3 day Grampians getaway, Grampians, Victoria, Australia

Circumnavigate the incomparable Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park on our self-drive Grampians getaway. Duck in and out of the park over three days to witness the magnificence of the countless attractions and find the best of what lies on its doorstep. Start your journey in Halls Gap and wind your way through the majestic mountains and Indigenous Australian rock art sites, stopping along the way to enjoy unforgettably rugged scenery, deliciously fresh local produce, award-winning wines and a variety of dining experiences.

Day one

Base yourself in Halls Gap, the heart of the Grampians. Feel the scale of the surrounding landscape and discover the ancient history of the area traditionally known as Gariwerd.

Delve into the dreamtime stories of the local indigenous people at the architecturally fascinating Brambuk – the National Park and Cultural Centre. You'll see enthralling displays of art and artefacts. Join a tour with Aboriginal guides to visit rock art sites and to learn about local Aboriginal culture and the land's spiritual significance.

Over 160 kilometres of walking tracks encircle Halls Gap, so stretch your legs and take a wander to the stunning MacKenzie Falls, where water cascades over huge cliffs into a deep pool and sends fine sprays of rainbow mist high into the air.

You can also make your way to Boroka Lookout to take in the panoramic views of the Grampians' rugged landscape, or tackle the Pinnacle Walk for more unbelievable views. Finally, get up close to native wildlife at the Halls Gap Zoo, Victoria's largest regional zoo, sprawling over 52 acres!
Spend the night in the BIG4 caravan park, or Boroka Downs if you're feeling fancy. Halls Gap has plenty of accommodation options, particularly for campers and roadtrippers.

Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre

Aboriginal art

Learn about the flora and fauna of the region and explore Aboriginal culture in the natural oasis of the Grampians/Gariwerd National Park.

MacKenzie Falls

Lakes & waterways

See the iconic MacKenzie Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Victoria, flowing year-round in the Grampians National Park.

Scenic lookouts

Nature & wildlife

Set off down striking sandstone ridges and between unusual rock formations to behold the awe-inspiring Grampians region stretching out before you.

Halls Gap Zoo

Sanctuaries, zoos & farms

Get up close to more than 160 native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds, including endangered species, at Victoria's largest regional zoo.

Grampians National Park

National parks & reserves

Discover grand and rugged mountain ranges, spectacular wildflowers and a wealth of Aboriginal rock art sites in the Grampians National Park.
Day two

Continue to travel around the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, taking in the towns of Moyston – known for being the birthplace of Australian Rules Football – and Pomonal, a village surrounded by rolling green hills that's famous for its native flowers and orchids.

There are plenty of great walking tracks around Pomonal, if you want to stretch your legs. Try the Tunnel Walking Track, or climb to the top of Mt William Range for some truly epic views. There's also the annual Native Flower Show, if you're stopping in late September.

Once you've had some exercise, fill up the car boot at local farm gates. There's plenty of produce to try, including olives, herbs and fresh fruit from the orchard on Lake Fyans Tourist Road. Be sure to grab a bag of hazelnuts at Grampians Grove and stock up on high quality olives at Red Rock Olives. Grab a bite to eat at the farm gate cafe before continuing to Dunkeld, home of the famous foodie haven, the Royal Mail Hotel. Indulge with a degustation at its fine dining restaurant, Wickens, or relax at Parker Street Project, its casual diner.

Spend the night in one of the Royal Mail cabins, if you can. Set in the shadow of Mt Sturgeon and Mt Abrupt, it's an incredibly beautiful spot.

Red Rock Olives

Local produce

Pop in for high-grade, locally pressed olive oil, table olives and other signature products including olive salt and a range of artisan vinegars.

Pomonal

Destinations

Wake up and smell the wildflowers in picturesque Pomonal, the Grampians region's garden of floral delights, on a nature walk or a stroll around town.
Day three

Loaded up with baked treats and local produce, it's time to depart Dunkeld and press on to Wartook Valley, the Grampians' natural amphitheatre.

Hit the nearby trails for a spot of bushwalking and keep an eye out for friendly wildlife and native fauna. Beehive Falls and the Mt Stapylton Walk are great places to start. Get the adrenaline pumping with a range of adventure activities. Horse riding and fishing opportunities abound, while rev heads will love a quad bike tour of the valley. Hook up with Absolute Outdoors Australia for rock climbing and abseiling escapades, whether you're a seasoned pro or a less-experienced climber.

Bring the heart rate back down with a picnic by MacKenzie River, tucking into the local produce bounty you've collected on your way around the Grampians. Lastly, you can't leave Wartook without a truckload of fresh olives (the region's specialty). Hit up Grampians Olive Co., north along the C222 highway. They have some of the best olives and olive oil in the state.
Make your way back to Melbourne, or spend the night at Kangaroos In The Top Paddock: a series of rammed-earth cottages with some very friendly local wildlife. Don't be surprised to see a mob of kangaroos outside our bedroom window at twilight!

Wartook Valley

Destinations

Make a dramatic entrance to the Grampians National Park via the natural amphitheatre of Wartook Valley with its mountain views and mobs of kangaroos.

Absolute Outdoors

Tour operator

The Grampians - geologically, a uniquely formed mountain range. Ecologically, one of the most diverse National Parks in Australia. Culturally, home to...

Mt Stapylton Walk

Walking & hiking

This walk leads to a spectacular summit taking in much of the park and surrounding plains.

Beehive Falls Trail

Walking & hiking

Enjoy a gently undulating walk to the picturesque Beehive Falls, which drop 25 metres into a sheltered rocky valley.

Grampians Olive Co.

Local produce

Established in 1943 and 100 per cent family owned and operated, Grampians Olive Co are one of Australia's oldest olive groves. Heritage trees, dryland...