1. Wildlife galore
The Grampians is home to abundant wildlife, which you’re likely to spot while walking a trail or chilling out by your campsite. But you can also encounter a diverse range of native species at local sanctuaries. Halls Gap Zoo has over 120 native and exotic creatures to see, while Rosehaven Farm lets you get up close to fluffy alpacas and miniature donkeys.
2. Epic hikes & lookouts
Start your outdoor adventure in the southernmost part of the park at Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon) where you can traverse river crossings, hop across rocks and hike through open woodland to reach the peak. Alternatively, base yourself in Halls Gap and tackle two of our favourite climbs: Mount Rosea and The Balconies. After your hike, cool off at Venus Baths or head to Boroka Lookout for jaw-dropping panoramic views.
Image: Boroka Lookout, Halls Gap
3. Cascading falls
Whoever said you shouldn’t chase waterfalls clearly hasn’t seen the majestic ones in the Grampians. Tackle the steep climb to the base of MacKenzie Falls to see the sheer force of the water plummeting from atop one of the state’s biggest falls, or head upstream and see where the MacKenzie river flows into Broken Falls.
4. Gourmet grand tour
Sample the best of the region and stock up on local produce at popular pit stops and farm gate shops like Grampians Olive Co, Five Ducks Farm and Grampians Providore. Or if you're feeling fancy, why not indulge in a spot of gourmet destination dining at the renowned Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld?
Image: Royal Mail Hotel Kitchen Garden, Dunkeld
5. Indigenous heritage
Discover a culture that’s been 60,000 years in the making with a visit to Brambuk. Here, you can take a traditional and contemporary journey through Gariwerd National Park through the eyes of the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung people. While out on the land, visit the Bunjil Shelter in Black Range Scenic Reserve near Stawell to see the only-known Bunjil rock painting.
6. Cool climate wines
If you’re after distinctive, cool-climate wine from a mixture of boutique and large wineries, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find the picturesque Fallen Giants Vineyard in the east, Great Western in the heart of wine country, and the award-winning Grampians Estate. For a winery, microbrewery and cider house experience, Pomonal Estate offers great tastings and sit-down dining.
Image: Fallen Giants Vineyard, Halls Gap
7. Spooky ghost tours
Take a trip on the darker side and step into the region’s more sordid history on a spine-chilling tour. If you dare, enter the former home of Victoria’s criminally insane with a tour of J Ward Lunatic Asylum at the old Ararat gaol. You can also walk the halls of the Aradale Lunatic Asylum and hear stories of the site’s bizarre history.
8. Rock climbing
Beginner or aficionado? Whatever your level, there are climbing spots or tour groups you can join to make the most of the dramatic rock formations that make the Grampians a rock climbing haven. In Gariwerd National Park, more than 60 percent of the park’s 65,000 hectares is available to climbers, particularly in the Wonderland Area, The Watch Towers and Mount Stapylton Amphitheatre.
Image: Rock climbing with Hangin' Out in Gariwerd-Grampians
9. What's on
The Grampians hosts hundreds of world-class events every year, ranging from the prestigious Powercor Stawell Gift, a foot race which has been running since 1878, to Grampians Grape Escape, where you can while the weekend away with great bevs, great food and even greater live entertainment.
10. Outdoor art
Victoria’s largest outdoor gallery, the Silo Art Trail, runs through parts of the Grampians. The perfect start point is Horsham followed by a journey west to take in spectacular works of art from local and international street artists that have transformed old wheat silos across the state.
Image: Rupanyup Silo Art
