The Wimmera Mallee’s Best Guided Tours
There’s no better way to discover the Wimmera Mallee region than through the eyes of a local. Their expert knowledge and passion for the region makes the tours an unforgettable you will never forget. Here’s a roundup of some of the best guided tours in the region for you to undertake
Explore the Mallee
Patchewollock
There’s no better way to discover the stunning Mallee region than from those who know it back to front. What started as a hobby for operators Michael and Louis quickly turned into an obsession. Living in Melbourne, the couple began exploring regional parts of the state as a break from the hustle of the city. They quickly decided that this was the life for them, taking up bird watching, photography and conservation studies and eventually buying their current property near Patchewollock. The pair decided to share everything that they had fallen in love with and Explore the Mallee was born.
Embark on a full or half day adventure in a well-equipped 4WD, visiting the breathtaking Hattuh-Kulkyne and Murray Sunset National Parks. Get a glimpse of the rich wildlife of the region with the company’s speciality in bird watching and photography. Join a guided tour of their 168-acre conservation property and learn more about the different species of birds and how to identify them. Take your skills to the next level with a 3-hour photography workshop from Michael, who is well seasoned with a camera, check out his work here! After a day of adventure, relax in the tranquillity of ‘The Roost,’ a self-contained studio flat that offers onsite accommodation.
Image: Michael Gooch – Explore the Mallee
Squatter Coffey Trail Rides
Beulah
If you’re looking for an authentic Australian adventure, look no further than Squatter Coffey Bush Trail Rides. Owner and operator, Squatter Coffey, is a local icon and experienced horseman who has spent his entire life around horses. He knows the ins and outs of horsemanship and is well-renowned in the region as a top-notch guru. He offers trail rides through his property in Beulah, a beautiful and diverse area of the Wimmera region of Australia. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, Squatter Coffey’s trail rides cater to all levels of experience.
The trail rides take you through various terrains such as lush forests, open fields, and rolling hills, offering a diverse and unique experience. Along the way, Squatter Coffey will provide expert commentary on the local flora, fauna, and history of the region, providing you with a deeper appreciation of the Australian landscape. He will also ensure that you and your horse are comfortable and that you are safe throughout the ride.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a horse enthusiast, or just looking for a unique adventure, Squatter Coffey Bush Trail Rides offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Sea Lake Tyrrell Tours
Sea Lake
Experience the beauty of Lake Tyrrell with Sea Lake Tyrrell Tours. Led by passionate local tour guide, Julie Pringle, you’ll be taken to a secluded section of the lake where you’ll learn about its history and unique characteristics. The lake’s high salinity creates a mirror-like effect on the water, producing vivid colours that will leave you in awe.
Take in the breathtaking views and capture that perfect Instagram-worthy snap. The 120,000-year-old lake is regarded as one of the best places in Australia for star-navigation, with the dark and endless skies offering a dazzling spectacle of the galaxy above. With sunset, sunrise, and star gazing tours available. This is a bucket list experience that you’ll find both incredible and profound.
Scenic Flights A.Kube Aviation
Nhill
Soar through the skies of the Wimmera Mallee and beyond from a bird’s-eye view with A.Kube Aviation. Owned and operated by experienced pilot Andrew Kube, this aerial tour guide company offers scenic flights in a Cessna 210 aircraft. Andrew’s passion for flying is evident in every tour he leads – he loves to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
A.Kube Aviation offers a range of tour options, from day flights to week-long adventures. Explore the Wimmera Mallee region, flying over points of interest like the beautiful Pink Lake, Mt Arapiles, and the Wimmera River. Or take a longer trip to Western Australia and see the stunning landscapes from a whole new perspective, right across the great southern end of the country.
One of the coolest features of the Cessna 210 aircraft is that its wings are mounted on top of the cabin, providing unparalleled and unobstructed views of the region. This means that you will have an amazing view of the stunning landscapes throughout your flight, and the chance to capture spectacular images with no obstructions.
Image – Andrew Kube, A.Kube Aviation
Discover Western Victoria
Edenhope
Coming soon to the Wimmera Mallee is the opportunity to ‘Discover Western Victoria’ in a way you may never have before.
Embark on an off-road adventure with their “tag-along” guided and interpretive motorcycle and 4WD tours deep into Victoria’s remote west, nearing the Southern Australian border. Explore the rugged terrain where you’ll discover the natural beauty of the region’s state park reserves and off-pavement tracks. Their tour guides are passionate about showcasing the amazing natural attractions, flora, and fauna of the area that can only be viewed and appreciated ‘off the highway.’
Don’t own a motorcycle or 4WD? No problem! They’ll pick you up and take you touring, so you can fully enjoy the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first timer, their tours cater to all levels of experience. Keep an eye out via the link for updates!
Silo Art Tours
Halls Gap
Discover one of Australia’s most unique experiences on this tour of the original Silo Art Trail. Experience a full day tour visiting three of the most stunning painted silos in the region, complete with a delicious lunch at the stunning Creekside Hotel in Warracknabeal (the birthplace of Nick Cave and a vintage shopping mecca).
These tours broaden the experience to visiting the heritage listed Stick Shed in Murtoa, the last remaining emergency grain storage facility left from World War II. This gang do all the hard work for you, so all you’re left to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery.
To level up your adventure, you can upgrade with their overnight accommodation packages, featuring two night stays in the picturesque town of Halls Gap, with a backdrop of the stunning Gariwerd Grampians National Park.
Arapiles Climbing Guides
Natimuk
Conquer the world-renowned rock-climbing destination, Mt Arapiles, with Arapiles Climbing Guides. Led by expert and passionate tour guides, these guided tours and educational rock-climbing courses offer an unforgettable experience that will take you to new heights. Whether you’re a first-time climber or an experienced one looking to push your limits, Arapiles Climbing Guides has something for you.
Their guides know the terrain of Mt Arapiles like the back of their hand (they live and breathe this stuff) and are dedicated to ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience. From mastering the art of anchoring and lead climbing, to achieving a nationally recognized training and assessment courses, Arapiles Climbing Guides offers a wide range of programs that will push you to your limits. They tailor their programs based on your experience level, so you can get the most out of your climbing adventure.
Mt Arapiles itself has over 2000 routes and a variety of climbing styles, offering something for climbers of all levels. The sandstone rock formation offers excellent grip and a wide range of holds, making it perfect for traditional and multi-pitch routes. Enjoy stunning views of the Wimmera region from the 1404 feet summit and spot diverse wildlife like kangaroos, echidnas and 150+ bird species.
