GRAMPIANS
Where ancient cultures meet an amazing natural landscape made for adventure and wild fun.
Generations of adventurers, nature-lovers and holidaymakers have trekked to the Grampians. Before them, came some 40,000 years of indigenous culture and amazing connection to country. They say you can feel the spirits of the elders in the earth.
What to Do
The vast Grampians National Park is a sacred landscape perfect for delving into ancient Aboriginal culture. It’s also a giant, natural playground ideal for rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, road cycling, guided 4WD tours, trekking and trail walking. Or hit the waterways for kayaking, canoeing, swimming or fishing.
Hit the myriad of walking and cycling trails and tick off the must-see sights: Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout, The Balconies, Mackenzie Falls. Native wildlife and more than 200 bird species abound in the park, along with waterfalls, wildflowers and panoramic views you’ll long remember.
Stay
There’s so much to do, you’ll want to stay over in the region. Choose from charming B&Bs, luxury hotels, budget motels, a cottage or lodge set in the wilderness. The Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park is in the foothills of all the fun – the perfect place to check into a cabin or pitch a tent under starry skies. Or choose D'Alton's Studios to lay your head. You may decide a little luxury is in order then try DULC or for luxury and amazing food and wine is more your scene then book into The Royal Mail Hotel at Dunkeld. Grampians Getaway is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts. Mount William Station is a historic homestead that offers luxurious rooms in the homestead itself or farm stay accommodation in the shearers quarters.
Coincide your visit with a festival: Grampians Grape Escape is one of Australia’s longest running wine and food festivals and the Stawell Easter Gift (held since 1878) is Australia’s richest footrace.
Travel South to the famous Great Ocean Road or East to Ballarat blanketed in history.
MUST DO EXPERIENCES
Unique Accommodation
Go glamping (luxury camping) Aussie outback style in a queen-bed bell tent at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. Cook up a storm on the barbecue then relax by a crackling campfire as night falls around you, or check into a deluxe mountain-view room at the Royal Mail Hotel, or bunk down in a self-contained cabin at D’Alton’s Studios.
Wickens Restaurant
Wine and dine at the award winning Wickens restaurant at the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, tour their cellar door or inspect their kitchen garden.
Wine
Meet the winemakers and the latest bottlings at any of many Grampians cellar doors. Top your list with Grampians Estate, Mount Langi Ghiran and Pomonal Estate.
Wildlife
Wildlife abounds throughout the park and you will not be disappointed.
Walks
The spectacular Grampians Peaks Trail (164km) is a challenging 13-day/12-night hiking experience through a variety of terrain in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Starting at Mt Zero in the north and heading south, the trail passes over the summit of Gar (Mt Difficult), continues through Halls Gap with hiking highlights including Redman Bluff, Mount William, Major Mitchell Plateau, Signal Peak, Mt Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon (and more) before reaching Dunkeld in the south.
Lookouts
Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout and The Balconies and The Pinnacle are just some spots where you can get spectacular views all across the park.
Waterfalls
Take a short walk to MacKenzie Falls, these waterfalls offer a great photo opportunity. Visit Beehive and Splitters Falls, check with the visitor Information centre in Halls Gap for a complete list.
