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Grampians National Park Top 10 Things to Do
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Sep 12, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
The Grampians National Park, just 260 kilometres west of Melbourne, is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Victoria’s wild beauty. With its rugged sandstone mountains, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping lookouts, the park offers breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Explore stunning waterfalls, wander among vibrant wildflowers in spring, and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art that tells stories thousands of years old. Along the way, you might spot kangaroos, emus, and a variety of native birds, while charming nearby towns and local wineries make it easy to combine adventure with delicious food and wine.
Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or simply soaking up the natural serenity, the Grampians is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences.
Grampians National Park Top 10 Things to Do
MacKenzie Falls is one of Victoria’s most iconic and breathtaking waterfalls, set in the heart of the Grampians National Park, Water thunders 35 metres over rugged cliffs into a deep, crystal-clear pool, creating a dramatic spectacle that captivates visitors year-round. Fed by the MacKenzie River, which is regulated upstream at Lake Wartook, the falls maintain a steady flow even in drier months.
The surrounding area offers spacious, well-maintained grounds perfect for strolling, soaking in the scenery, or enjoying a relaxing picnic. Whether you’re chasing stunning views, photographing the cascading water, or simply taking in the natural beauty, MacKenzie Falls is a must-visit highlight of the Grampians.
The Venus Baths Walk is a delightful and accessible trail located in the heart of the Grampians National Park, near Halls Gap. This scenic walk winds through lush bushland along Stony Creek, leading to a series of natural rock pools known as the Venus Baths. These crystal-clear pools cascade gently into one another, creating a serene and picturesque setting perfect for a peaceful stop or a refreshing dip on warmer days. Along the way, you’ll pass towering trees, native ferns, and moss-covered rocks, all while enjoying the soothing sounds of flowing water. Ideal for families and casual walkers, the Venus Baths Walk offers a tranquil escape into the natural beauty of the Grampians.
The Pinnacle Lookout is one of the most iconic destinations in the Grampians National Park, offering hikers a rewarding panorama of rugged mountain ranges, sweeping valleys, and the town of Halls Gap nestled below. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy sweeping views over Lake Bellfield, the surrounding bushland, and the dramatic sandstone cliffs that make the Grampians such a spectacular natural landscape.
The Hollow Mountain hike is one of the most adventurous and visually rewarding walks in the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). Set among rugged sandstone ranges, this unique trail leads hikers past towering cliffs, weather-sculpted rock formations, and fascinating caves carved deep into the mountainside.
As you climb higher, the landscape opens to reveal sweeping views over Mount Stapylton and the vast Wimmera Plains, creating a striking contrast between the rocky peaks and the flat countryside beyond. The walk offers a true sense of exploration, combining geological wonder with panoramic scenery, and is a must-do for visitors seeking one of the Grampians’ most memorable hiking experiences.
See the Wildlife and Birds
The Grampians are home to a wide variety of Australian native animals and birds. A large population of Eastern Grey Kangaroos roam freely around the town of Halls Gap. You can see them at the Recreation Reserve and around the Caravan Parks. There are also wallabies, echidnas and emus in the Grampians.
It is also home to a large variety of birds, including Kookaburras. Crimson Rosellas, Rainbow Lorikeets and Cockatoos. A great place for bird-watching is at Stony Creek, located in the heart of Halls Gap.
Chase Waterfalls
The Grampians have lots of other beautiful waterfalls worth exploring: Silverband Falls is a beautiful seasonal waterfall. The 1.6-kilometre return walk is one of the easier walks, and the reward is watching this lovely 20-metre waterfall cascade over the rocks.
Beehive Falls is a stunning waterfall 24 kilometres from Halls Gap. A 2.8-kilometre return walk brings you to Beehive Falls, where the water flows 25 metres down the rugged cliff face.
Splitters Falls is a lovely seasonal waterfall. The 1.4-kilometre return hike starts from the Wonderland Carpark. It is a beautiful 12-metre waterfall cascading over the terraced rocks into the pool below.
The Grampians National Park is one of the most significant Aboriginal rock art regions in southeastern Australia, with over 80% of Victoria’s known rock art sites.
Five sites are accessible via walking trails and are protected to ensure their preservation for future generations. Interpretive signs help visitors understand the stories and cultural meanings behind the art.
Bunjil’s Shelter features a rare and powerful image of Bunjil, the creator spirit, with his two dingos. It’s one of the most significant representations of ancestral lore in the region.
Gulgurn Manja Shelter, this site includes a series of handprints made by children, offering a touching glimpse into the lives of young people in the community.
Ngamadjidj Shelter is also known as the Cave of Ghosts. This unique site features striking white figures, which are rare in Aboriginal rock art and believed to represent ancestral spirits.
Manja Shelter is rich with hand stencils and line work. The word “manja” means “hands” in the local Jardwadjali language, and the art here is both a record of presence and a spiritual mark.
Billimina Shelter is an expansive site that includes hundreds of red ochre bar markings believed to be associated with ceremonial practices or storytelling.
Boroka Lookout
The Boroka Lookout, located on Mt Difficult Road, a short drive from Halls Gap, is one of the easiest lookouts to access and offers fantastic views. There are two viewing platforms, a short, flat walk from the car park.
From the lookouts, you can enjoy amazing views over Halls Gap, Lake Bellfield, Mount William and the surrounding ranges. The Boroka Lookout is also a great place to watch the sunrise.
Discover Wineries
There are more than 20 wineries around the Grampians, and for more than 150 years, this region has produced award-winning, distinctive, cool climate wines
They are best known for their high-quality reds, especially Shiraz, but whites and rosés have become more popular in recent years.
At Seppelts Winery, you can take a tour of the largest underground wine cellars in the Southern Hemisphere and enjoy a wine tasting.
The walk to the Balconies begins at the Reeds Lookout car park, which offers stunning views of Victoria Valley, Lake Wartook and the Victoria Range. This walk is 2 kilometres return along a dirt track that gently meanders through the open forest.
When you arrive at The Balconies, you will find two viewing platforms with great views across the valley. On the left, you will see The Balconies, two rocky ledges that overhang the cliffs, 700 metres above sea level.
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