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A 7-Day Caravanners Itinerary for Grampians Grape Escape

1 Mar 2024

Grampians Grape Escape is almost here, and there’s no better way to experience it than an epic caravan adventure exploring the breathtaking landscapes and indulgent food and wine on offer in the Grampians region. We’ve taken the hard work out of planning your journey and created this seven-day itinerary designed to immerse you in the charm of the area before, during, and after the Grampians Grape Escape festival. From tranquil lakeside retreats to the lively festival atmosphere, each day promises a new adventure.

Lake Fyans 2

Wednesday 1st May:

  1. Arrive at the Lake Fyans Holiday Park and set up camp for the week. Or, spend a couple of nights at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park first, and then shift camps for a change of scene, as Lakeside does book out for the festival early (better book ahead for 2025!). Other great options for caravanners and campers include two Breeze Holiday Parks and the Big 4 NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park, all of which offer bus options to and from the festival.
  2. Enjoy some leisure time by Lake Fyans – perhaps cast a line or pre-book a canoe tour with Absolute Outdoors.
  3. Head to Barney’s Bistro for dinner and feast on a hearty pub meal served with warm hospitality.
Fish Falls Waterfalls

Thursday 2nd May:

  1. Explore the northern region of Grampians National Park, Gariwerd. Take an off-road track via Roses Gap or opt for the highway. Stop by Grampians Olive Co for a refreshing coffee and a delightful platter lunch. Visit Mount Stapylton Wines for a delightful cellar door tasting experience (advance booking recommended).
  2. Head to Halls Gap via Wartook Valley. Park at Zumsteins Picnic Area and Historical Site and stretch your legs with a short walk to Fish Falls, which can also be accessed on a longer hike from MacKenzie Falls.
  3. Have dinner at Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co in Halls Gap and don’t miss out on the exceptional tasting paddle. If you can’t make it to Mount Stapylton Wines or Paper, Scissors Rock Brew Co on this day, don’t worry, as they will both be at Grampians Grape Escape over the weekend.
Screen Shot 2024 03 01 at 10 58 11 am

Friday 3rd May:

  1. Head out on a bushwalk. With over 100 walks in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, choosing one can be tough. Chatauqua Peak is a favourite, offering a view of the festival grounds from the top. Make sure to tag @ggefest in your snaps of the view.
  2. Lunch at the Halls Gap Hotel is a must. Their menu features all your pub favourites along with plenty of local wines to choose from. The hotel is family-friendly, with an indoor and outdoor playground and a spacious grass field.
  3. Grampians Grape Escape’s Feel-Good Friday (FGF) gates open at 4 pm and close at 8:30 pm. Enjoy live music from five bands, an array of food trucks, and a handpicked selection of wines and other regional bevvies. FGF lets the region come together to celebrate the end of vintage, setting the stage for a weekend of epic proportions. It's our way of showing visitors the true spirit of our community - a warm, fun welcome that's as vibrant as the festival itself.
Wine Tasting at GGE High Res

Saturday 4th May:

Brace yourself for a monumental weekend at the festival village on Saturday and Sunday, with 100 stalls offering a treasure trove of delights, from exquisite wine and top-shelf whisky to tantalising food options from calamari to Spanish paella. There are also some great shopping opportunities for local products like candles and handmade harvest boards. Saturday and Sunday also feature masterclasses, guest chef demonstrations, live music, and plenty of free fun for the kids. Highlights of the day include guest chefs, Nornie Bero and Tim Bone and the Grampians Winemakers Barrique Auction.

Live Music at Grampians Grape Escape High Res

Sunday 5th May:

Continue the festivities at Grampians Grape Escape! Sunday at the festival has a more relaxed vibe, with many people returning to buy what they tried the day before. While still buzzing with excitement, there’s more room for kids to run around, and only those who attend this day will have the opportunity to meet guest chefs Karen Martini and Gourmet Farmer’s Matthew Evans. Don't miss festival favourites on the music stage, 19-Twenty and Madhouse! Plus, pet parents can enjoy a fresh pet food masterclass by Chefs & Dogs.

Seppelt Underground Cellars 1

Monday 6th May:

  1. Wrap up your trip with a visit to Great Western, the renowned wine village. Enjoy wine tastings and an underground tour of The Drives at Seppelt.
  2. Then, savour lunch at Grampians Estate.
  3. Finish with a wine tasting and platter at the historic red gum slab cellar door at Best’s Wines or book a tasting session at Miners Ridge Vineyard for a perfect conclusion to your Grampians wine adventure.
  4. Or, stop by Mount Langi Ghiran, listed as one of the most beautiful vineyard sites in Australia, and serving a delicious selection of cool-climate wines with Shiraz being their hero.
Walk to Mac Kenzie Falls

Tuesday 7th May:

There’s always something to do on the route home, and as we say, “Always Take The Long Way Home”. Check out visitgrampians.com.au for ideas on things to do around Horsham, Hamilton, Ararat, and Stawell.

This itinerary promises an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes and culinary delights of the Grampians region. Enjoy your caravan adventure for Grampians Grape Escape!