If you’re looking for a reason to come to the Grampians, the Grampians Grape Escape should be top of your list. The iconic celebration of regional wine, food and music takes place in Halls Gap over the first weekend in May. It’s an opportunity to raise our glasses to local producers and makers.
If you are attending, why not linger a little longer? The Grampians is rich with experiences, from beautiful waterfalls and hikes, to regional wine tastings and restaurants. We’ve put together some of our favourite highlights and it’s safe to say these can’t be done in a day. Extend your stay in the Grampians and make the most of your road trip adventure.
You won’t want to leave the Grampians after you experience the peace and tranquillity of our majestic waterfalls.
MacKenzie Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria and falls all year round. Only a five-minute drive down the road from MacKenzie Falls is the magnificent Fish Falls, or take the wheel and follow the walking path to discover breathtaking views at Beehive Falls.
For more beautiful waterfall locations, check out our complete guide to waterfalls in the Grampians
Whether you’re an avid hiker or an occasional leg stretcher, the Grampians has it all. Venus Baths is an easy stroll from the heart of Halls Gap that circles through fern tree gullies and rock pools. Alternatively, take a more challenging route up Mount William and be rewarded with 360-degree views.
The newly opened Grampians Peaks Trail also has a number of day hikes ranging from difficult to easy. You can find our guide to easy hikes here.
Treat your tastebuds and visit some of our region’s best restaurants, pubs and cafes. Enjoy a Texas style BBQ feast at Flame Brothers in the heart of Halls Gap, or experience fine dining at Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld.
For delicious coffee and brekky be sure to stop at Livefast Lifestyle Café, or visit the acclaimed Dunkeld Old Bakery for freshly made pies, pastries and for yourself - a vanilla slice for your travels.
No trip to the Grampians is complete without experiencing our region’s award-winning wineries. Drop into one of Australia’s oldest family-owned and operated wineries, Best Wines, or head to Pomonal Estate for breathtaking views of the landscapes. Relax with a Shiraz in ATR Wines’ new wine lounge, or enjoy a family-friendly picnic at Mount Langi Ghiran.
With over 150 years of winemaking history, there’s so much to discover.
If you’re not a wine lover, try checking out some of our local breweries. For craft beer and live music, head to Paper Scissors Rock Co in Halls Gap. From there, we recommend making the trip over to Stawell for a cold one at Grampians Ale Works.
Check out our craft beer tasting trail to help you plan ahead of your stay.
The Grampians art scene thrives! Take your time browsing the exhibition of Australian inspired photography at Horsham Regional Art Gallery, discover the local treasure that is Hamilton Gallery or uncover unique textile and fibre art at the Ararat Gallery TAMA.
For more galleries, artists and artisans in the Grampians check out our recent guide.
Venture out of the gallery and into nature to discover ancient Indigenous rock art. Some sites date back more than 20,000 years! Embark on a journey of culture and history on the Grampians Rock Art Trail, which features five sites open for viewing.
There’s so much of the Grampians to explore from your own two wheels. Head out on the Grampians Rail Trail for eleven kilometres of fresh air, travelling from Stawell West to Mt Dryden Rd.
For more advanced riders, Boroka Lookout Loop is well worth the challenge for the incredible views at the end. Discover more twists and turns with our guide to cycling in the Grampians.
A holiday in the Grampians is the perfect family getaway, with activities for kids of all ages. You may want to consider extending your stay to interact with the adorable farm animals at Rosehaven Farm, or try your hand at a hole in one at Grampians Adventure Golf.
For a trip through history, why not take a guided tour though one of Ararat’s old Lunatic Asylums, J Ward or Aradale Asylum. For more family adventures, check out our guide to family fun in the Grampians.
What better reason to extend your stay in the Grampians than to experience some of the beautiful accommodation on offer? Aquila Eco Lodges is set amongst gorgeous surroundings of the Grampians National Park, perfect for a nature retreat. For a secluded and luxurious stay, make sure you check in at Kangaroos in the Top Paddock, or treat yourself to the ultimate glamping experience with Wanderlust Glamping.