The ramp up to Christmas is HECTIC and leaves us all feeling like we need a sunny break! Lucky for you the Grampians region really turns it on in Summer with plenty of opportunities to relax, explore and enjoy all that's on offer. From lakes and waterfalls to wineries and everything in between, make it your "go to" place to wine, dine, celebrate and get amongst nature this summer.
1. Refreshing days by the Lakes
Cool off in the lakes around the Grampians this summer!
Lake Bellfield provides you with a grand vista of the northern Grampians mountain range. It is the perfect spot to relax under shady trees and have a dip in the lakes calm waters. The lake offers sandy beaches for swimmers and easy access into the water. The lake is the local host spot for keen fishers, kayakers and canoers.
Lake Fyans has previously been voted the best swimming destination in the Grampians! Check it out for yourself and enjoy a day at the lakes sandy beach where the water is safe for all ages. Try boating, fishing and canoeing on the lake, or just splash around and chill out. Order takeaway fish and chips from the bistro at Lake Fyans Holiday Park and watch the sunset... Bliss!
2. Get some amazing photos to share on social
The Grampians is known by professional photographers around the world for its picture perfect scenery. With summer bringing the warm weather, blue skies and deep pink sunsets there is no better time to grab your friends and hit up the most Instagrammable places around the Grampians.
If you’re looking for the perfect start to the day then check out Boroka Lookout at sunrise for an iconic pink sky overlooking Halls Gap. If you are wanting a 360 degrees view of the entire mountain range you can walk to the summit of Mount William, despite the steep walk you will be rewarded with the perfect opportunity to snap that epic pano of the entire Grampians.
“Don’t go chasing waterfalls” is a popular caption choice for selfies taken at the iconic Mackenzie Falls. Only forty minuets from Halls Gap, the waterfall is one of the largest in Victoria and flows all year round.
Be sure to head to Reeds Lookout/ Balconies for one of the most amazing sunsets you will ever see. On a clear night watch the sun fall behind the mountains and the sky turn from orange to a pinky, purple haze. Make sure to take all the snaps you can because the colours change quickly, and you obviously want to have the perfect shot so you can brag about it to all your friends on the Gram!
3. Wild thing!
The Grampians is home to plenty of wildlife - kangaroos, emus, echidna and birdlife. There's plenty a places to see kangaroos around Halls Gap, or head to the Halls Gap Zoo to see over 160 species of animal. Channel your inner Steve Irwin by become a Zoo Keeper For the Day, go behind the scenes and experience feeding different animals such as wombats, meerkats, giraffes, lizards and snakes and now, a brand new southern white rhinosaurus called Kifaru!
4. Feel the beat at Grampians Music Festival
Grampians Music Festival aims to showcase the amazing Grampians region with 20 incredible new artists on the stage in February 2019, headed by Sampa the Great and Angie McMahon. Not only will you get to see some of the best Aussie acts on the scene, but the festival will also highlight the regions local produce, boutique wines and craft beer from some of the most exciting producers around – and in THE best location!
5. Wine O'Clock?!
There’s no better time of the year to sip on a cold, crisp glass of Riesling. The Grampians region produces some of the finest wine in Victoria and offers wines of every style. You’re spoilt for choice with plenty of cellar doors to visit – take the picnic rug, the sunnies and sunhat and relax and discover your favourite Grampians wine….. (keep room in the car to take some home!). Start your wine trail in the East at Mt Langi Ghiran Winery and follow your tastebuds from there to the Great Western wine village featuring Seppelt's, Best's and Grampians Estate. Continue on to Pomonal Estate and Fallen Giants then head West to Barangaroo Boutique Wines!
6. Picnics & Produce
Local producers are proud of their specialist meat, organic vegetables, free range eggs, sheep’s milk yoghurt, honey and pink salt from our historic salt lakes. Olive groves and farm gates, such as Red Rock Olives and Grampians Olive Co. create a striking landscape and award winning olive products and experience locally grown chick peas, capers and lentils. Chuck in the picnic blanket!
Local chefs thrive on integrating seasonal produce into their menus, including Harvest Halls Gap Cafe and Provedore, and the award-winning Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, one of Australia’s top dining destinations.
7. Outdoor Art Adventure
Gariwerd (Aboriginal name for Grampians) is pivotal to many ancient stories by Aboriginal communities in South-Western Victoria. The Grampians region has the largest number of rock art sites in Southern Australia and over 80% of Victoria’s rock art sites, six of these are open to the public.
The Grampians is also a great base to access Australia’s largest outdoor art gallery – the Silo Art Trail.
8. Quirky Local Events
Fancy a flutter at the Penshurst Boxing Day races or soak up some pure high-brow culture at Romeo & Juliet under the stars at the Hamilton Botanic Gardens.
In the North, check out a film screening in Halls Gap of Free Solo, an edge-of-your seat thriller and an inspiring portrait of an athlete.
In the East, the amazing Animalia exhibition at Ararat's gallery TAMA is not to be missed, and over in the West the hilarious Candy B makes her stand-up debut in comedy show Australian Booty.
9. Try out the all new Grampians Treasure Hunts at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park
A journey of discovery awaits!
Be one of the very first to test out the BRAND NEW Grampians Treasure Hunts for FREE as a guest at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park!
An exclusive for park guests, the owner has created multiple treasure hunts covering endless opportunities. Be adventurous, go where you haven’t been before and do things you have never done, even if you don’t know how it’s going to turn out!
The “Lets Kids be Kids” theme hunt focuses on families exploring and creating memories, “Summer Splash” is the next to be released and you don't want to miss it! Learn more HERE and book your stay at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park HERE.
10. It's the Ultimate Road Trip
Only 2 hours from Melbourne or 1 hour from Ballarat, the Grampians region provides the ultimate road trip where half the fun is the journey here - and most certainly the spectacular views on offer as you approach. Grab your mates, choose your favourite road trip playlist and hit the road… what are you waiting for, get packing!
