Summer holiday fun, what to do in the Grampians this summer
Just three hours from Melbourne, the Grampians is the perfect destination for an adventure this summer. From breathtaking helicopter rides, picturesque wineries, animal encounters, delicious food and award-winning experiences, the region is an oasis waiting to be discovered.
Here is our guide for a summer holiday in the Grampians.
If you’re visiting the Grampians for the first time this summer and aren’t sure where to start, join one of the many tours operating in the region.
Open your eyes to the wonder of the Grampians with Ambush Grampians. Offering a variety of tour options, including Hop On & Off Tours and Dawn & Dusk Tours, it’s a wonderful way to uncover the region.
Wine lovers will love taking an insider’s tour with award-winning Grampians Wine Tours. Discover underground cellars, chat to winemakers, learn about wine history and taste award-winning wines.
Explore the Grampians picturesque scenes from the rear two seats of a Boom Mustang with Grampians Trike Tours, or view our beautiful land from above with a scenic helicopter flight with Grampians Helicopters.
The Grampians is a fantastic destination for families seeking an adventure this summer. Start by exploring the 18km of shared bike path through Fyans Valley withHalls Gap E-Bike Hire. Feel the wind in your hair and the sunshine on your back as you travel the stunning valley.
For the slightly less adventurous families, head to Rosehaven Farms this summer for a unique country farm experience. Here, families can enjoy cuddling and feeding friendly animals, including donkeys, alpacas and sheep.
Animal lovers of all ages will love discovering Halls Gap Zoo, which is home to over 160 native and exotic animals, from cheetahs and red pandas to kangaroos and wallabies. In the warmer months, take advantage of the BBQ and picnic facilities, playground and roaming wildlife.
In the heart of Halls Gap, Grampians Adventure Golf is an exciting outdoor 18-hole course surrounded by beautiful bushland and gardens. After having a hit, head over to the adjacent MOCO Gallery and enjoy some refreshments in Adventure Café Bar. The ever-changing gallery collection showcases some incredible work from glass blowers, painters and more.
The Grampians is home to incredible wineries worth visiting for a cheeky summer tipple. Stop in at Seppelt Wines to sample their iconic Sparkling Shiraz or perhaps take a tour of their historic underground wine cellars, The Drives.
Summer is the perfect time to visit Mount Langi Ghiran to enjoy their Picnic Idyll experience. Find a space amongst the rolling hectares of vineyards with a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board to truly relax.
Have a seat outside at Pomonal Estate, Best’s Wines or Grampians Estate where you can sample award-winning Grampians wine while admiring picturesque ranges and surrounding vineyards. Over in Western Victoria’s Grampians region, Miners Ridge Wines is home to some of the region’s finest wines where only a small quantity is produced each year, making a visit all the more special.
Spend the sunny season embracing the outdoors in the Grampians. Find the perfect picnic setting, take a dip after a long day of adventure or be mesmerised by our stunning waterfalls.
Experience the thrill of rock-climbing and abseiling with Hangin’ Out in the Grampians, or mountain biking, canoeing and Stand-Up Paddleboarding with Ambush Grampians. Avid hikers will love tackling the 13-day Grampians Peaks Trail, or choose from a range of stunning overnight hikes. We recommend picking up the Grampians Walks guide to the 86 walks in the Grampians National Parks.
For more hikes in the Grampians check out our guide to the top 10 hikes and walks in the region.
Fuel up for your next adventure at one of the Grampians’ amazing dining options. The Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld offers stylish comforts with glorious mountain views and two great restaurants. Be sure to book in at Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel for unforgettable dining, or enjoy a more casual setting at Parker Street Project.
Located in Halls Gap, Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co pours excellent beers and brings a street-food-inspired fusion menu while at Flame Brothers you’ll find the mouth-watering aromas coming from the Texas-style BBQ smoker set the scene.
The Kookaburra Hotel offers classic pub-style dining and boasts a courtyard beer garden with eight beers and ciders on tap, takeaway liquors and a relaxed ambience. In Ararat, find casual all-day bistro-style dining at Ararat Hotel with an Italian flair.
Plan your summer getaway around one of the many events taking place across the Grampians region this season.
Pomonal Estate’s Twilight Cinema
Pomonal Estate is hosting a Twilight Cinema dedicated to Olivia Newton John. Grease will be playing on the big screen as food and drinks are served. All monies raised will go to Olivia Newton John’s Cancer Wellness & Research Centre (dress in pink!)
Where: Pomonal Estate, 2079 Pomonal Road, Pomonal
When: Saturday 28 January, 2023
Time: 6:30 pm
More information: available here
Save the date! Grampians Grape Escape is back in 2023!
Bringing wine, food, music and fun to all the people out there, Grampians Grape Escape is back on 5 to 7 May 2023. More information available here.
