BEV wrapped up its final 2025 familiarisation calendar on a high with an immersive two-day experience through the Grampians region, delivered in partnership with the Northern Grampians Shire Council, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism, Horsham Rural City Council and Victorian Bus Charters.
Following the bushfires that impacted the Grampians in late 2024 and early 2025, BEV partnered with BlazeAid as the charity partner for the 2025 Regional Victoria Showcase held at W Melbourne on 27 May 2025. The event raised $1,800, with 100% of ticket sales donated directly to BlazeAid to support local recovery efforts. Building on this commitment, BEV delivered this famil, hosting eight prospective event planners and giving them the opportunity to experience the resilience, warmth and offerings of the Grampians firsthand.
Day 1 - Immersion in Halls Gap
Departing Melbourne early, the group made a brief stop in Beaufort before arriving in Halls Gap right on schedule at 10:45am. The fresh Grampians air set the tone for a rejuvenating start, with a warm welcome at Stoney Creek Lodge by the Halls Gap Business Association Committee. President Adrian Manikas, Managing Director of Absolute Outdoors, along with Damon, owner at Barney’s Bar & Bistro; Josephina McDonald owner of Lakeside Tourist Park; and Kate Kirkpatrick, owner of Grampians Living, greeted the group with genuine country hospitality.
Adrian then guided the group through the Halls Gap Botanic Gardens and three-quarters of the scenic walk to Venus Baths – a refreshing stretch after the three-hour drive and an ideal introduction to the natural beauty the region is known for.
Lunch at the Halls Gap Hotel provided a relaxed pause before heading to the Halls Gap Zoo for one of the day’s standout experiences: a Rhino Encounter with Kapamba, the White Rhino. Under the guidance of the Halls Gap Zoo owner Mark Treweek, guests had the rare chance to get up close, patting the affectionate “little puppy dog” and learning about Kapamba’s story and the zoo’s important conservation initiatives.
The afternoon continued with site inspections showcasing the breadth of the region’s venues and event possibilities, including WAMA Foundation and Endemic Gardens, Halls Gap Hub, Country Plaza Halls Gap, Halls Gap Motel and D’Altons Studios. This was followed by an unexpected but memorable addition to the itinerary – a visit to Lake Bellfield. The Business Association Committee surprised guests with the scenic stop, where panoramic views of the man-made reservoir framed by mountain ranges left a lasting impression.
Guests then checked in at Lakeside Halls Gap Tourist Park, where Josephina hosted a unique check-in experience. In a fun twist, guests drew room keys from a hat and were assigned their glamping tents — many experiencing this style of accommodation for the first time. After some time to refresh, the evening program began.
Pre-dinner drinks and canapés hosted by Black & Ginger Wines and Barney’s showcased the region’s boutique wine and produce scene, followed by dinner hosted by Pomonal Estate. Guests also enjoyed a tour of the Estate’s impressive new luxury accommodation offering.
The next morning began with a beautifully styled breakfast overlooking the stunning surrounds at Lakeside. Prepared by Damon and his team from Barney’s and styled by Kate Kirkpatrick from Grampians Living, the alfresco setup offered a picturesque farewell to Halls Gap.
Day 2 - Horsham and Surrounds
After breakfast, the group departed for Longerenong College, a versatile venue offering conference spaces, training facilities and modern accommodation. The tour continued through key Horsham venues including the Horsham International Hotel and Horsham Town Hall, giving planners a sense of the region’s capacity for large-scale and diverse events.
The famil concluded with lunch at Barangaroo Wines, where Greg from Grampians Olive Co hosted olive oil tastings. Chris and Sheila, owners of Barangaroo, prepared a generous selection of canapés and a beautiful charcuterie spread to round out the experience.
As the famil came to a close, there was a shared sense of appreciation for the Grampians and the people who bring the region to life. The camaraderie and collaboration of the Halls Gap Business Association Committee — paired with their warm hospitality — left a lasting impression on every attendee. Their passion for showcasing their home was evident at every stop, and their warmth truly captured everyone’s hearts.
It was a meaningful and memorable way to conclude BEV’s famil program for the year, ending 2025 on an undeniable high.
