The Grampians are one of our favourite places in Australia with so much to offer from world class hiking trails, to edge of the world lookouts, award winning wineries and some of the easiest wildlife spotting opportunities we’ve ever had.
There’s something for everyone from outdoor adventurers to those looking to enjoy the scenery without too much exertion.
Here are our favourite things to do in one of Victoria’s most beautiful locations.
The best things to do in the Grampians
These are the 10 best things to do in the Grampians:
1 - Feel the force of beautiful Mackenzie Falls
There are a few waterfalls in the area but the most majestic is MacKenzie Falls - it’s also the only falls that will be running if you’re visiting during a very dry period (which happened to us!). If you want a flat walk from the car park you can view the falls from above but if you want the very best view you need to walk for 1km to the base.
It’s a bit of a steep climb back up but well worth it! From the base you get to sit right beside the falls and can feel the full force of its power. The falls cascade over the dramatic cliff and drop into what looks like the perfect swimming hole but sadly swimming is now prohibited.
Mackenzie Falls runs even in very dry weather
Our personal favourite way to access Mackenzie Falls is along the 3.5km walking track from Zumsteins. This walk takes you along the river and past Fish Falls on an easy and peaceful trail.
2 - Marvel at the Aboriginal Rock Art sites
I am a huge lover of Aboriginal Art and have visited many sites over the years. The Grampians have five rock art sites which are open to the public. Many are a fair drive from Halls Gap so we’ve only been lucky enough to visit one so far - Gulgurn Manja (45 minute drive from Halls Gap).
Gulgurn Manja is by the Hollow Mountain hike (another excellent trail) and has adults and children’s handprints as well as emu tracks. The paintings are well preserved and very easy to make out on the overhanging rock. They are 750m each way along a flat walking trail from the car park.
Gulgurn Manja rock art site
Other sites we hope to visit next time include:
Billimina Rock Art Site - 1 hr 20 minute drive from Halls Gap
Bunjil Shelter - 25 minute drive from Halls Gap
Manja Shelter - 1 hour 20 minute drive from Halls Gap
Ngamadjidj Shelter - 55 minute drive from Halls Gap
3 - Go wine tasting
You’ll be spoilt for choice with wineries in the Grampians, we lost track of just how many! The area is best known for it’s peppery Shiraz and sparkling wines but you’ll find some good whites too.
With so many to choose from you can simply drive along and stop at one of the many that you’ll see signposted along the road, but if you’re keen to try out an award winning winery then head to Grampians Estate.
Their cellar door is located around 30 minutes drive from Halls Gap and offers wine tasting ($5 fee refundable on purchase of a bottle) as well as food platters and cakes. If you’d like to try one closer to town, Fallen Giants Vineyard is just a seven minute drive from Halls Gap which offers free tastings as well as platters of local produce.
Read next: The best waterfalls in the Great Ocean Road
4 - Admire a Sunset/Sunrise at the Balconies
The Balconies are everyone’s favourite viewpoint in the Grampians and we’re no exception. The iconic Jaws of the Grampians rock formation is one of those amazing natural phenomena which make you stand back in awe.
It’s the kind of view that we normally associate with a strenuous hiking adventure but here it comes at the end of a flat and easy 1km walking trail.
The famous Jaws of the Grampians
There is a railed viewpoint from where you can take in the scene. On our first visit you were allowed to walk down and stand in the jaws - people have been testing their nerve here for decades - but nowadays it is fenced off. Whether you skirt the fence is up to you and at your own risk.
Prime time to visit is sunset as you get a fabulous view of the whole area bathed in golden light. We’ve visited twice at sunset but actually think that for ideal photography conditions of the Jaws themselves sunrise would be better.
Read next: 10 magical things to do in the Otways
5 - Go wild Kangaroo spotting
You aren’t going to have to try hard to see kangaroos in the Grampians. We saw more roos than people! Huge mobs can be seen in many of the fields early morning and late afternoon, if you’re searching in the middle of the day you should look under the trees.
