by The Grampians National Park is a treasure in Western Victoria, with rugged mountains, abundant wildlife, ancient rock art and views for days across a dramatic landscape. This ultimate road trip will show you all the best of the Grampians Region—whether you want adventure, history or just pure beauty and natural wonders. From the biggest waterfalls in the area to lookouts and wildlife spotting, this guide has got you covered. You can also book organised Grampians tours with a guide from Merbourne.
Day 1: Melbourne to Halls Gap (Approx. 3 Hours)
Morning: Start your trip with a 3-hour drive from Melbourne to Halls Gap, in the middle of Grampians National Park. The drive begins with a scenic drive through Western Victoria, with optional stops at some historic sites like Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. This living museum takes you back to the Gold Rush era and is a great place to learn about Victoria’s history.
As you drive along the Ararat-Halls Gap Road, you’ll start to see the mountain vistas of the Grampians. With mountains looming above the landscape, this drive is full of photo opportunities and wildlife spotting (kangaroos, emus and birds).
Afternoon: Arrive in Halls Gap village, your base for the Grampians National Park. Check into your accommodation—Grampians View Cottages for a snug and scenic stay or one of the luxury hotels nearby.
Start your trip with a visit to the Brambuk Cultural Centre to learn about the Aboriginal history of the region. This centre has exhibits about the area’s ancient history including Aboriginal rock art sites throughout the park. These are some of the most significant sites in Australia and give insight into the lives of the traditional owners of the land.
Afternoon: Take a walk around town or head to the Venus Baths for a gentle walk in beautiful surroundings. Another great way to start your trip is to visit Boroka Lookout, one of the best lookouts in the park. With views of Halls Gap, Lake Bellfield and the Wonderland Range, this is a great spot for photos.
Evening: For dinner, head to the Royal Mail Hotel, famous for its award-winning wines and farm-to-table food. After dinner take a sunset drive to Reed Lookout for views of the Victoria Valley and Serra Range. As the sun goes down the landscape turns golden and is a great spot for evening photography.
Day 2: Hiking, Wildlife and Waterfalls
Morning: Day two starts with a hike to The Pinnacle from the Wonderland Car Park. This tough but rewarding walk has the best views in the Grampians and is one of the most popular things to do in the park. Along the way, you’ll walk through the Grand Canyon, a natural gorge that shows off the ruggedness of the rock formations.
If you don’t want to do the tough walk to The Pinnacle you can do Boronia Peak or Chautauqua Peak – both have great views and shorter walks that are still worth doing. These walks are great for wildlife spotting – you’ll see wallabies and various bird life along the way.
Afternoon: No trip to the Grampians is complete without seeing the waterfalls. Head to Mackenzie Falls, one of the biggest waterfalls in Victoria, and feel the force of the water. Then head to Silverband Falls and Beehive Falls – both are quieter and just as beautiful if you want to avoid the crowds.
For lunch, you can have a picnic near Lake Bellfield, a lovely spot to relax and unwind. The lake is also great for kayaking or paddleboarding – a peaceful oasis in the middle of the park.
Evening: As the day comes to a close head to Lake Wartook. In the peaceful Wartook Valley this is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Wildlife spotting is abundant here – kangaroos, emus and water birds live here.
FAQ
What are the top hikes in Grampians National Park?
The Pinnacle, Mount William and Mount Abrupt are the best hikes, with views, steep climbs, views and native wildlife.
How long should I stay in the Grampians?
4-5 days is ideal to see the Grampians National Park, waterfalls, rock art and lookouts. But a day trip from Melbourne is possible.
When should I visit the Grampians?
The best time to visit is spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) when the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom.
Can I bring the kids?
Yes, Grampians National Park is family friendly, easy hikes, native wildlife spotting and Halls Gap Zoo for animal lovers.
Are there places to stay within the park?
Yes, there are many options, such as Grampians View Cottages, luxury hotels, and campgrounds with unpowered sites for those who want to get up close and personal with nature.
