Nestled in the heart of Victoria, Australia, lies the Grampians, a region of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From rugged mountains and ancient rock art sites to unique wildlife and vibrant wildflowers, the Grampians is a nature lover’s paradise.
Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and reveal the top things to do in the Grampians, a captivating destination that promises unforgettable adventures. Immerse yourself in the area’s natural splendor, delve into its cultural treasures, and embark on a remarkable journey through the captivating world of the Grampians. Get ready to discover the best attractions, hidden gems, and exciting activities that this enchanting region has to offer.
Things To Do In Grampians, VIC
1. The Pinnacles Walk
A favorite short walk in the Grampians National Park. Enjoy the stunning rock formations and panoramic views. The Pinnacles Walk is a must-do for anyone visiting the Grampians. This easy walk takes you through a beautiful landscape of sandstone formations and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
- Best time of the year: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the Grampians for hiking. The weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.
- Address: Halls Gap, Victoria 3381, Australia
- Directions: From Halls Gap, take the Grampians Road and turn onto the Wonderland Carpark Road. The Pinnacles Walk is located at the end of the road.
- Distance from town: 4.5 km from Halls Gap
2. MacKenzies Falls
Visit this picturesque waterfall and take in the breathtaking scenery. Don’t forget to bring your camera. MacKenzies Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the Grampians, and for good reason. The waterfall is stunning, and the surrounding scenery is equally impressive. There are several viewing platforms that offer different perspectives of the falls, and you can also take a dip in the natural pool at the base of the falls.
- Best time of the year: The falls are at their best in winter and spring when there is more water flowing.
- Address: Victoria Valley Road, Zumsteins, Victoria 3401, Australia
- Directions: From Halls Gap, take the Grampians Road and turn onto the Victoria Valley Road. Follow the signs to MacKenzies Falls.
- Distance from town: 28 km from Halls Gap
3. Boroka Lookout
Experience panoramic views of the Grampians region. It’s a great spot for sunrise or sunset. Boroka Lookout is one of the best places to take in the stunning views of the Grampians. The lookout offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and it’s a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. The lookout is easily accessible by car, and there is a short walk from the car park to the lookout.
- Best time of the year: The lookout is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is during sunrise or sunset for the best views.
- Address: Mount Difficult Road, Halls Gap, Victoria 3381, Australia
- Directions: From Halls Gap, take the Grampians Road and turn onto Mount Victory Road. Follow the signs to Boroka Lookout.
- Distance from town: 15 km from Halls Gap
4. Wildlife Spotting
The Grampians is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus, and colorful bird species. The Grampians is a great place to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Kangaroos and emus are common sights in the region, and there are also many colorful bird species to look out for. Make sure to keep a safe distance from the animals and respect their space.
- Best time of the year: Wildlife can be spotted year-round in the Grampians, but the best time to see kangaroos and wallabies is early morning or late afternoon.
- Address: Various locations throughout the Grampians National Park
- Directions: Wildlife can be spotted throughout the Grampians National Park, but the best places to look are around Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield.
- Distance from town: Varies depending on location
5. Brambruk Cultural Centre
Learn about the rich Aboriginal history and culture of the region. Explore exhibits and participate in cultural activities. The Brambruk Cultural Centre is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the Aboriginal history and culture of the Grampians region. The centre offers a range of exhibits and interactive displays, as well as cultural activities such as boomerang throwing and didgeridoo playing. It’s a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history and culture.
- Best time of the year: The centre is open year-round, but it’s best to visit during the summer months when there are more cultural activities and events.
- Address: 277 Grampians Road, Halls Gap, Victoria 3381, Australia
- Directions: The centre is located on the Grampians Road, just outside of Halls Gap.
- Distance from town: 2 km from Halls Gap
6. Bests Winery
Visit this renowned winery in Great Western. Try their award-winning Shiraz and enjoy a wine tasting experience. Bests Winery is one of the oldest wineries in the Grampians region, and it’s a must-visit for wine lovers. The winery produces a range of award-winning wines, including their famous Shiraz. Visitors can enjoy a wine tasting experience and learn about the winemaking process.
- Best time of the year: Anytime is a good time to visit Bests Winery, but if you’re interested in the winemaking process, consider visiting during the harvest season in late summer or early autumn.
- Address: 111 Bests Road, Great Western, Victoria 3374, Australia
- Directions: Bests Winery is located in Great Western, a short drive from the town of Ararat. Follow the signs to the winery.
