The Ultimate Guide to the Grampians (Gariwerd), Victoria

Introduction

The Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) is one of Victoria’s most iconic natural destinations, famous for its rugged sandstone mountain ranges, breathtaking lookouts, cascading waterfalls, rich Aboriginal culture, and vibrant wildflowers. Located just over three hours’ drive from Melbourne, the Grampians is a year-round adventure hub for hikers, foodies, wildlife lovers, and families looking to escape into nature.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a hiking expedition, or a family-friendly road trip, the Grampians offers something for everyone.

Where Are the Grampians?

The Grampians National Park is in western Victoria, approximately:

• 260 km (3 hours) from Melbourne
• 460 km (5 hours) from Adelaide
• Near the towns of Halls Gap, Stawell, and Pomonal, which serve as popular bases for visitors.

Things to Do in the Grampians

1. Hiking & Nature Walks

The Grampians is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from short, easy walks to challenging multi-day treks.

• Pinnacle Lookout – The park’s most famous walk, offering panoramic views over Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. Add the Pinnacle Lookout to your Aussie Bucket List here - Pinnacle Lookout.

Image credit: Visit Grampians

• MacKenzie Falls – One of Victoria’s largest waterfalls, accessible via a short but steep trail. Add Mackenzie Falls to your Aussie Bucket List here - MacKenzie Falls.

Image credit: Visit Grampians

• The Balconies – Iconic rock formations with sweeping valley views, especially stunning at sunset.
• Boroka Lookout – Drive-to lookout with breathtaking views over Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield.
• Mount William (Duwul) – The park’s highest peak, rewarding climbers with sweeping 360° views.

Multi-Day Hike:

The Grampians Peaks Trail (164 km) is a world-class, long-distance walking experience for serious adventurers.

2. Waterfalls & Scenic Drives

The Grampians is dotted with spectacular waterfalls and scenic drives:

• Silverband Falls – A gentle walk through lush forest to a slender waterfall. Add to your Aussie Bucket List here - Silverband Falls.

• Beehive Falls – Stunning during spring when wildflowers bloom.
• Wannon Falls – Wannon Falls is a 45-metre-wide, 30-metre-deep volcanic waterfall located near the town of Hamilton, about 20 minutes’ drive west of the Grampians National Park.
• Nigretta Falls – Unlike the single dramatic plunge of nearby Wannon Falls, Nigretta Falls flows over a series of smaller rock steps, creating a beautiful, tiered waterfall that looks spectacular year-round. The falls are part of the Wannon River system, which originates in the southern Grampians and carves its way across ancient volcanic plains.
• Venus Baths – Natural rock pools perfect for cooling off on warm days.
• Mt Zero Road Scenic Drive – Ideal for exploring lesser-known areas of the park.

3. Wildlife Encounters

The Grampians is home to abundant wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for:

• Kangaroos grazing near Halls Gap.
• Emus wandering through open plains.
• Wallabies, echidnas, and native birds throughout the park.

4. Aboriginal Rock Art & Cultural Heritage

Image credit: Brambu - The National Park & Cultural Centre

Known to the traditional custodians as Gariwerd, the Grampians hold significant Aboriginal cultural heritage. Visit:

• Brambuk The National Park & Cultural Centre (Halls Gap) – Learn about the area’s First Nations history and stories.
• Bunjil’s Shelter – One of Victoria’s most important Aboriginal rock art sites.

5. Food & Wine

The region surrounding the Grampians is a gourmet haven:

• Wineries: Enjoy cool-climate wines at Seppelt, Best’s Wines, and boutique cellar doors around Great Western.
• Local Produce: Farmgate shops, bakeries, and farmers’ markets feature artisan cheeses, olives, and seasonal produce.
• Dining: Halls Gap has excellent eateries, from casual cafés to fine dining.

6. Family-Friendly Activities

• Halls Gap Zoo: Victoria’s largest regional zoo, with over 160 species.
• Lake Bellfield: Perfect for kayaking, fishing, or picnicking.
• Adventure Golf: A hit with kids and families looking for a break from hiking.

Best Time to Visit the Grampians

The Grampians is beautiful all year, but seasons offer unique experiences:

• Autumn (March – May): Mild hiking weather, colourful foliage.
• Winter (June – August): Quiet trails, misty mountains, roaring waterfalls.
• Spring (September – November): Wildflowers bloom, waterfalls flow strongly.
• Summer (December – February): Warm days for swimming in rock pools; plan early hikes to avoid the heat.

Accommodation in the Grampians

From luxury retreats to campgrounds, the Grampians caters to all travellers:

Luxury & Boutique Stays:

• DULC Cabins (Halls Gap)
• Boroka Downs Eco Villas
• Grampians Chalets

Family-Friendly Cabins & Lodges:

• BIG4 NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park
• Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park

Camping & Caravan Parks:

• Borough Huts Campground
• Smiths Mill Campground
• Jimmy Creek Campground

Or, find your dream accommodation on Expedia

How to Get to the Grampians

By Car: The easiest way is to drive to the Grampians by car from Melbourne, which will take approximately 3 hours to get there. The park is well signposted.

By Bus: V/Line services run from Melbourne to Halls Gap, though less convenient than driving.

By Tour: Guided day trips and multi-day tours depart Melbourne, ideal for those without a car.

Tips for Your Grampians Adventure

• Start Early: Popular spots like the Pinnacle can get busy — early mornings mean fewer crowds and softer light for photography.
• Pack Layers: Weather can change quickly; bring warm layers, even in summer.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry water on all hikes, especially in summer.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe kangaroos and emus from a safe distance.
• Check Alerts: Visit the Parks Victoria website for track closures or fire warnings.

Why the Grampians Should Be on Your Aussie Bucket List

The Grampians combines dramatic landscapes, rich Aboriginal history, wildlife encounters, and gourmet delights, making it a dream destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Whether you want to conquer the Pinnacle hike, sip cool-climate wine, photograph stunning sunsets, or simply disconnect in nature, the Grampians delivers an unforgettable escape.

We hope that you are able to tick the Grampians in Victoria, Australia off your Aussie Bucket List soon! Please continue to browse our other blog posts for further inspiration on travelling Australia.

Article by Samantha Porter - Aussie Bucket List Founder & Travel Writer

Photo credits: Visit Grampians and Brambu Cultural Centre

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