The Grampians National Park might not be the first destination that comes to mind for an Australian road trip. Yet it is a beautiful piece of nature that should not be missed! Just a 3-hour drive from Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, a multi-day trip to the Grampians is a worthwhile addition to your Down Under adventure. You’ll find beautiful hiking trails, lush mountain landscapes and an abundance of wildlife like kangaroos and emus. Keep reading to discover the best activities, must-see spots, and top tips for exploring Grampians National Park in Australia!
Where is Grampians National Park located?
The Grampians is a green oasis that is less than a 3-hour drive from Melbourne in the state of Victoria. Considering that distances in Australia are huge, this is certainly not too bad. Especially if you combine it with a drive along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world: the Great Ocean Road. You can easily reach the Grampians with a rental car or campervan or with a Grampians day trip from Melbourne! The central point is the village of Halls Gap from where you can easily visit the most beautiful highlights of the park.
7 best things to do in Grampians National Park
The best thing to do in the Grampians is to be outside in nature! Go hiking, admire waterfalls or enjoy the view from one of the many viewing platforms. Find out here about the best things to do in Grampians National Park in Australia!
1) Pinnacles Walk
The Grampians is a hiker’s paradise, offering countless trails for all skill levels. Among them, the Pinnacles Walk stands out as one of the most spectacular. This out-and-back 6 km trail takes you to a high vantage point over the valley. From here you have a breathtaking view of the area. Although the distance is relatively short, the hike takes 2 to 3 hours due to its consistently uphill path and some steep sections. During summer days, try to go early as it can get incredibly hot during the day. The hike is also over rocky terrain, so hiking poles and good hiking shoes are definitely recommended. This hike starts at the Wonderland Car Park.
TRAVEL TIP: From Halls Gap you can also do a day hike of 9.6 km that takes you past Spitter Falls to the Pinnacles called the Wonderland Grand Canyon Loop.
2) MacKenzie Falls
MackKenzie Falls are one of the largest waterfalls in the state of Victoria and are a 20-minute drive from Halls Gap. From the parking lot, you can walk to the base of this spectacular waterfall in 15 minutes. You used to be allowed to cross the river to better admire the waterfall, but this is prohibited since 2024. However, you still have a beautiful view of this waterfall! From MacKenzie Falls, you can hike even further to Fish Falls, following the river that flows through the gorge for 2 km, showing you the best of the Grampians.
3) Reeds Lookout & the Balconies
Reeds Lookout is an accessible viewpoint as it is only a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. From here you can look far across the mountains and valleys of the Grampians. If you can, definitely try to come during sunset for an even better experience! From Reeds Lookout, you can hike 2 km further to the Balconies, a unique rock formation that overlooks the valley like a balcony. If you hike up to the Balconies during sunset, it will also be less crowded.
4) Boroka Lookout
Another viewpoint you absolutely cannot miss is the Boroka Lookout. This lookout platform is also right by the parking lot. And here again, you have stunning panoramic views of the Grampians that will blow you away! Just a 20-minute drive from Halls Gap, the Boroka Lookout is perfect to combine with Reeds Lookout, as they’re located close to each other. Together, they provide some of the most stunning vistas in the region.
5) Kangaroo spotting
Anyone traveling to Australia naturally wants to see the country’s mascot: kangaroos! Around Halls Gap and the Grampians you are bound to see some. At one point we saw as many as forty kangaroos grazing in an open field at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park! Besides kangaroos, you will also find other fascinating wildlife such as emus, wallabies, echidnas (a type of hedgehog) and white cockatoos. If you go hiking in the Grampians, be sure to keep your eyes and ears open! The best times for wildlife spotting are early mornings and evenings, as the sun begins to set.
6) Brambuk Cultural Centre
Long ago, the area the Grampians was inhabited by the Brambuk Aboriginal people. At the Brambuk Cultural Centre, you can learn more about the history and culture of these traditional inhabitants. In the Grampians you can also find rock drawings of the Brambuk Aboriginal people, some of which date back as far as 22.000 years. The Brambuk Centre is also a valuable resource for park information, including hiking trails and native wildlife. It’s a great starting point for your Grampians adventure, offering both cultural context and practical guidance.
Opening hours Brambuk Cultural Centre: daily from 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
7) Great Ocean Road
The Grampians National Park in Australia is just a 3-hour drive from what is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world: the Great Ocean Road. This scenic driving route takes you past dramatic cliffs such as the world-famous Twelve Apostles and Gibson Steps. So if you’re traveling from Melbourne to the Grampians, be sure to include the Great Ocean Road in your itinerary!
Where to stay in the Grampians
The town of Halls Gap is the perfect base for exploring Australia’s Grampians National Park, located at the foot of the mountain range. Here you will find numerous accommodations, stores and eateries. Most of the hiking and driving routes around the Grampians start from Halls Gap, so you’re literally in the middle of the action. We ourselves stayed at the campground Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, perhaps one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the country! It has great facilities and in the afternoon the nearby open field fills sight with kangaroos and emus. A beautiful and free camping spot is the Plantation Campground, in the middle of the forest!
Best time to visit Grampians National Park
Grampians National Park in Australia you can visit year-round, but the best time to travel is spring (October and November) or autumn (February and March). Then the temperatures are pleasant and you have less chance of heat waves or heavy rain. Also, try to avoid the vacation days, as hotels and campsites fill up quickly then.
Still have questions about traveling to Australia? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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