- Distance from town: 10 km from Ararat
7. Halls Gap Zoo
A family-friendly zoo with a variety of animals. Get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, and more. Halls Gap Zoo is a great place to visit with the family. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. Visitors can get up close and personal with the animals and learn about their habitats and behaviors.
- Best time of the year: The zoo is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the warmer months when the animals are more active.
- Address: 4061 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Pomonal, Victoria 3381, Australia
- Directions: Halls Gap Zoo is located on the Ararat-Halls Gap Road, just outside of Halls Gap.
- Distance from town: 6 km from Halls Gap
8. Mount Arapiles
A popular rock climbing destination with stunning views. Challenge yourself on the cliffs and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Mount Arapiles is a popular destination for rock climbers, and it’s easy to see why. The cliffs offer a range of challenging climbs, and the surrounding scenery is breathtaking. Even if you’re not a rock climber, it’s worth visiting Mount Arapiles to take in the views.
- Best time of the year: The best time to visit Mount Arapiles for rock climbing is during the cooler months from autumn to spring when the weather is more favorable for climbing.
- Address: Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park, Natimuk-Frances Road, Natimuk, Victoria 3409, Australia
- Directions: Mount Arapiles is located in Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park, near the town of Natimuk. Follow the signs to the park.
- Distance from town: 10 km from Natimuk
9. Seppelt Great Western
Explore the historic underground cellars and taste their renowned sparkling wines. Don’t miss their famous sparkling Shiraz. Seppelt Great Western is one of the most historic wineries in the Grampians region, and it’s a must-visit for wine lovers. The winery is known for its sparkling wines, including their famous sparkling Shiraz. Visitors can explore the historic underground cellars and learn about the winemaking process.
- Best time of the year: The winery is open year-round, but it’s recommended to visit during the warmer months when you can enjoy the outdoor areas and vineyard views.
- Address: 36 Cemetery Road, Great Western, Victoria 3374, Australia
- Directions: Seppelt Great Western is located in the town of Great Western, just off the Western Highway.
- Distance from town: Located in Great Western
10. Grampians Grape Escape
Attend the annual food and wine festival showcasing the region’s best produce. Sample local wines and indulge in gourmet delights. The Grampians Grape Escape is one of the most popular food and wine festivals in the region. The festival showcases the best local produce, including wine, cheese, and chocolate. Visitors can sample a range of local wines and indulge in gourmet delights.
- Best time of the year: The Grampians Grape Escape is an annual event that usually takes place in May. Check the event’s official website for the exact dates.
- Address: Halls Gap, Victoria 3381, Australia
- Directions: The festival is held in Halls Gap, and various venues and locations within the town host different events and activities.
- Distance from town: Located in Halls Gap
11. Mount William
Hike to the highest peak in the Grampians for stunning views. Enjoy the panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. Mount William is the highest peak in the Grampians, and it’s a great place to take in the stunning views of the region. The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, and it offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Grampians.
- Best time of the year: The best time to hike Mount William is during the cooler months from autumn to spring when the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities.
- Address: Mount William Road, Wartook, Victoria 3401, Australia
- Directions: Mount William is located in the northern part of the Grampians National Park. Follow the signs to Mount William Road.
- Distance from town: Approximately 30 km from Halls Gap
12. Grampians Peaks Trail
Embark on a multi-day hiking adventure through the Grampians. Experience the diverse ecosystems and breathtaking scenery. The Grampians Peaks Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime hiking adventure that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Australia. The trail is 160km long and takes around 13 days to complete. Along the way, you’ll experience diverse ecosystems, breathtaking scenery, and challenging hikes. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Grampians.
Best time of the year: The Grampians Peaks Trail can be hiked year-round, but it’s recommended to avoid the hottest summer months and check for any trail closures or restrictions.
- Address: Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia
- Directions: The trail starts and ends at various points within the Grampians National Park. Detailed trail maps and information can be obtained from the park’s visitor centers.
- Distance from town: Varies depending on the starting point of the trail
13. Royal Mail Hotel
Indulge in a gourmet dining experience at this renowned restaurant. Try their seasonal menu featuring local ingredients. The Royal Mail Hotel is one of the most renowned restaurants in the Grampians region, and it’s a must-visit for foodies. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring local ingredients, and the dishes are expertly crafted to showcase the flavors of the region. It’s a great way to indulge in a gourmet dining experience while supporting local producers.
