The Grampians National Park is one of Victoria’s most glorious and luscious natural getaway spots. With remarkable views, long hikes, rich dining options and fun activities, the Grampians is a must-visit for everyone young and old.
With an area so large, there are plenty of attractions that will entertain and enlighten. Here are the top things you can do in the Grampians.
Grampians Peaks Trail
The Grampians Peaks Trail is excellent for those wanting to absorb everything the region has on display. Going for 3 days, the 33km hike begins in Halls Gap and takes you through all the incredible sights of the Grampians.
This includes the iconic Pinnacle Lookout, which presents stunning views of Halls Gap, Mount William and Fyans Valley. Make sure you plan accordingly before your trip. There are a couple of campgrounds on the way for you to sleep during the night, so make sure you bring plenty of food and warm clothes.
Boroka Lookout
Only 15km from Halls Gap, the Boroka Lookout Walk is an attraction you’ll definitely want to bring your camera for. It’s a steep climb up 600ms, but when you reach the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. See the view at sunset if you can. When the sun sets on the Grampians, you’ll be surrounded by warm and golden sunshine.
Mount William
If you want to see the entirety of the Grampians, head to the top of Mount William. With a height of 1,167ms, Mount William is the highest point of the Grampians.
The walk to the top is 45 minutes from Mount William car park, but you can still expect a tough climb. When you do reach the top of Mount William, words won’t express how breathtaking the views will be.
Mackenzie Falls
Mackenzie Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria and the only one in the Grampians that flows all year long. It’s a must-see for all visitors, with water splashing down on the rocks and in the pool below that creates a soft, misty picture.
There are different trails that meet different hiking abilities, including the wheelchair-accessible platform at the Bluff. Otherwise, there are a few walks that will challenge your legs and award you with one of the Grampians’ most beautiful treasures.
Smaller Hikes
For less experienced hikers, there are plenty of shorter hikes if you still want to be a part of nature. There’s the Venus Baths Loop, which takes you from Halls Gap to the botanic gardens.
Reed Lookout will guide you to The Balconies and amazing views of The Victoria Valley. The Piccaninny is towards the southern end of the Grampians and lets you look over Mount Abrupt and Dunkeld. No matter your level of fitness, you won’t miss out on the experience of walking through the Grampians.
Cycling Trails
The Grampians isn’t just for hikers; you can also cycle along the scenic trails and roads across the region. Each track has it’s own twists and turns, which will have you coming back for a brand new adventure.
Alternatively, you may go on the same adventure again to make new discoveries. The trails in the Grampians usually last between 2 to 5 hours, so while you may be feeling sore at the end of the day, there will be so much to admire and look back on.
Wine and Dine
The Grampians are not only known for their hiking trails. You can also satisfy your stomach and dine at one of the established restaurants and cafes available in the area.
The Grampians are particularly famous for their grand wine regions. With some of the oldest vines in the world, there is a wide selection of Shiraz and sparkling wines for you to try and purchase. There are plenty of wineries available for your wine tasting journey, so you best set some time aside to visit as many as possible.
Shop Around
The Grampians is lucky to host a number of shops selling local produce and handcrafted goods. The shops in the Grampians region are known for being some of the best in Australia.
For example, Grampians Olive Co. produces some of the best organic olive oil from one of Australia’s oldest olive groves. That’s only the tip of the iceberg. Explore the region and you will be surprised by what you may find.
Halls Gap Zoo
If you brought the kids along, they’ll be craving something fun. They will get a kick out of Hall Gaps Zoo; the largest regional zoo in Victoria. Featuring over 160 breeds of mammals, birds and reptiles, Halls Gap Zoo is home to exotic creatures like cheetahs, giraffes and monkeys.
The zoo also exhibits native creatures such as Tasmanian devils, koalas and wombats. You can even get up close and personal with kangaroos, dingos, wallabies and meerkats.
Art and Culture
The Grampians have a rich history of art and culture. You can discover more at the many art galleries and museums across the region. Visit the studio of glassblowing artist, James McMurtie, and be wowed with his skillfully crafted sculptural glass pieces.
Brambuk Cultural Centre hosts items from many different cultures, including Aboriginal artefacts and Chinese textiles. For more spine-chilling discoveries, visit Ararat and be embark on ghost tours inside J Ward Lunatic Asylum and Aradale Lunatic Asylum.
The Grampians offer a wide range of accommodation options to match your budget. There are bed and breakfasts, luxury accommodation venues, campgrounds and even glamping under the stars.
The Grampians is usually warm and dry in summer, cool in autumn, cold and wet in winter, and mild in spring.
Depending on where you’re visiting, it takes between 2-4 hours to drive up from Melbourne. If you’re taking public transport, take the VLine to Ballarat, and from there, ride the bus to Ararat.
The Grampians is 260kms west of Melbourne and 134kms west of Ballarat.
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