Peaceful waterfall walks, rocky scrambles and sweeping views over the ranges — the Grampians is a hikers’ paradise you’ll want to keep coming back to.
The Grampians (Gariwerd) sits about 3 hours west of Melbourne, a rugged mountain range known for its jagged sandstone peaks, cascading waterfalls and some of the best views in regional Victoria. I love it because there’s always something new to find here, even after coming back every year since 2020. There are lookouts like Boroka Lookout and The Balconies serving up some of the best sunrise and sunset views in the state, and if you love hiking you won’t find any shortage of trails either, everything from easy waterfall walks to the climb up to The Pinnacle. Throw in experiences like Halls Gap Zoo or a climb and abseil tour with Absolute Outdoors, and there’s genuinely something here for everyone.
Quick facts
- Distance from Melbourne: 252km
- Drive time from Melbourne: 3 hours
Why should I visit the Grampians?
The Grampians is home to some of the most stunning hiking trails within reach of Melbourne, from peaceful waterfall walks to challenging rocky scrambles and sweeping views over the ranges. There are countless trails to explore here, making it a genuine hikers’ paradise, the kind of place you can return to again and again and still find somewhere new. It’s also one of the most culturally rich places in Victoria, with Gariwerd holding deep significance for the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali peoples who’ve cared for this Country for thousands of years.
Day 1: Arrival
Morning
Make the 3-hour drive out from Melbourne, and on the way into Halls Gap take the short 100m walk to Bunjil Shelter near Stawell, one of the most significant Aboriginal cultural sites in south-eastern Australia and the only known rock art depicting the creator spirit Bunjil, a solid introduction to the region’s deep cultural significance before you’ve even reached the National Park.
From there, stop in at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre to learn more about Gariwerd and its Traditional Owners, the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali peoples (the main exhibition building is currently closed for refurbishment through 2026, but the park information centre and gift shop remain open). Round out the morning with a delicious breakfast at Livefast Café, right in the heart of Halls Gap.
Afternoon
From 1pm to 4pm, get amongst it with a climb and abseil tour with Absolute Outdoors. Their Rock Adventure session is beginner-friendly (ages 6+, no experience needed) and runs for about 3 hours from their base at Delleys Bridge, just a 10-minute walk from town, so it’s a great way to properly kick off the trip with your heart rate up.
Evening
Wind down with a walk out to Reed Lookout and The Balconies at golden hour. It’s an easy 1km return stroll from the carpark on Mount Victory Road, taking in views over the Victoria Valley and Lake Wartook before you reach the iconic overhanging rock formations at The Balconies, one of the best sunset spots in the whole park.
Day 2: Waterfalls and one of Victoria’s best sunrises
Morning
Get up early for sunrise at Boroka Lookout, a short 5-minute walk from the carpark to two viewing platforms with 180-degree views over Halls Gap, Lake Bellfield and the ranges beyond, genuinely one of the best sunrise spots in Victoria. From there, make the most of the quiet morning before the crowds arrive by exploring Mackenzie Falls (closed until end of 2026 for major upgrade works) and the nearby Fish Falls walk from Zumsteins Picnic Area, a moderate 4.6km return trail following the MacKenzie River to a 60-metre cascade.
Afternoon
Keep the momentum going by exploring more of the region’s waterfalls, the Falls of Gar and Beehive Falls are both worth the drive if you’ve got the time, Beehive Falls is an easy 2.8km return walk through heathy woodland to fern-lined rock pools (best after rain), while the Falls of Gar is a slightly tougher 4.2km return track that’s part of the Grampians Peaks Trail. From there, drive back into town for lunch at Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co before rounding out the afternoon with Clematis Falls and Silverband Falls, both easy walks close to Halls Gap. Clematis Falls is a gentle stroll from the Recreation Oval that finishes at the Halls Gap Botanic Gardens, and Silverband Falls is just an 800m walk along a shady dirt path from the carpark south of Lake Bellfield.
Evening
Cap the day off with a sunset hike at Mt William, the highest point in the Grampians. Drive up to the carpark and follow the steep climb to the summit, where stunted eucalypts give way to 360-degree views over jagged ranges and open plains, one of the most dramatic sunset spots in the park.
Day 3: Final day and making the most of it
Morning
Chase sunrise at The Pinnacle via the Wonderland Carpark, heading up through the Grand Canyon and Silent Street before reaching the lookout for sweeping views over Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. After you’ve soaked it in, follow the Wonderland Loop back down through the forest rather than retracing your steps, a great way to see a different side of the range on the way out.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at Halls Gap Zoo, home to around 160 species including koalas, dingoes, wombats and cheetahs. It’s a relaxed way to wind down after a big few days on the trails, and the kids (or the kid in you) will love it. Worth booking one of their animal encounters ahead of time too, think cheetah, dingo, giraffe or meerkat encounters, for a proper up-close experience rather than just walking past the enclosures.
Evening
Begin the drive back to Melbourne. It’s a solid final day, so pace yourself and factor in a stop if you need it before you’re back in the city.
Good to know
- Suggested vehicle: A normal 2WD is fine, all roads on this itinerary are sealed.
- Best time to go: Every season has its perks. Spring brings wildflowers, summer is perfect for swimming holes like Venus Baths, winter has the waterfalls pumping, and autumn’s mild weather is ideal for hiking.
- What to bring: A good rain jacket in case the weather turns, a camera for the hikes (and if you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear night, this is a great spot for astro photography too), and sturdy hiking shoes, a lot of the trails here are rocky and tough on feet without good grip.
Where to stay
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park is affordable, right in the middle of town, and surrounded by wildlife, expect kangaroos outside your door most mornings. The YHA is a great budget option if you don’t mind hostel-style bunks. For a romantic getaway, Ironstone Romantic Couples Retreat has a beautiful interior with a spa and fireplace, also centrally located but a bit pricier. And for a proper bucket-list stay, Nook on the Hill sits just 10 minutes out of town with an outdoor bath, a state-of-the-art tiny home, a fireplace, and sweeping views over the ranges.
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