The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is worth a visit throughout every season. With the colder weather upon us, pack all your favourite knitted sweaters and bring your whole family along for a road trip through the wintery valleys and forested terrain.
Also don’t forget to bring the Grampians Walks book with you, a walking guide for the Grampians Peaks Trail and more with fantastic routes for all types of hikers.
Read along to find out which places you should visit for your winter road trip adventure in the Grampians.
Home to one of the major outdoor adventure places in the Grampians, visit the North to find beautiful natural attractions. Nestled in the heart of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, stop by Halls Gap for a variety of activities at your doorstep. From hiking starter points to wildlife exploration, this area is renowned for its stunning sights.
Stay at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park for the mountain views and easy access to Lake Bellfield, check in to an award-winning hostel at YHA Grampians Eco or get cosy in the Breeze Holiday Parks - Grampians and Breeze Holiday Parks - Halls Gap. If looking for luxurious accommodation in Halls Gap, unwind at Heath House or Hemley House in the heated jacuzzi or wake up to a beautiful mountain backdrop at Halls Gap Escape. Or, get in touch with Halls Gap Accommodation Booking Service for a helping hand with finding the right place to stay.
Start your visit browsing local wares and tasty treats from the variety of stores in Halls Gap township, before taking a break at the Adventure Cafe Bar for a scrumptious bite or locally produced wine. Then continue your Northern Grampians road trip with a visit at the Halls Gap Zoo, exhibiting more than 160 native and exotic animals.
With native wildlife as neighbours, adventure camps and relaxing retreats, you can easily stay several days in this beautiful district. Base yourself in Dunkeld at the likes of Grampians Retreat, a secluded bush sanctuary perfect for families, schools and groups. Or the cosy Southern Grampians Cottages may take your fancy with its maintained gardens and range of private cottages to suit families or couples. Take the easy drive or wander into town for the homestyle cooking of Izzy’s Cafe, a Dunkeld stalwart that has been serving locals and travellers for almost 20 years. Izzy’s house made pies are not to be missed!
Serious foodies and wine lovers will no doubt plan their trip around the array of experiences on offer from the Royal Mail Hotel and its two restaurants; Parker Street Project and the two-hatted Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel. Be it the Kitchen Garden Tour, Wildlife Conservation Education experience, a tasting at the Southern Hemisphere’s largest private collection of Bordeaux and Burgundy wines or a multi-night, all-inclusive package - the Royal Mail Hotel is as unique as the landscape it looks onto.
Arriving in the East, you will be welcomed by Ararat’s sweeping landscapes and jaw-dropping beauty. While exploring the area, definitely visit Moyston, the birthplace of AFL, plus the centre of fun activities at Grampians Adventures where you can challenge your group to a big paintball session.
Head to Pomonal and see a picturesque village famous for its wildflowers and orchids. In the colder season flowers might be less of an attraction but the views are still absolutely worth staying for longer.
Drop into the cellar door at Pomonal Estate for cool climate wines and small-batch beers and ciders, alongside seasonal platters and eats from the talented team. Stay at Wirreanda Farm where you can reconnect with nature in a sustainable, respectful and responsible way. Overlooking Mount William (Duwul) and the Redman Bluff (Ngarra Mananinja Gadjin) mountain ranges, it’s also a unique spot for a wedding venue.
Nature-lovers will get an experience they won’t forget when visiting the Western Grampians. Starting with a restful night’s sleep at Horsham Holiday Park - the ideal home away from home for your road trip adventures to take off. Or for those seeking a more luxurious escape, the beautiful Meringa Springs resort overlooking Wartook Valley is a magnificent way to soak in the serenity.
While in the west, explore ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and breathtaking peaks, see Victoria’s largest waterfall MacKenzie Falls (Mikunung Wira) and catch brilliant sunset views from the wide-open spaces.
Continue the adventure at Barangaroo Boutique Wines, known for its vermentino vertical wine flight, the drops available at Barangaroo even better when enjoyed from the heated undercover deck.
Try the cool climate wines, visit captivating art galleries, go on exciting hiking trails and be amazed by the spectacular Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park this winter. A road trip with your family and friends will make this journey one to talk about for the years to come!
