The Grampians

Possessing an abundance of natural beauty, the Grampians are one of Victoria’s most-loved mountain ranges. With a raft of spectacular attractions all within proximity to one another, it’s little wonder the region is so popular.

Centrally located in the heart of the Grampians, the sleepy tourist town of Halls Gap is a country charmer. Here, you’ll find many boutique shops, cafés, caravan parks and accommodation options. In addition, Halls Gap is situated at the foothills of the mighty ranges of the Grampians, which gives the town that extra element of atmosphere. For those who like their accommodation a little more rustic, you’ll also find excellent bush camping close by.

From lookouts just moments from your car to walks that take several hours to complete, the magnificent north-south-running ranges of Grampians National Park inspire both admiration and wonder. It can get hot along the barren escarpments during the summer months, with dawn and dusk the preferred times to venture out on these days. In fact, a sunset or sunrise is highly recommended any time of the year, as the changing colours over the Grampians are quite distinctive and well worth chasing.

The following free things to see and do within the Grampians National Park are a collection of, arguably, the most popular activities, with each sure to impress in its own unique way. If you’re planning on seeing some of Victoria’s most captivating sights, you’ll be well pleased with what you discover within the borders of this magnificent national park.

Capturing the might and grandeur of what makes the Grampians truly remarkable, Pinnacle Lookout lives up to its name. From the top of Pinnacle Lookout, views both up and down the epic Wonderland Range can truly be appreciated, with Halls Gap easily seen directly below.

Getting to the lookout is just as enthralling. Among the national park’s most rewarding walks, the trail to the lookout takes in some of the best views of the aptly named Wonderland Range — a stunning treeless escarpment with awe-inspiring scenery.

While there are a few ways to get to Pinnacle Lookout, the path most-trodden is from Wonderland Carpark. Make no mistake, this is no cakewalk, with a few steep sections thrown in for good measure. Having said that, all who complete the trek say that it was worth the effort, so captivating is the overall experience.

Starting from the carpark, it isn’t long before you’ll be presented with an option to take a trail through the Grand Canyon or a shortcut track. We’d recommend the Grand Canyon both up and back, as the shortcut track is nothing to write home about and is only one hundred metres less each way. The Grand Canyon itself is stellar with fantastic rock formations to savour along the way.

The visual interest keeps coming as you enter Silent Street — a straight and narrow crevice within the rocks. The final leg of the walk will place you along the ridgeline of the predominantly treeless Wonderland Range escarpment. Be sure to allow plenty of sightseeing time as the views are sensational, especially as you reach the edge. Simply pick a rock ledge away from the crowds and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Note: the featureless plateau has arrows on the rocks to guide you, which you’ll need to pay attention to — even more so on the return journey, as people frequently drift from the trail. Walking shoes are recommended as the surfaces are uneven, and with little shade, be sure to take plenty of water.

Alternatively, an easier option takes off from a completely different region of the Grampians. For those with very young ones or mobility constraints, Sundial Carpark may be more suited and is located at the end of Sundial Road. While you won’t see the Grand Canyon or Silent Street, it’s a much gentler ascent to the top of the Wonderland Range and onto Pinnacle Lookout.

While the Grampians is not short of lengthy tracks and trails, the good news is the majority of the most popular attractions are all reasonably easy to get to. Boroka Lookout is a perfect example of jaw-dropping scenery with next to no effort required. Simply drive up to the carpark, and within metres, you’ll be standing on a 180-degree viewing platform with the vista of Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. It’s an amazing vantage point, and given that it’s so easy to access, this makes it a must-see while in the Grampians.

There are two main viewing areas at the lookout, with each offering a slightly different perspective. If you can pull yourself out of bed early, the lookout faces east, making this a great vantage point to watch a most glorious sunrise. You may even find low-flying clouds amassed in the valleys, which can add a beautiful touch to the overall experience.

Epic views from lofty escarpments keep on coming, with The Balconies a fantastic addition to the Grampians itinerary.

The Balconies is two attractions in one, with Reeds Lookout the first attraction to be discovered. Only moments from Reeds Lookout Carpark, the views from the fire tower and Reeds Lookout itself provide wide-ranging scenery from the clifftops.

Via a relatively short and easy-going walking track, visitors can further add to the experience by visiting The Balconies — so named for the unusual rock platforms extending out from the cliff face.

With expansive views extending out to the south and west, both The Balconies and Reeds Lookout make for one of the Grampians’ best sunset locations. Witnessing the colour shifting along the ridgeline is truly memorable, with golden hues across the vast low-lying plains capping off a most magnificent view. Overall, this attraction is impressive at any time of day, offering breathtaking scenery that stretches as far as the eye can see.

While there are many waterfalls within the Grampians National Park, Mackenzie Falls proves to be the most popular among visitors to the area. Fed by the Lake Wartook Reservoir overflow, this gushing wonder is a feast for the senses and a stunning example of one of Victoria’s most beautiful waterfalls.

There are two main ways to enjoy Mackenzie Falls. The first is via an easy walk along the top of the gorge to Mackenzie Falls Lookout, which gives an overarching view of the waterfall from afar. The second recommended option is to walk to the base of the falls, which, apart from a substantial staircase to the bottom, is quick and easy. From here, you can truly take in the power and beauty of this gushing masterpiece. Please note, however, that swimming is not permitted at the base of the falls.

While the above-mentioned attractions take in great views of the northern section of the Grampians, Mount William gives visitors a chance to experience the vast mountain regions that lie at the southern end of the park. You won’t find huge crowds at Mount William, with most preferring the tracks and trails surrounding Halls Gap. If you’re the kind of person who likes the path less travelled, this great vantage point is for you.

The trail from the carpark to the summit of Mount William is via a sealed management road used to service the radio station at the peak. While well formed, the track is an incline for most of the walk, which can get the heart going in some sections.

During the course of the ascent, you’ll come across a few zig-zag bends in the road. Be sure to investigate these bends, as there are some epic views to be uncovered behind the bushes on these turning points.

You’ll discover that the views really open up once you’re at the halfway mark, so you’ll have plenty to take in as you ascend to the lookout with mountain ranges as far as the eye can see.

At the summit, you’ll have views in almost every direction with next to no one around to spoil the fun.