The Grampians holidays

Pull on your walking boots to explore the Grampians’ rugged natural scenery, as you hike the mountains, waterfalls, and sandstone ridges of this incredible national park. You can easily access gentle trails from the town of Halls Gap, or drive deeper into the country to earn the rewards of more challenging expeditions.

Admire ancient rock art at Bunjil's Cave, and discover more across the park which is home to more than three-quarters of Victoria’s Aboriginal sites. Take a picture with Sam, the 12-tonne koala at Dadswells Bridge.

Marvel at the vast Second World War grain store of Murtoa Stick Shed at the southern edge of Silo Art Trail. Visit the historic gold mining town of St Arnaud. Take a haunting tour of the old gaol and asylum at Ararat. And, when you’ve finished exploring, you can sip and dine at the wineries and cellar doors of Great Western, as you gaze at the stars above.

For an easy holiday in the Grampian Mountains, consider basing yourself in the laidback township of Halls Gap. Sitting at the heart of the Grampians, this place is filled with cafés, restaurants, pubs, galleries, and shops. And it’s just a short distance from the region’s picturesque waterfalls, lookouts, lakes, and trails.

Halls Gap also offers beautiful parks and a solar-heated swimming pool – the perfect place to relax. Elsewhere, you can discover the history and ancient Aboriginal culture of the lands around you at Brambuk, the National Park and Culture Centre. Play a family-friendly round among the ferns at Adventure Golf, a course built in the forest, which winds around ponds and waterfalls. Go trekking along the Pinnacles Walk, which starts in the town itself. Peer into the clear waters of Venus Baths, and survey all of this magnificent countryside from Boroka Lookout.

Embrace the natural majesty of the Grampians when you take time to explore its mighty mountain peaks and plunging waterfalls. Make sure you witness the twin attractions of MacKenzies Falls and Fish Falls. Less than an hour from the main town of Halls Gap – and only separated by a 20-minute walk – this dramatic pair are surrounded by picturesque trails and smaller, but enchanting, cascades.

Wander among the forest wildlife at Silverdale Falls. Dip your toes in Venus Baths below the rugged steps of Splitter falls.

Watch the sunset from the high perches of Reed Lookout and the Balconies. Climb high above the landscape to the sandstone ridge of Mad-Dadjug, also known as Mount Abrupt, or follow the scenic road south to the extinct volcano of Mount Rouse and look deep into the waters of Crater Lake, which was once thought to be bottomless.

There’s never a bad time to go on holiday to the Grampians. Summer is high season, with the biggest crowds and warmest weather arriving between December and February. Temperatures can climb up to 30°C, but heatwaves are rare and the high peaks offer cooling escapes.

Spring and autumn – which run from September to November, and March to May – are often ideal time to go, thanks to the balance of fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. The changing of the seasons also brings new colours to the incredible country landscapes. Plus, Halls Gap comes alive for the Grampians Grape – Victoria’s longest-running food and wine festival – during the first weekend in May. And art-lovers will enjoy the crafts and creativity of Grampians Brushes in September.

June to August is winter, when the days can feel chilly. Temperatures drop as low as 10°C, but heavy rain is rare and snow is unlikely.