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[title]The Grampians – or Gariwerd to the Djab Wurrung and the Jardwadjali, traditional people of this area – is glorious from top to bottom. Upon entering the region, you’ll see and feel its possibilities all around you. Mountains beckon from afar, inviting you to climb their peaks and marvel at their incredible vistas. Idyllic lakes welcome you to swim, canoe or picnic along their tree-lined shores. And a superb selection of restaurants, cafés and wineries are at hand to surprise, delight and leave you utterly satisfied.
We've teamed up with Grampians Tourism and Visit Victoria for their 'Stay close, go further' campaign to give you a fresh guide on what makes the region wonderful. Welcome to the Grampians.
Drivers, please be advised: roads in and around the Grampians have potholes. While any vehicle should fare well on these roads (our late-'90s Toyota Seca did splendidly), we suggest you keep your eyes peeled for potholes throughout your journey.
Venus Baths Loop Walk | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
BACK TO NATURE
Get a view from on high
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or casual explorer, the Grampians boasts hikes and trails suited for all levels of experience. Quick jaunts, day trips or extended stays sleeping under the stars – the Grampians has it all in spades. These trails will take you into the heart of the Grampians, and while some routes may prove challenging at times, all are well worth the effort.
Up for a brisk, morning walk? Look no further. The 2.3km Venus Baths Loop Walk winds gently through lush, native forest and leads to one of Halls Gap’s natural wonders – rockpools carved out of the sandstone by millennia of wind and rain. So you’d best pack a swimsuit!
Once refreshed, hop in the car for a quick drive to MacKenzie Falls. One of Victoria’s largest waterfalls, this is a true sight to behold – though you’re likely to hear it long before you see it. As you make your way down the path (then down a set of fairly steep steps) you’ll hear the thunderous rush of water as it cascades down the sandstone, urging you forward. Once you see the falls, it’s near impossible to look away. It’s a long way down, but we promise it’s worth every second.
Bainggug | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
Camp, swim and play in a lake for all seasons
On your hikes you’ll likely notice two lakes in the distance. Don’t worry, they’re not mirages! Tucked away within these verdant mountains are Lake Wartook and Lake Fyans, some of the most beautiful bodies of water we’ve ever come across, and futher afield is Rocklands Reservoir. Captivating from afar and stunning up close, these lakes are well worth a visit.
West of the national park, Rocklands Reservoir is the perfect spot to pitch your tent in the cooler months, settle into nature and cast your rod. The second largest lake in Victoria is the place to fish for redfin, brown trout and yabbies and there are ample camping facilities.
Come summer, if high-speed water-sports are your thing, whisk away your friends and family to Lake Fyans, where you can waterski, paddleboard, splash around and bask in the sun. Just remember to slip, slop, slap please.
Parker Street Project | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
EAT
Fine dining in the foothills
After a day traipsing these gorgeous mountains, there’s nowhere we’d rather be than Parker Street Project in Dunkeld. An extension of the award-winning Royal Mail Hotel, Parker Street exemplifies the very best in modern dining. Featuring a seasonal menu showcasing produce from across the region, its dishes are meticulously prepared and a joy to eat. From gorgeous salads to succulent steak tartare, every item makes a lasting impression. In fact, the rolled lamb belly – stuffed with chicken mousse, slow cooked and glazed and served with carrot purée and smoked tomatoes – is so perfect we can't wait to come back and order it again.
Wine lovers can also book a tasting at the venue’s cellar across the road, which boasts the largest collection of Bordeaux and Burgundy in the Southern Hemisphere.
Salingers Café | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
Great food in Great Western
Established in 1861, Salingers Café serves delicious modern dishes in a historic building. From the 19th-century chandelier to the vintage timber flooring to the reclaimed archway leading the courtyard, everything feels warm, welcoming and steeped in history. If you’re passing through the little village of Great Western, this cosy café is a must-try for breakfast, lunch or a fine drop of local wine. We just couldn’t look past the ginger-spiced prawn dumplings, which paired oh-so-perfectly with a glass of Miners Ridge riesling.
Grampians Getaway | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
STAY
An elevated experience in a contemporary pyramid
The serene lakeside pyramids at Grampians Getaway are an experience like no other. From the minimalist architecture to the mid-century furnishings to the curated collection of modern art, every detail feels carefully considered to soothe the senses and elevate your stay. Elegant leather lounges beside the fireplace entice you to read, rest or simply contemplate how lucky you are to be here, while the balcony upstairs offers a sweeping view to the lake.
Southern Grampians Cottages | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
Stay with the kangaroos at a charming cabin in the woods
A beautiful slice of Australiana and a feast for the senses, Southern Grampians Cottages brings nature right to your doorstep – and, if you're lucky, some kangaroos too. Spread across a garden rich with native plants and teeming with wildlife, these family-friendly lodgings are the perfect place to relax, unwind and connect with the great outdoors. You’ll sleep like a log in these picturesque wood cabins.
Spirit of Punjab | Photograph: Carmen Zammit
WHILE YOU’RE THERE…
Spend an afternoon at picturesque Pomonal Estate, a winery that serves delectable food paired with exceptional wines, beers and ciders. With a strong focus on sustainability, produce is sourced locally and food scraps go to the animals on nearby farms. Be sure to try the wine and chocolate pairing flight, a medley of whites, reds and everything in between complemented by hand-made, hand-painted Belgian chocolates.
Have an unforgettable dinner at Spirit of Punjab, in the rolling hills of Halls Gap. From larger-than-life sculptures depicting Indian customs that greet you at the gates to mouth-watering Punjabi cuisine, this charming space transports you effortlessly to the highlands of northern India. If it weren’t for the kangaroos hopping across the lawn, or the occasional cockatoo squawk, you’d think you were in Punjab. Also, one of the wait staff is a robot. Yes, really.
Round out your trip with one of the region’s most incredible views. Named for the stone ledges that jut from the mountainside, the Balconies offers a jaw-dropping panorama of Grampians National Park. Take a moment to let it sink in. Trust us, that feeling of awe stays with you long after you hit the road.
Reed Lookout | Photograph: Carmen Zammit