Melbourne to Grampians: An Easy Weekend Road Trip

Why should you visit Grampians?

The Grampians National Park, also known as Gariwerd, is a popular escape for Melburnians who are looking to get back to nature. It is an excellent road trip option if you’re looking for something to do on a weekend. The Grampians National Park boasts fabulous hiking trails, rock climbing, waterfalls, and an opportunity to see Australian wildlife.

What is special about the Grampians?

The Grampians is special for its nature and rock art sites, showcasing the deep cultural history and connection of the indigenous Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali nations to the land and inspiring artists throughout history with its scenic landscapes.

What you will find here: Melbourne to Grampians

Here you’ll find my travel journal experience visiting from Melbourne. All of these activities that I suggest are things I have personally done so I can definitely tell you they are worth the trip. If you’re looking for more road trip options in and around Melbourne, I’ve got you!

What Is there to do at The Grampians National Park?

Go hiking in the Grampians National Park

Gariwerd has some of the best hiking that Victoria has to offer. You can do the full 13-day Grampians hike however the most popular hike is The Pinnacle Lookout Walk. The Pinnacle Lookout Walk can be done from Halls Gap, Wonderland Car Park or Sundial Car Park. I did this walk from Halls Gap and it is a relatively rocky terrain throughout and I saw many people come unprepared for the hike. Make sure you wear hiking shoes or you could hurt yourself! 

This shows a hike at Grampians National Park
Rock climbing and hiking are popular activities in Gariwerd.

See the beautiful waterfalls

Two of the most popular waterfalls are Splitters Falls and Mackenzie Falls. You can see Mackenzie Falls from the lookout point which is a short walk up some stairs from the nearby carpark. Splitters Falls can be reached from a short walk from Halls Gap.

This shows Splitters Falls at Halls Gap
Splitters Falls in Gariwerd.

Get up close with the wildlife

I highly recommend you take a walk or hike around Halls Gap so that you can see some of the wildlife. Wildlife is easier to spot during dawn and dusk. We stayed the night which meant we were able to see kookaburra in the morning and kangaroos in the evening. 

This shows a kookaburra at Halls Gap, Grampians National Park
A kookaburra.
.

Go for a bike ride

We rented some bikes from our campsite, however you can rent bikes in Halls Gap if your accommodation doesn’t offer this. It is a great way to get around Halls Gap. Halls Gap has bike lanes in most places.

See the Aboriginal rock art sites

There are Aboriginal rock art sites all throughout Gariwerd. Some of the most extensive are Billimina Rock Art Site in Wartook Valley and Bunjil’s Shelter. Both of these are located a short walk from the nearby carpark.

This shows a sulphur-crested cockatoo holding an icecream
A sulphur crested cockatoo caught taking candy from a baby!

What are the best vegan eats in/near Gariwerd?

Grampians are actually pretty vegan friendly! There are a few spots in Halls Gap which offer vegan options: Raccolto Pizzeria, Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co (which also has alcohol-free options), Gelato Guys,and Livefast Cafe. Unfortunately there are no vegan-only restaurants, but between these three options and the general store, you won’t be short of food.

When is the best time to visit Grampians?

The best time to visit is during Spring and during Autumn. These months are cool enough to go hiking but warm enough to camp. Due to where the Grampians National Park is located, summer can get really dry and the sun in Australia is relentless. 

How do you get to the Grampians?

By Car

From Melbourne the most common route is to drive from Melbourne, which is approximately a 3-hour drive. Take the Western Highway (M8) towards Ballarat, then continue on the A8 towards Ararat. From Ararat, follow the signs to the Grampians.

Public Transport

There is no direct bus or train service to Grampians so you’ll have to take a series of services to get there. You would need to check the regional train or bus timetables and possibly arrange private transportation into the park.

Tours

Guided tours are also available that depart from Melbourne. These tours often include transportation, guided hikes, and information about the park’s natural and cultural features. Have a look and see if any of these fit your needs:

Where to stay in the Grampians

CAMPGROUND:

Borough Huts Campground

COTTAGE:

Grampians View Cottages (this is where we stayed)

Luxury:

Meringa Springs, Halls Gap

VERDICT

Is it worth going to Grampians?

The Grampians National Park is the perfect place to visit if you love nature and hiking and you want an awesome getaway from the city. It makes an excellent road trip idea from Melbourne for the weekend and is one of the best road trips Victoria has to offer!

Did this article speak to you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’re on Instagram, you can find me over here: @apicturesquelife so feel free to reach out or use #apicturesquelife and I’d be happy to connect!

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