Your first stop should be the superb cultural centre at Brambuk, 2.5km south of Halls Gap. Run by five Koori communities in conjunction with Parks Victoria, the centre offers insights into local culture and history through Koori stories, art, music, dance, weapons, tools and photographs.
The building itself is a striking design that combines timeless Aboriginal motifs with contemporary design and building materials. Its flowing orange roof represents the open wings of a cockatoo, as well as referencing the peaks of the Grampians.
The Gariwerd Dreaming Theatre shows hourly films explaining Dreamtime stories of Gariwerd and the creation story of Bunjil. The ceiling here represents the southern right whale (totem of the Gunditjmara people). There’s an art room where kids can try their hand at Indigenous painting, classes on boomerang throwing and didgeridoo playing, and holiday programs are organised. Planted outside are native plants used for food and medicine.
In a separate building – where you first enter the complex – is the Parks Victoria office , where rangers can advise on walks and sell camping permits. Also here are interesting educational displays covering the natural features and the history of the Grampians, a souvenir shop and a cafe with a lovely deck overlooking the gardens.