- Best time of the year: The hotel and restaurant are open year-round, and it’s recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Address: 98 Parker Street, Dunkeld, Victoria 3294, Australia
- Directions: The Royal Mail Hotel is located in the town of Dunkeld, at the southern edge of the Grampians National Park.
- Distance from town: 30 km from Halls Gap
14. J Ward Museum Complex
Explore the former psychiatric ward and learn about its history. Take a guided tour to uncover the intriguing stories. The J Ward Museum Complex is a unique attraction in the Grampians region. The complex was once a psychiatric ward, and it’s now a museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of mental health care in Australia. Visitors can take a guided tour to uncover the intriguing stories of the patients and staff who lived and worked at the complex.
- Best time of the year: The museum is open year-round, and guided tours are available at scheduled times. Check the official website for the latest tour times and availability.
- Address: Girdlestone Street, Ararat, Victoria 3377, Australia
- Directions: J Ward Museum Complex is located in the town of Ararat, near the Ararat Railway Station.
- Distance from town: Located in Ararat
15. Grampians National Park
Explore the stunning natural beauty of the park through various hiking trails and scenic drives. The Grampians National Park is the jewel of the region, and it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves nature. The park offers a range of hiking trails and scenic drives that take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Australia. From waterfalls and rock formations to wildlife and panoramic views, the Grampians National Park has it all.
- Best time of the year: The Grampians National Park can be visited year-round, but the best time to explore the park’s outdoor activities is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild.
- Address: Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia
- Directions: The park has multiple entry points, including Halls Gap, Dunkeld, and Stawell. Follow the signs to the specific attractions within the park.
- Distance from town: Varies depending on the entry point and specific attractions within the park.
Towns Nearby Grampians, VIC
Here are some nearby towns/suburbs around the Grampians, VIC Australia, along with their highlights, attractions, distance from the Grampians, and reasons why they are worth visiting:
- Dunkeld, VIC (30 km from the Grampians): A charming town located at the southern edge of the Grampians National Park, Dunkeld is known for its stunning views of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt. It’s a great destination for hiking, wildlife spotting, and gourmet dining.
- Stawell, VIC (50 km from the Grampians): Home to the Stawell Gift, one of Australia’s oldest and richest foot races, Stawell is a historic gold mining town with a range of attractions, including the Stawell Mineral Springs Reserve, the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory, and the Big Hill Lookout.
- Ararat, VIC (70 km from the Grampians): A gateway to the Grampians, Ararat is a historic town with a rich gold rush heritage. Visit the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, the J Ward Museum Complex, and the Ararat Regional Art Gallery.
- Horsham, VIC (80 km from the Grampians): A vibrant regional city with a range of attractions, including the Horsham Botanical Gardens, the Wimmera River, and the Horsham Regional Art Gallery. It’s also a great base for exploring the nearby Little Desert National Park.
- Hamilton, VIC (100 km from the Grampians): Known as the wool capital of the world, Hamilton is a picturesque town with a range of attractions, including the Hamilton Botanic Gardens, the Ansett Museum, and the Hamilton Art Gallery.
- Beaufort, VIC (60 km from the Grampians): A historic town located at the eastern edge of the Grampians National Park, Beaufort is known for its beautiful parks and reserves, such as the Beaufort Lake and the Mount Cole State Forest. It’s a great destination for nature lovers and hikers.
- Halls Gap, VIC (Located within the Grampians National Park): A popular tourist town located in the heart of the Grampians National Park, Halls Gap is a great base for exploring the park’s many attractions, including the Pinnacles Walk, MacKenzies Falls, and Boroka Lookout.
Getting To Grampians, VIC
Here are the options for getting to the Grampians, VIC Australia from common destinations or origins as a local tourist:
From Melbourne CBD:
- By train/bus: Take the V/Line train from Southern Cross Station to Ararat, then take a connecting coach to Halls Gap. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- By car: Drive west on the Western Freeway (M8) and take the exit for the Grampians Road (C222). Follow the signs to the Grampians National Park. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
From other nearby towns:
- From Ararat, VIC: Take a connecting coach from Ararat to Halls Gap. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- From Stawell, VIC: Take a connecting coach from Stawell to Halls Gap. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
- From Horsham, VIC: Take a connecting coach from Horsham to Halls Gap. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
For public transport options from other nearby towns, use the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website (https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au) or app to plan your journey, as it provides detailed information on train and bus routes, schedules, and ticketing.
