The Grampians National Park is the ultimate escape for nature lovers. It's also a playground for outdoor adventurers and a haven for food and wine enthusiasts.
The Grampians has a fascinating Aboriginal story to tell. It's not hard to understand why this area holds a special place in their hearts, and you can get to know it better at the Brambuk Cultural Centre in Halls Gap.
How to Get There
The rugged Grampians National Park is home to a number of stunning waterfalls and lookouts with spectacular views. It also features a large variety of Aboriginal rock art sites.
The park is a popular destination in Victoria and is easily accessible by road from Melbourne. It is an important stop on the Great Southern Touring Route and is a good option for those looking to explore the state’s natural beauty.
It is possible to fit a lot into one day in the park, but you can spend a week or more exploring. If you are interested in hiking, canoeing, fishing or climbing, there are plenty of trails to choose from.
Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do in Grampians National Park, from exploring grand and rugged mountain ranges to checking out Aboriginal rock art sites. However, the most popular activity within the park is bushwalking.
There is a huge range of trails that cater to varying levels of fitness and abilities. From short and easy walks that are great for families, to challenging hikes perfect for those looking for a challenge.
The Grampians also offers a variety of waterfalls, including Mackenzie Falls and Silverband Falls. These spectacular natural formations are truly awe-inspiring and make for an unforgettable sight!
Hiking Trails
The Grampians National Park offers a huge variety of hiking trails to suit every walking ability. From easy creek-side walks to demanding scrambling on high peaks, you’ll find the perfect hike for you.
Hiking is a great way to get to know the Grampians and its flora, fauna and ancient Aboriginal culture. Discover fern-filled gorges, seasonal streams tumbling off the rock faces and breathtaking mountain panoramas.
Mount William (1170 m/3838 ft) is the highest peak within the Grampians and offers incredible views over Halls Gap, the surrounding mountains and across the entire park.
The hike to the Pinnacle lookout is a bit of a challenge, but is well worth it. The steep climb is well marked and has many painted arrows along the way, but it can be rocky in places so you’ll need to watch your footing.
Camping
Camping in the Grampians National Park is one of the most popular ways to experience this magnificent region. There are plenty of campgrounds within the park, and many are equipped with toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables.
In addition to these facilities, some campgrounds have bush showers. Campgrounds in The Grampians National Park require bookings and fees, but they are worth it for their convenient locations and facilities.
Those with an interest in art should check out the wide range of rock sites depicting the artworks of Aboriginal people. These can be viewed at Ngamadjidj Shelter, Billimina Shelter and Manja Shelter.
Wineries
The Grampians is home to many of Australia's most historic wineries. Here, you'll discover iconic brands such as Seppelt and Best's Great Western whose vineyards date back to the mid-1800s.
The region is also famed for its cool-climate spicy shiraz, which has won numerous awards. In fact, the area is considered to be one of Victoria's best viticultural regions.
A visit to the Grampians is not complete without a trip to the region's wineries. Here, you can take a tour of underground cellars, sample sweeping views of vineyards stretching out to the mountains, and taste delicate wines in a variety of styles.