This road trip itinerary is crafted for travellers who cherish the journey as much as the destination, featuring stops that highlight the natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unique adventures in the heart of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Each stop is designed to be memorable and engaging, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of this stunning region.
Day 1: Arrival and Scenic Views
Morning: Arrival in Halls Gap
Begin your adventure with a leisurely breakfast or coffee break at a local café.
Mid-Morning: MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab)
Drive to MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab), one of Victoria's largest and most stunning waterfalls. There are several walking options:
MacKenzie Falls Walk
Embark on a steep walk to the base of MacKenzie Falls to see the waterfall up close and get a true sense of its power. Watch as water gracefully cascades down the sheer cliff face into the pretty pool below, creating a fine rainbow mist in the air. The walk is 2km return and you'll need to trek down 260 narrow steps to reach the base of the falls, so be prepared for a difficult climb back to the top.
MacKenzie Falls Lookout Walk (wheelchair and pram friendly)
Enjoy sweeping views of MacKenzie Falls and the MazKenzie River from Bluff Lookout. The 1.9km return walk meanders through stringybark forest. The lookout is the only spot where you can see multiple cascades of the river flowing through the gorge.
Broken Falls Walk (wheelchair and pram friendly)
Admire beautiful views of the upper sections of MacKenzie Falls on the Broken Falls Walk. The 500m walk is wheelchair friendly and has only a slight track gradient. Broken Falls Lookout is one of the best places to see the impressive geological formations of the MacKenzie River Gorge.
MacKenzie River Walk (Bun-nah Trail)
One of the Grampians' best kept secrets, the MacKenzie River Walk winds its way along the river through young eucalypt forest. Best tackled by fit walkers, the 7km return walk starting at Zumsteins Picnic Ground (Fish Falls 4.2km return) can require water crossings, rock hopping and rock scrambling. Enjoy scenic views of tranquil waterholes, rocky escarpments and the terraced cascades of Fish Falls. Keep an eye out for wildlife.
Afternoon: The Balconies Lookout
Next, head to Reed Lookout and take the short walk to The Balconies. This easy hike offers dramatic views of Victoria Range, Lake Wartook and Mount Difficult, and is perfect for capturing spectacular photos of the Grampians' rugged landscapes and stunning sunsets.
Evening: Dinner in town
Return to Halls Gap for a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying dishes made from regional produce. If time allows, stroll through the town to soak up the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Day 2: Wildlife and Active Adventures
Early Morning: Sunrise at Boroka Lookout
Start your day early with a drive to Boroka Lookout for an unforgettable sunrise. This spot is easily accessible and offers a panoramic view of Halls Gap and the encompassing wilderness, making it a perfect start to the day. Opt for a picnic breakfast here (picnic tables and toilets are available), or head back to Halls Gap for a coffee at one of the local cafes.
Morning: Halls Gap Zoo
Visit the Halls Gap Zoo, where you can interact with both native and exotic animals. It’s a great spot for families and wildlife enthusiasts to connect with nature.
Afternoon: Outdoor adventure with Absolute Outdoors
Engage in the thrilling activities offered by Absolute Outdoors, including rock climbing, abseiling, or a guided canoeing trip on one of the nearby lakes like Lake Bellfield or Lake Fyans, perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure.
Day 3: Cultural Deep Dive and Relaxation
Morning: Indigenous rock art sites
Delve into the rich Aboriginal heritage of the Grampians with a visit to Bunjil’s Cave to see ancient rock art. Learn about the significance of these sites and the stories they tell about the land’s original inhabitants.
Afternoon: Relax with a local wine tour
Grab a Grampians Wine Map and meander at your own pace, or immerse yourself in the best local food and wine while being guided by Grampians Wine Tours. Taste the region’s best wines and learn about the winemaking process.
Evening: Leisurely Dinner
Enjoy your final evening with a leisurely dinner at a local eatery, perhaps trying a venue like Flame Brothers or the Halls Gap Hotel, where you can chat with locals and share stories of your travels.
Departure Day: Morning Walk
Morning: Venus Baths
Before you leave, take a leisurely walk to Venus Baths, one of the Grampians National Park’s most unique and stunning attractions. Here, Stoney Creek flows gently over a beautiful sandstone shelf, creating picturesque pools of flowing water. The sloping stone walls on either side, along with the striking elephant’s hide rock formation, make this little oasis a must-see spot. It’s undoubtedly one of the top attractions in the Grampians.
Walk to Venus Baths from Halls Gap
Distance: 2.3 km circuit
Time: 1 hr
Starting point: Halls Gap Botanic Gardens
Difficulty: Easy
Two walking tracks travel to Venus Baths on either side of Stoney Creek.
One track begins behind the caravan park just outside the entrance to the Botanic Gardens. This option involves steps and uneven ground.
The other track begins over the bridge within the gardens themselves. This option has a flat path and is pram friendly.
There are excellent picnic facilities near the Botanic Gardens at the Halls Gap Playground and Picnic Area.
Walk to Venus Baths from Wonderland Carpark (Splitters Falls walk)
Distance: 3.8 km return
Starting point: Wonderland Carpark - walk to Splitters Falls / Halls Gap and continue on past the Splitters Falls turnoff to Venus Baths
Difficulty: Moderate
Head for home
Pack up and head towards home, and if time allows, stop at additional lookouts or local shops for last-minute souvenirs to remember your road trip through the Grampians.