If you want an up close and personal encounter then the Oval in Halls Gap is a good bet, they like the fresh grass there and have become used to humans so you can take some good pictures. Never touch or feed them though as they are wild animals and this makes them reliant on humans (not to mention sick from human food).
The Grampians are definitely one of the very best places to see wild kangaroos close to Melbourne.
6 - …..and then try and spot wild Emus
The Grampians are one of the best places in the whole country to see wild emus. I don’t know why I love these funny looking birds so much but I do and whenever I’m in an area where I might spot them I go looking. Luckily for me the first time I visited the Grampians I saw seven (including three adorable chicks!) and the second time I saw eleven!!
Good spots where I have personally been successful are the forest walk beside the Brambuk Cultural Centre (this is where we found a dad and chicks sheltering from the heat of the day) and the fields near the BIG4 holiday park (I’ve seen them here on multiple occasions).
Otherwise I have actually seen them wandering near the main high street but I don’t know how common that is!
Read next: 12 unmissable things to do in Lorne
7 - Give bush tucker a go at Brambuk Cultural Centre
The cultural centre is a good starting point for your trip to the area. There is an information centre as well as lots of activities which are great for children including boomerang throwing and didgeridoo workshops. We personally visited for the bush tucker cafe. There is a range of traditional indigenous food including things like emu and crocodile as well as lemon myrtle scones with wattleseed cream which was good for me as a veggie!
8 - Hike the best trail in the Grampians - The Pinnacle
I’m not sure how the Grampians have so many walks which are so incredible, yet really short. The Pinnacle is the walk you have to do if you only have time for one on your visit. In just over 4km you’ll traverse the Grand Canyon, get your breath back on flat rocky plains and then make your way through a narrow slot canyon known as ‘Silent Street’.
The Pinnacle summit
You’ll end the walk at a fabulous lookout where you feel like you can see for miles. The track does have a bit of elevation gain (300m) and some rocky terrain but it’s not a difficult walk and feels like quite an adventure. The unusual tracks are one of the reasons this whole area is one of our favourites for hiking in the whole country.
Here’s our full guide to the Pinnacle including why we think you should start the track from the Wonderland car park.
9 - Take in the spectacular view at Boroka Lookout
Boroka Lookout is our second favourite after the Balconies and a must for your trip to the Grampians. It’s actually not very far from the Balconies so you can visit them both together. The view from Boroka is vast and you can see Halls Gap, the craggy Mount William mountain range and Lake Bellfield.
The lookout is best for photography at sunrise but we were taking it a bit easier this trip and chose just before sunset instead, which we still thought was beautiful. It’s easily one of our favourite photography spots in Victoria.
Boroka Lookout at sunset
There are two railed lookouts, both of which are just a few steps from the carpark on boardwalk.
10 - Give your scramble skills a test at Chatauqua Peak
Chatauqua Peak went from the walk that defeated me on our first visit to one of my personal favourites on our second. The walk offers fantastic views over Halls Gap and the mountains and is a varied trail, taking you through bushland, along a ridge, rock scrambling and then down through the botanic garden. All that and it’s only just over 5km in total!
Chatauqua Peak summit
The reason it is one of my favourites is due to its variety and because the few hundred metres rock scrambling at the end made it feel like a bit of an adventure. The first time I tried I didn’t have the confidence to get to the peak but on the second attempt I realised it’s not that hard and actually a lot of fun! You don’t have to do the scramble to still get some great views though! You can read all about it in our detailed trail guide.
Packing suggestions for the Grampians
Having the right gear can make a huge difference, especially in the Grampians. Some of the trails can be slippery (so you will want good grip) and it can rain at any time, so packing correctly can make a big difference.
Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
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Have you visited the Grampians before? Have we missed anything from our list? Let us know in the comments below!
