Be enchanted by an outdoor enthusiast's paradise in Melbourne's backyard. Featuring world-class hikes, sandstone mountains, wildflowers, gastronomic delicacies, unique Australian wildlife, cosy cottages, quirky towns, wineries, friendly locals and much more. Go waterfall hopping, enjoy a picnic nearby Halls Gap, immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous history and get active in nature.
"I lived in Australia for several years and I love to share my local knowledge and experiences. I am looking forward to getting to know you better and making your dream holiday to Australia a reality!"
Contact Ilona
Immerse yourself in nature's open-air playground, The Grampians National Park. Located 260 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, this wonderland features an enticing mix of ancient culture, unique wildlife, charming towns and world-class walking trails. Home to more than 200 species of birds, eucalyptus trees, mountain forests and an array of spectacular waterfalls. Visit MacKenzie Falls and marvel at an impressive 25-metre high and wide waterfall or stop by Silverband Falls.
Admire Indigenous rock paintings or visit The Brambuk Cultural Centre and learn more about the Aboriginal traditional way of life. Spot kangaroos grazing at sunset from the balcony of your accommodation and soak up the views of rolling green hills and endless nature.
Halls Gap is a great base to explore with a range of self-catering accommodations. Meet the friendly locals in Dunkeld and enjoy fresh baked goods from the bakery. Pop into an array of wineries and sample the region's finest wines.
Rent a mountain bike and explore the area cycling! Go on a canoeing and kayaking adventure or for a bird's eye view of the national park, hop on board a helicopter. Stop by Reed Lookout for a panoramic view, discover ancient rock art and cherish the view at The Balconies!
Home to the Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali people for 20,000 years, the Grampians is known as Gariwerd by the local Indigenous people. Their Dreamtime tells the story of Bunjil, the spirit creator who made the world we see, and all of the plants and animals found today.
This region contains the densest concentration of rock art paintings and the largest assemblage of Aboriginal art motifs in Victoria. There are approximately 200 rock art sites recorded in the Grampians National Park. Visitors are invited to experience five of these cultural sites for themselves.
Visit Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap to learn more about the oldest culture in the world. Brambuk, meaning 'white cockatoo' is a place where you can experience the richness of Aboriginal culture in Gariwerd. Here you can watch the Creation Story, discover the museum of Aboriginal history, talk to local Indigenous experts and find detailed park information.
Located in the heart of the Grampians is a charming small village known as Halls Gap. An ideal base to discover the national park, there are plenty of things to do and see in the great outdoors. Enjoy easy access to waterfalls, hikes, lookouts and much more.
Go kayaking, canoeing, fishing, rock-climbing, abseiling, 4WDing or quad biking. Visit the nearby lakes such as Bellfield, Lonsdale, Lake Fyans and Wartook. Say G'day to all the animals at Halls Gap Zoo, home to 160 native and wild animals. Go birdwatching, visit the local cafes or simply relax on your verandah and watch kangaroos skip past.
Discover one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria, MacKenzie Falls - Mikunung wira. Streaming year-round, it is the only waterfall in the Grampians that flows all year. There are a variety of viewpoints and walks where you can admire the falls, including a steep climb to the base of the falls.
Local tip: If you are at the famous McKenzie waterfalls, walk further along the walking route that leads you away from the waterfall (this is indicated). A beautiful route leads you along the less crowded waterfalls.
MacKenzie Falls car park is a 40-minute drive from Halls Gap on Mount Victory Road. Unfortunately, it is not possible to swim here due to many unseen dangers in the water. To beat the crowds, we recommend visiting MacKenzie Falls earlier in the day.
Would you like to receive the latest travel news about Australia, directly to your inbox? Let's stay in touch! Get inspired by some of our favourite routes, travel stories and news, local tips, and much more.
Join our newsletter communityBe dazzled by a collection of wildflowers during the springtime in the Grampians. Truly a wonderful sight, the Grampians is home to one-third of Victoria’s flora and more than 1000 species of flowering plants. One of the most bio-diverse regions of Victoria, this region is often called the ‘Garden of Victoria.’
Here you can find 975 native plant species, including more than 75 orchid species. If you’re lucky you might spot a Grampians pincushion lily (Borya mirabilis), one of the rarest native lilies in Australia. The annual Grampians Wildflower Show is a must-visit if you love flowers and attracts people from all over the world.
The Grampians is a wildlife haven with plenty of opportunities to have close encounters with unique Australian wildlife. Spot koalas, wallabies, echidnas, emus, and kangaroos. Are you a bird lover? Listen out for the laughing kookaburra. Keep a lookout for galahs, and cockatoos, including the endangered red-tailed black cockatoo.
There is a range of amazing walks on offer in The Grampians. Try the Grampians Peak Trail, Venus Baths Loop Walk, or the Hollow Mountain Walk. Conquer The Pinnacle Walk and Lookout, The Balconies / Reed Lookout, Boronia Peak Trail, Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug) Walk and The Piccaninny (Bainggug).
Feel like an adventure? Set off for 13 days and 12 nights on the Grampians Peak Trail. Along the way, learn more about the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung people who have lived here for thousands of years. Discover a variety of landscapes, breathtaking lookouts, the Pinnacle Lookout, and the peak of Mount Rosea.
Over seven days, you can explore this fascinating part of the world on a self-guided walk. The Grampians offers a phenomenal setting for a walking experience in pure nature. It is an ideal place to see Australian native fauna and native animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, koalas and an abundance of bird species.
Your journey begins in Dunkeld or Stawell and as you make your way through the track, you will pass by places such as Venus Baths, Grand Canyon, Elephant's Hide and Silent Street. The tour includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the end of the tour, you can celebrate with dinner at the Royal Mail Hotel, overlooking the Grampians wilderness.
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our extensive collection of hand-selected accommodations in Halls Gap and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
Whether you prefer a self-contained holiday home, a five-star holiday rental, or a self-catering cabin, we have found the perfect place for your stay in Halls Gap and the surrounding region of the Grampians.
Be intrigued by one of the world’s most renowned coastal scenic drives. Take a magical journey and marvel at the… read more
In Sydney's backyard, you will find a natural wonderland and outdoor enthusiast paradise. Featuring plunging… read more
Be enchanted by the World Heritage Listed natural wonder, K'gari. Located along the south-eastern coast of… read more
Australia's wildlife is insanely resilient. After the severe bushfires in 2020, native plants are germinating… read more
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped-out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 9am until 6pm. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
020 36 95 95 69
