The ultimate guide to The Grampians
By: Bianca O'Neill
Tags: Travel, Hiking, Tourism, Australia, Traveling

Also known as Gariwerd, The Grampians is home to some of the best hikes and mountain vistas in Victoria — and as an added bonus, it’s right next door to the historical Great Western wine region.

As restrictions ease, but international travel still remains off the cards, Australians have been looking for local destinations to scratch their travelling itch. If stunning mountain vistas, prolific hiking tracks, and amazing wineries are on your list for the next getaway, Gariwerd (The Grampians) is just for you.

Here’s my ultimate guide to Gariwerd (The Grampians).

Day 1: The drive in

No matter which direction you’re coming into Gariwerd, you’ll most likely make a beeline for Halls Gap. It’s a popular base for all the key hikes and lookouts within the area, and it’s got some great accommodation options on offer for all budgets.

At the cheaper end, I’ve stayed in Halls Gap Lakeside a few times, and loved it. The basic-but-cute cabins overlook the nearby bush, and if you’re lucky enough to nab one at the bottom end of the park, you’ll be able to watch kangaroos and emus wander through the nearby field at sunset.

In the mid-range, try DULC. Their beautiful, architect-designed wood cabins peer out into the trees, nestled within their own private space in the woods. But fair warning; you may never want to leave.

At the top end, try the Royal Mail Hotel. Their famous restaurant Wickens is a must-do for any foodie in town (but book far ahead!), and their more casual dining option, Parker Street Project, also offers stay and dine packages.

You won’t want to go too hard on your first day, so check into your chosen accommodation and head to Reeds Lookout about an hour before sunset. There’s a beautiful view over the National Park from the lookout, and an easy, short 1km walk to the well-photographed Balconies.

A pair of flat rocks jut out from the side of the mountain, looming over the plunging ravine — and it makes for a pretty spectacular sunset shot.

Day 2: Wineries and natural wonders

Start the day with a beautiful morning hike to Venus Baths. The 2.3km loop takes you to a series of natural pools set within the bushland. In the summer months, plenty of visitors spend the day splashing around in the pools, or enjoying a picnic while perched on the rocks surrounding Stony Creek.

After your walk, head to nearby wine region, Great Western.

The Great Western Hotel is an excellent stop for lunch, if you skipped the picnic at Venus Baths. Try their seasonal menu, and choose a glass of wine from their local wine list.

Next stop is some afternoon wine tasting at the historical wineries in the surrounding area. Some of the grape vines at locals like Best’s Great Western, Seppelt, and Grampians Estate date back to the 1870s. The region is best known for Shiraz and Reisling — pick up a few bottles to take back to your Halls Gap base.

Day 3: Beautiful views

On your final day in The Grampians, it’s time to get serious with some stunning scenery. Try a short walk to Mackenzie Falls to ease you into an afternoon hike; the easy 1km path leads you to the lookout, or you can try the slightly longer walk down to the base of one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria.

Finally, it’s time to check out The Pinnacle.

There are a few options for tackling the ultimate lookout in The Grampians. If you’re looking for an easy track, start at Sundial Carpark and work your way up the 2.1km walk to the top. For a tougher ascent, try the 2.1km walk from Wonderland Carpark — it’s rocky and steep, but you’ll be rewarded with some excellent canyon views.

For those seeking a longer hike, head out from Halls Gap and complete the 9.6km, 5 hour hike via Venus Baths and Splitters Falls, then connect to the Wonderland Carpark circuit.

Day 4: Back to reality

On your final day, you’ll want to rest your weary legs — grab a coffee and check out Brambuk Cultural Centre, and learn more about Indigenous history in the area. Or, check out Grampians Olive Company, and taste test flavoured olive oils, delicious olives, and a range of punchy vinegars.

Why not pop into pretty Stawell on your way home? It’s home to the Bunjil Shelter, one of the most significant Indigenous cultural sites in this part of Victoria. If you’re headed north, you could try the Silo Art Trail — basically Australia’s biggest outdoor gallery. If you’re headed east, pop into Bendigo or Ballarat, Victoria’s gold rush towns.

Or, you can just burn it home down the highway, Instagrammable memories in hand. Either way, you’ll probably be back to Gariwerd soon.