We’re here: peak outdoor dining season, and where better to do it than in the Grampians? With a plethora of cafes, pubs, restaurants and wineries serving up delightful local fare and stunning vistas, al fresco, be sure to book in at least one outdoor dining experience on your summer visit.
Here’s but a sample of the options, to inspire you…
With a huge open verandah, further outdoor seating and an outdoor playground, Halls Gap Hotel makes the perfect spot for delicious bistro-style dining in the fresh air. The menu is extensive and includes a great kids section.
Settle into this Halls Gap Winery with a bottle of wine and local produce platter. With superb views of the Grampians, BBQ facilities, picnic rugs to borrow and a playground, Fallen Giants is a glorious place to dine outdoors.
Kookaburra Hotel offers classic pub-style dining right in the heart of Halls Gap and is home to a delightful courtyard beer garden. With eight beers and ciders on tap and an extensive food menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Bookings essential!
This Hamilton gem is a family owned and operated vineyard managed without the use of chemicals, hence the roaming geese, ducks and chickens. At Pierrepoint Wines enjoy a platter or picnic at one of the outdoor tables dotting the property’s lush lawns, paired with a glass of Estate Pinot Gris, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir of course!
Enjoy an Italian-style pizza, local wines and craft beer in the charming alfresco courtyard at Roxburgh House in Hamilton.
On the first Friday of each month, Montara Wines in Ararat hosts ‘Wine Down Fridays’, a celebration of wine, food and music – all in the great outdoors. Tasting platters are also available Friday-Monday 12-5pm.
Also in the east, Miners Ridge Wines offer a picturesque Sunset Wine Experience. It includes accommodation transfers, a wine tasting and a gourmet picnic of local produce curated to match wine to enjoy as you soak in the view from the vineyard’s highest vantage point.
Grampians Estate in Great Western opened a kitchen, dining room and deck earlier this year, where their own lamb takes pride of place on the menu. Book a table on the deck or elsewhere outdoors to enjoy a delectable lunch heroeing local produce.
The Wander Inn in Wartook is a peaceful place to enjoy a meal in the lovely gardens, often visited by kangaroos and native birds. It’s fully licenced and the service is friendly and welcoming.
Also in the west, Barangaroo Boutique Wines’ new cellar door boasts a large outdoor deck overlooking a beautiful creek and distant mountains. Enjoy seasonal tasting platters to share and a selection of special boards.
Sit out on the lawn under the shade of an umbrella and enjoy a platter of local produce to match some of Norton Estate’s award-winning wine. Their widely lauded Arapiles Run Shiraz is not to be missed!
While the two-hatted Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel might get the spotlight, Parker Street Project is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a more relaxed lunch or dinner dining experience for couples, families or groups alike.
Enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt from the outdoor dining space over their a-la-carte menu which showcases in-season produce from the famous Royal Mail Hotel Kitchen Garden. The extensive Royal Mail wine cellar fuels the beverage list, alongside local spirits and creative cocktails made using botanicals picked daily.
Parker Street Project is open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner and Thursday to Saturday for lunch.
