Everything you need to know about country escapes in the Grampians
If you’ve never been to the Grampians, you need to read this.
This region is a natural wonderland that has something to offer to everyone. Whether you’re a family unit with younger children, a couple looking for a romantic escape or a solo traveller looking to unplug for a while, the Grampians should be on your must-visit list of destinations.
First things, first. Where are the Grampians?
The Grampians National Park is a rugged and beautiful region of Western Victoria, Australia. It’s known for its imposing yet beautiful sandstone mountains, its array of delicate wildflowers in a kaleidoscope of colours, and lots of unique native wildlife for animal lovers.
Your Grampians to-do list
It’s a good idea to plan for your Grampians getaway. There are a lot of activities and sights to see, so make sure you schedule your days to ensure you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of the world.
Here’s a local guide to get the most out of your Grampians holiday:
Take a hike!
Ok. We understand that there are two camps of people.
One is ready to get their hiking boots on and trudge through the most challenging trails to see amazing wonders that can only be found off the beaten track, like waterfalls and streams that are almost undisturbed. These people live for climbing hills and rugged tracks and they’re super fit.
The other camp thinks walking is a chore and has no place interrupting their relaxing retreat, thank you very much.
The good news is you don’t have to be super athletic to wander the trails of the Grampians.
Truly.
You don’t even have to break a sweat.
There are more than 300 kilometres of walking trails in the Grampians and there are trails for every ability group. Some are easy walks and others are challenging treks. And you get to choose your level of difficulty.
You can take in the natural There are over 300 kilometres of hiking trails in the Grampians, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks.
Popular trails include:
- The Pinnacle Walk
- The Boroka Lookout Walk
- The Mackenzie Falls Walk
And that’s just a taster. There are plenty more to discover.
TIP: If you’re travelling with young children, be sure to choose trails that are appropriate for their age and abilities.
Go camping, glamping, and more
You have so many choices when it comes to accommodation.
If you’re an under-the-light-of-the-moon, stargazing type, you might choose to set up a tent and enjoy everything Mother Nature has to offer. If you love the idea of camping but it’s just a bit too much like “roughing it”, you might choose to upgrade your tent and go glamping. There are lots of options for both.
There are farm stay options, which are excellent for families who want to feed the livestock and see what it’s really like to live out in the country. This option gives you a total Grampians’ experience.
Cabins, cottages, and lodges are also available.
Or, if you like a five-star experience, you might like to check into one of our luxury hotels.
At SleatBank, we’re lucky enough to get a clear view of the Grampians in a renovated historic home that gives you a glimpse into the past. It’s nostalgic with modern-day comforts.
Visit the Grampians Cultural Centre
There’s something truly special about learning about our oldest culture. At the Grampians Cultural Centre, you can learn about the lives of our First Nations people and their ancient connections with the area. There are cultural, art and historic artefacts on display.
Take it all in under the Southern Cross
If you’re from the city or even from residential areas, you’ve probably never seen the stars light up the way they do in the country. The lack of light pollution and pollution means you get the ultimate view of the stars, the Milky Way, and other celestial objects. Nothing compares.
Visit the Silo Art Trail
The Silo Art Trail is a series of murals painted on grain silos in the Western Grampians. The murals are a great example of public art and are a must-see for any visitor to the region. They reveal a sense of joy and exuberance in the community and give you a taste of small-town living.
Sample our wine
Although not as well known for wine-making as other parts of Australia, the Grampians are home to many award-winning wineries that are known for their cool climate wines. So, take a moment to sip some of the finest wines that the Grampians have to offer while taking in the spectacular views.
Some of our picks for wineries include:
- Pomonal Estate
- Seppelt Winery
- Mount Langi Ghiran Vineyard
- Fallen Giants Vineyard
- Grampians Estate Winery
- Montara Wines
- Pierrepoint Winery
Go wild at our very own zoo
Halls Gap Zoo is in the heart of the Grampians National Park, and it’s a cracker. With over 160 species on display, you can get up close and personal with some pretty cool animals, including alert meerkats, colossally tall giraffes, robust rhinoceroses, swift cheetahs, red panda, mischievous lemurs, and incredibly intelligent macaws. It’s a really fun day out and just as suitable for the big kids as the little kids because we’re all kids at heart after all. Enjoy an animal encounter or adopt an animal and contribute to vital scientific research.
Some tips from the locals
If you’re visiting the Grampians there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are limited options in the park.
- Be aware of the weather conditions and dress accordingly. The weather in the Grampians can change quickly, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for anything.
- Be sure to leave no trace of your visit. Take out what you take in and respect the environment. Rubbish can hurt our wildlife, so respect their homes.
- Bring your camera or have your smartphone at the ready. You’ll want to capture the amazing aspects of the Grampians.
- Don’t be surprised if you see kangaroos hopping around. They’re a common sight in the Grampians. But be aware that they can cross the road without warning, especially at dawn and dusk.
- If you’re hiking, be sure to watch your step. The rocks can be slippery, especially after it rains.
- And finally, don’t forget to relax and enjoy the peace of the Grampians. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Grampians might not be Paris. But it’s just as romantic, beautiful, and iconic.
Visit the Grampians.
We dare you not to fall in love.