10 wonderful experiences in the Grampians

Keen for crisp mornings, stunning visuals, and a few cool stories to tell in your Monday morning meeting? Hit the open road and chase a spot of wonder in the Grampians. There’s nothing you can’t do in this mountainous zone, where open fields lead to stunning vineyards and a classy bottle of white, while the rugged granite cliffs are ready for some bold exploration. 

Here are our 10 favourite things to do in the Grampians.

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 (did someone say wallabies and kangaroos?) But you can also visit a diverse range of native species and farm life at local sanctuaries.

Halls Gap Zoo has over 120 native and exotic creatures to see, including red pandas and cheetahs, while Rosehaven Farm lets you get up close to fluffy alpacas, miniature donkeys and dorper sheep.

2. 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, a wide dissipated waterfall that’s not to be missed. 

Other popular falls in the region include Wannon Falls, just west of Hamilton, Silverband Falls, which is near Bellfied, and Ferntree Falls in Mount Buangor State Park. 

3. Explore on foot

Get that lovely kick of exercise-induced endorphins as you tackle one of the spectacular peaks in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. 

Let’s start in the southernmost part of the park at Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon) where you get to traverse river crossings, hop across rocks and hike through open woodland with the reward of panoramic views of surrounding ranges, volcanic plains and the town of Dunkeld. You can also get views of Dunkeld from atop Mud-Dadjug (Mount Abrupt). 

Alternatively, base yourself in Halls Gap and tackle two of our favourite climbs, Mount Rosea and The Balconies. Mount Rosea gives off fairytale vibes with its moss-covered rocks and views of picturesque valleys below, while The Balconies is an easier hike through stringybark forest before emerging to views of the Victoria Ranges from the lookout at the top. 

4. 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. 

5. Local produce

What’s better than homemade food? Goods made from scratch from locally-grown and sourced produce. Enter Anita and Andy from Five Ducks Farm in Pomonal, who handcraft delicious preserves from fruit grown on their small farm, along with honey, homemade ice cream and fudge. All these mouthwatering goods are available from their farm gate shop. 

Another fantastic pit stop is Grampians Olive Co, home to one of the country’s oldest olive groves. Take in the tranquil surrounds while you enjoy a grazing board and take home a bottle of premium olive oil or jar of seasonal preserves.  

6. Wineries

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 acclaimed Mount Langi Ghiran in the east, Great Western in the heart of wine country,  and James Halliday 4.5 star-rated Grampians Estate.

For a winery, microbrewery and cider house experience, Pomonal Estate offers great tastings and sit-down dining. 

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 and the brutal events that took place there over its 130-years of operation – you might even spot a ghost or two! 

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. 

Mount Arapiles, which is just west of Horsham,  has more than 2,000 designated climbs which range in intensity from easy ascents for first-timers to level 30 climbs. Meanwhile, 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 Ampitheatre. 

9. 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.
 
For a more immersive experience check out Framing the Wimmera, where you can put yourself in the picture with large-scale frames placed where you can photograph yourself to the backdrop of iconic Wimmera vistas. 

10. 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.