When it comes to dining out as a family, nothing beats the Grampians. As a region rich with fresh produce, vibrant flavours and welcoming staff, there’s an array of restaurants to refuel and entertain the kids before your next adventure.
With summer school holidays around the corner, start planning ahead with our guide to the best family-friendly restaurants in the Grampians.
We’ve also included some family-friendly accommodation options if you plan to linger a little longer.
Located in the popular township of Ararat, Ararat Hotel is housed in a recently renovated vintage art deco building. Their traditional menu features a strong Italian influence and plenty for the kids to enjoy, including classic Bolognese and mini chicken parmigiana. All meals are prepared with locally sourced, fresh ingredients and served in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Eastern Grampians is also home to several family-friendly wineries. Families can play a game of bocce on the grounds at Mount Langi Ghiran and wander the outdoor spaces while they sip and savour delicious wines. Relax and rejuvenate at Pomonal Estate, with picturesque scenes of the Grampians, terrific local food and wine, complete with special kids’ menu items.
Afterwards, be sure to pop over to Five Ducks Farm and pick up organically grown, handmade preserves featuring their fresh farm produce.
To truly experience this serene part of the region, extend your stay with a camping adventure at Acacia Holiday Park, or add a touch of luxury with Wanderlust Glamping.
Kids will love taking their tastebuds on a journey at Spirit of Punjab Indian Restaurant. With over 90 dishes to choose from, each prepared from mild to hot, we guarantee the little ones will find something they love. Spirit of Punjab uses fresh ingredients and pure spices to create vibrant flavours and textures. Sit back in their restaurant filled with cultural treasures for the kids to delight over and overlook the beautiful Grampians scenery or settle in their beer garden where the kids can look out at birds and grazing kangaroos. Last not but not least, their ground-breaking robot waiters are always a highlight for the kids.
Flame Brothers Restaurant and Bar is located in the heart of Halls Gap. This Texas-style smoke house serves a range of BBQ meats, burgers and smaller sharing plates in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Kids can play on the hill or in the creek, while parents relax and enjoy the scenery on the deck. They also boast an extensive beverage list heroing local wine and breweries, plus sodas for the kids. Hot tip – their kids’ Mac and Cheese is so good it will even have adults swooning.
Explore the township further and extend your stay at one of the town’s family-friendly accommodation venues. Halls Haven provides spacious rooms for families of larger sizes – kids can also get up close to the animals and take part in morning feeds. For families seeking a luxurious escape, Golton in the Gap is a modern architecturally designed home with stunning mountain views.
Check the family into an apartment-style getaway at Tim’s Place; unwind and reconnect with nature at Grampians Pioneer Cottages; stay in a beautiful garden setting with an onsite children’s playground at Grampians View Cottages and Units; or opt for a quiet stay surrounded by Australian bushland at Pinnacle Holiday Lodge.
This warm and inviting Indian restaurant in Horsham is the perfect place to stop for a big family feed. ROOH’s menu is full of colourful flavours and traditional Indian dishes presented in a modern way. The name, ‘Rooh’, means positive spirit, so expect a memorable family dining experience.
While in Horsham, make the short drive to one of Australia’s oldest olive groves, Grampians Olive Co to try estate-grown olives and artisan olive oils.
The Capital Bistro is an à la carte restaurant located at the Comfort Inn Capital in Horsham suited for families with older children. The menu is designed to tantalise your tastebuds with a range of modern and classic cuisine. The hotel itself offers guests a quiet stay close to Horsham’s town centre. Prior to dining, we recommend taking the short walk to the Horsham Botanic Gardens to view the stunning display of flowers and greenery.
