Boronia Peak, nestled in Victoria’s majestic Grampians National Park, offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding trek through diverse Australian landscapes.

I had stopped here on my return journey from Melbourne to Adelaide, taking the opportunity to stretch my legs and shake off the roadtrip sleepiness.

The trail, approximately 6.5 kilometres return, began near Halls Gap, winding its way through eucalyptus forests and rocky terrain.

Within the first 200 metres of the trail, a sense of tranquility comes over me and the crisp mountain air fills my lungs, carrying the sweet scent of eucalyptus and native wildflowers. With each step, I feel the stresses of daily life melting away, replaced by a love of the natural world around me.

As I walk, the path meanders through dense bushland, dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above. I pause occasionally to admire the rugged beauty of the landscape – hillsides covered in eucalyptus rising majestically up to the azure sky. In the distance, the call of a kookaburra echoes through the valley, a reminder of the vibrant ecosystem that thrives in this ancient wilderness.

Gradually, as I climb higher, the vegetation changes, becoming sparser and more windswept. I find myself surrounded by hardy shrubs and stunted trees that have adapted to life on the exposed mountainside. The view expands with my increasing elevation, revealing sweeping vistas of the Grampians’ iconic peaks and valleys.

Reaching a rocky outcrop, I take a moment to catch my breath and soak in the panorama before me. The world below seems small and distant, a gentle breeze caresses my skin, carrying away the last vestiges of tension from my body. This outing was just what I needed.

At the summit, I find a quiet spot to sit and reflect. The silence up here is profound, broken only by the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional cry of an unseen bird. I feel a deep sense of peace and contentment. This moment, high above the world, reminds me that I need to make more time to reconnect with the earth beneath my feet.

Rested, I head back down again, to new perspective of previously unseen secluded corners of the landscape that I hadn’t noticed on the way up. My steps are lighter, my mind clearer. The golden afternoon light bathes the landscape in a warm glow, creating long shadows that dance across the rocky terrain. Seeing my car through the trees, I feel a bittersweet mix of contentment and reluctance to leave this tranquil paradise behind.

I am already planning my next excursion in to the restorative wilderness.