmera Plains from the top of Bushrangers Bluff

Mitre Rock

Located close to Mount Arapiles, the much smaller Mitre Rock offers both hiking and rock climbing opportunities. Follow the rocky path to the top for another perspective of the area.

Swimming

Swim in the freshwater billabong near the base of Mitre Rock, which has recently retained enough water to allow for swimming in warmer months.

 

Cool down after a bushwalk

Biking

The Big Sky Bike Trail is a 33km loop connecting Natimuk to Mount Arapiles via Natimuk Lake and Mitre Rock. It’s mostly flat but traverses some rugged terrain, making it most suitable for mountain bikes.

Sample the Local Produce

Visit the Natimuk Farmers Market on Sundays coinciding with long weekends in March, April, June, and November to grab some fresh regional produce, preserves, and sweets. While there, explore Natimuk’s Heritage Trail to delve into the area’s pastoral history from the 1850s.

Essential Gear for Arapiles

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a more extended stay near Mount Arapiles, here are some essentials to bring along, especially since nearby towns are a bit of a drive away:

  • Drinking water – Always carry enough for your entire stay
  • Food supplies – Pack sufficient food for your trip, especially if you plan to camp
  • First aid kit
  • Binoculars – A great pair of compact binoculars can enhance your experience. We never leave home without our Nocs Monocular!
  • Equipment for your chosen adventure – backpack, walking shoes, swimming gear, rock-climbing gear
  • Car essentials – Remember to check your vehicle before the trip. The nearest petrol station is in Horsham, approximately 30 minutes away

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

What It’s Like to Visit Mount Arapiles

Adapting Our Plans

We’d planned a long weekend at Mount Arapiles to introduce our kids to rock climbing, however just a week before our trip, our daughter’s wrist ended up in plaster. Rather than cancelling, we discovered, to our delight, a variety of other experiences the area had to offer.

 

Rock Scrambling and Bushwalks

Even with a cast, we found that rock scrambling to the top of Bushrangers Bluff was surprisingly manageable, and we embarked on this adventure most days. Our days were also filled with shorter walks, where we marvelled at vibrant wildflowers and spotted wallabies along the paths.

 

Scrambling to the top

 

Evenings on the Wimmera Plains

The sunset casting a golden glow over the flat farmland was a breathtaking sight. Each night, as we returned to our accommodation on the tranquil Wimmera plains, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The profound stillness of the night enveloped us – the only sounds were the rustling trees, the calls of nocturnal birds and our laughs as we toasted marshmallows on the fire pit!

 

A classic country sunset to match our campfire

 

Exploring the Local Charms

Keen to explore further and undeterred by a bit of driving, we headed to Dimboola. En route, we took in the stunning Silo Art Trail, which is scattered across the region. Dimboola itself offered a charming lunch stop, complete with delicious bakery fare and the remarkable sight of the Pink Lake, whose vibrant hue was strikingly vivid – it really is pink!

 

Pretty in pink

 

A Journey Into Prehistory

On another day, we ventured into South Australia to explore the Naracoorte Caves, where we were fascinated by the extensive collection of 60,000-year-old megafauna fossils found deep within a pit cave, left in place where they were first found.

 

Naracoorte Caves National Park is SA’s only World Heritage site!

 

A Historical Detour

With two WWII history enthusiasts in tow, one visit that couldn’t be missed was the Murtoa Stick Shed on our journey back to Melbourne. This WWII-era grain store, now a national heritage-listed site, captivated us all with its cathedral-like interior.

 

A good option for a quick indoor adventure

Tips for Visiting Mount Arapiles

  • There are no park entrance fees
  • Keep your pets at home
  • Camp bookings are made through the Parks Victoria website
  • The summit can be windy and cold; come prepared
  • Mount Arapiles is a crucial nature conservation site, harbouring 14% of Victoria’s flora species – so be sure to look out for beautiful flora
  • Honour the cultural significance of the land, traditionally owned by the Wotjobaluk people
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural environment

More Adventures in Regional Victoria

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.