When planning your next Grampians adventure, experience the region like a local with our insider tips.
From the region’s tastiest dishes to the most spectacular landscape views, Aidan from Grampians Pioneer Cottages shares a little local know-how to help you get the most out of your visit.
Why should we visit the Grampians in autumn?
As far as seasons go in the Grampians, it’s hard to top autumn. Cool, clear nights break into stunning mornings and beautiful warm days.. The smell of open fires at Easter and the colours of autumn foliage as you drive into town makes this season my absolute favourite.
What should visitors taste when they’re in the Grampians?
Grampians wineries are at their most picturesque in autumn with the changing colours of the vine leaves. Visit Fallen Giants Vineyard for their award winning Shiraz; Pomonal Estate & Mt Cassel Villa for lunch and a tasting paddle; Best’s Wines for their historical vineyard; and Grampians Estate for their sparkling Shiraz.
To soak up the local wine you can’t beat the Halls Gap Hotel Pork Belly Porchetta, any curry at Spirit of Punjab, or a burger from Paper Scissors Rock or Flame Brothers Restaurant & Bar.
What should visitors see when they’re in the Grampians?
There are so many accessible lookouts in the Grampians, each with a slightly different perspective. A walk along the wall of Lake Bellfield gives a wonderful view of town from the south, while Boroka Lookout offers a wide view of the surrounding landscape.
Check out our guide to the best scenic lookouts in the Grampians.
What should visitors do when they’re in the Grampians?
As a keen cyclist, I would have to recommend one of the many options the Grampians has to test your legs. Mount William (Duwil) is a 10km climb with a 2km lung buster towards the summit. Climbs to Reed Lookout or Boroka Lookout also provide stunning scenery while getting the legs burning.
My personal favourite is the 138km loop from Halls Gap to Dunkeld and back through the stunning Grampians range, with the obligatory coffee stop at the Dunkeld Old Bakery. For the more sedate cyclist, the bicycle track that runs through Halls Gap up to Bellfield Lake is a great option with the kids.
Finally, do you have any hidden gems you’d like to share?
If you’re travelling with youngsters, a picnic in the Halls Gap Botanical Gardens is a family pleaser. Devotedly maintained by local green thumbs, there are all sorts of wonders to entertain and enthral curious young minds.
For more picnic-perfect parks and gardens visit our guide here
