Just ten minutes down the road from the popular tourist town of Halls Gap is Pomonal, a picturesque village set against the eastern side of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
A true hidden gem of the region, Pomonal offers a slice of everything that the Grampians is celebrated for – stunning views, adventures on water, and local produce that can be purchased direct from farm gates and cellar doors.
Established in 2017, Pomonal Estate is a winery, microbrewery and cider house that has become a popular haunt for locals and tourists alike. Guests can order from a menu of light lunch options, platters, and homemade cakes that all hero local produce and match their beverage list.
You can also wake up to breathtaking views at Pomonal Estate’s Mt Cassel Villa which accommodates up to eight people or take advantage of the newly launched pick up and drop off service, Hitch-A-Ride, with Ambush Grampians where the driving will be done for you for just $25 a person, $45 per couple or $55 for a family.
Pomonal is also home to Barney’s Bistro and Bar, one of the region’s more unique dining experiences. Housed in an old, renovated shearing shed, diners can soak up the venue’s rustic charm while enjoying a drink at the bar or playing a round of pool.
Just a stone’s throw away is the farm gate of Red Rock Olives, producers of award-winning extra virgin olive oil, table olives, flavoured salts and more.
Once you’ve finished up at Red Rock Olives, pop over the road to Five Ducks Farm and discover their extensive selection of organically grown, handmade preserves from the fruit grown on their small farm, including passionfruit curd, yellow box honey, jumble berry jam and apricot conserve.
Their farm gate shop is open from Friday to Sunday for sales and tastings of their full range, plus head home with a delicious homemade ice cream – you can’t go past the peanut butter.
Continuing through the heart of Pomonal you’ll find the Grampians Store, a great stopping point to grab a coffee and admire some of the arts and crafts of the region. The talented James McMurtrie also houses his glass blowing studio in Pomonal.
Those looking for a nature retreat, head to Lake Fyans Holiday Park. Situated on the bank of Lake Fyans this Holiday Park is a great destination for swimming, water skiing, boating and fishing, with good stocks of brown trout, rainbow trout and redfin.
If you wish to stretch your legs, a 9.6km walking track around the lake is a great way to explore the plant life and bird trails.
Pomonal Cottages offers another place to rest your head in the area. Set on 14 acres abundant with wildlife, you’ll find both space to breathe plus plenty to do with a barbeque and group dining area, playground and recreation room with table tennis, not to mention a solar heated lagoon pool, perfect for a dip after your day’s adventures. Book one of six two- bedroom self-contained cottages.
