We Almost Don't Want to Tell People About This Place
Written by Chief Holiday Correspondent (Self-Appointed): Vanessa Briody
I’ve just returned from yet another winter weekend in the Grampians.
Some people think winter isn’t the best time to visit the Grampians. I think it's when the region is at its best.
The bush smells fresher. The waterfalls are flowing. And the wildlife seems to be everywhere.
On this trip alone we spotted kangaroos, plenty of cockatoos and kookaburras, and a herd of deer that literally crossed at the school crossing in Pomonal. One particularly curious emu at the historic Zumsteins Picnic Area seemed very interested in my brother's Subaru, giving the kids a super-close encounter. Perhaps it was the smell of hiking snacks. I relate, Emu. Although by that stage there were only everyone's least favourite yellow snakes left in the packet.
On one day, two families tackled the walk to the Pinnacle, the Grand Canyon and Silent Street. Now fully open again, it's every bit as spectacular as I - and my calves - remembered.
After a day of walking, climbing rocks and handing out snacks like it was a full-time job, we stopped for gelato from Gelato Guys. Partly because we'd earned it, and partly because it bought the mums just enough goodwill to enjoy a glass of wine with "Sommelier Simon" at Grampians Wine Cellar.
Then it was back to what I call my home away from home.
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, located next to Lake Bellfield.
I've travelled a lot over the years and stayed in more caravan parks than I could count, but this one has long been my favourite.
Partly because you simply can't beat the view from the valley floor, looking out to towering mountains, with kangaroos, emus and deer often wandering past.
But a very close second is the wood-fire-heated pools.
Yes, you read that right. A swimming pool heated not by the sun, not by electricity, but by a wood fire. The kids think it's the greatest thing ever invented. The adults appreciate that it burns off enough energy for an earlier bedtime. In theory.
The fully enclosed family bathrooms, located beside the pool and heated by the same wood fire (yep, crazy, right?!), are another thoughtful touch that makes a holiday just that little bit easier.
And while we stayed in a cabin this trip, that didn't stop hubby from wandering over to the camp kitchen to watch his beloved Blues scrape home by a few points while sitting by the fire.
He described it as the best seat in the park. Well, of course it was - given its safe distance from the dishes waiting back at the cabin.
My favourite ritual, though, is my evening walk around the park. Glass of wine in hand. Golden light on the mountains. Watching all of the kids squeeze every last minute out of the daylight.
I love to see families gathered around fire pits. Friends sharing stories from the day's adventures. Caravan setups that have me quietly taking notes for our next trip. The occasional parent savouring a local wine while enjoying five minutes of peace under the guise of "supervising". Again, I relate.
I also love seeing what's new around the park, like The Lodge, an impressive safari-style tent that sleeps eight and has recently joined the accommodation options. It's the kind of place that immediately has you texting friends, "Let's book here for our next trip."
In a world where everyone's usually rushing somewhere, it genuinely makes me happy seeing people so relaxed and connected. Between the campfires, the conversations, and the inevitable panel of "backing-in-the-van experts", there's a real sense of community here. I can only imagine how rewarding it must be for local owners Josephina and Rohan to see that every day.
It's also the thoughtful touches that keep us coming back.
The signs that remind you to slow down and reconnect. The support for local makers in the gift shop. The board games and DVD borrow that somehow still manages to compete with screens. The great coffee from reception that saves many a traveller from having to resort to - dare I say it - instant coffee.
The sunsets. The stars. The mountain air that seems to guarantee a better night's sleep.
All of it.
If you've never stayed at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park before, now's the time to book.
As someone who has been returning for years, I can honestly say it's one of those rare places that truly feels like a home away from home.
Book your next escape today.
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