The Grampians is one of Victoria’s best kept secrets. A popular escape among both tourists and city dwellers, this incredible nature lover’s paradise is rich in history, tranquillity, and natural beauty, from the majestic mountains to the sparkling waterfalls, incredible rock formations and breathtaking views. Create your own story as you journey through this pristine archaic wonderland. Join us as we run you through some of our favourite spots in this epic guide to the Grampians National Park.

It’s no secret that hiking is one of the absolute best ways to connect with mother nature. The sun on your back, breeze in your hair and the smooth sweet aromas of the great Australian countryside. There is nothing quite like it. The Grampians National Park delivers on this in spades with countless trails dotted throughout the park offering visitors the opportunity to uncover a treasure trove of scintillating scenery within this stunning natural playground. Reach for the stars on a climb to the Pinnacle, soak up the sunset over nature’s balcony, traverse through the caves at Mt Rosea, admire the ancient sandstone cliffs of Briggs Bluff or scale the summit of Mt Abrupt. Each unique in their own right, spend the day getting blown away by the rugged highlands, angelic lakes, dramatic rocky outcrops, aboriginal culture, and abundance of native wildlife.

If it’s a little TLC you are chasing, the Grampians is also home to some of Victoria’s most spectacular waterfalls and scenic waterways. Aesthetically pleasing and food for the soul, tourists travel far and wide to get a glimpse of this truly magical place. The Mackenzie Falls, the Grampians most iconic waterfall is a 2-kilometre return trip down a narrow flight of stairs to the base of this dazzling display of natural beauty. A sensory overload, enjoy sweeping views from Bluff Lookout, along the Mackenzie River Walk or at the base of the Mackenzie River. As one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria and the only one to flow all year round, you can be sure to experience the enchanting scenery of this cascading waterfall no matter what time of year you visit. Other captivating falls worth exploring include the Wannon Falls, a  convoluted basalt structure formed by a channel of lava carving a pathway through to the Wannon River, or the Nigretta Falls, a smaller-scale tranquil waterfall with multi-channel streams of cascading water, the perfect backdrop for an afternoon BBQ or picnic.

The Grampians have some pretty amazing scenic viewpoints. Some require a simple walk, some easily accessible by car, while others have you scaling sandstone ridges and charging up mountains. Yet one thing is for certain, you are going to experience the most incredible views on offer at each and every one. Boroka Lookout offers panoramic vistas over Halls Gap, Fyans Valley, the Wonderland Range and Lake Bellfield, the perfect setting for catching the morning sunrise. The ever-popular Pinnacle Lookout, perched atop a rocky outcrop serving up unrivalled views of Halls Gap and the majestic Grampian highlands. Enjoy windswept cliffs, striking caves and gorgeous seasonal rock pools as you peer through nature’s window on Hollow Mountain. Soak up the scenery at Reeds Lookout as you spy the sunset over the picturesque Victoria Valley. Or venture along Rose Creek to the cliffside lookout for stunning views of the Burrong Falls and its sparkling terraced rock pools. With so many extraordinary viewing stations on offer, it can take days, even weeks to see them all.

Home to the Jardwardjali and Djab Wurrung people for well over 20,000 years, the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) is often viewed as a sacred space and place of refuge to the traditional landowners. A spiritual connection immortalised for generations through the stories elucidated through art. A visit to the award-winning Brambuk Cultural Centre will provide unique insights into the culture and history surrounding these local aboriginal communities. Sharing stories of ancient traditions, connections to the land and the key cultural sites found within the park. Accounting for over 85% of Victoria’s rock art, there are over 200 sites disseminated throughout the park, with 5 open to the public for preservation and spiritual reasons. Bunjil Shelter located within the Grampians region is widely regarded as the most culturally significant site in Southern Victoria due to its artistic depiction of Bunjil: the spiritual creator of the land. Estimated to be over 1,000 years old, this site still has strong ties to the traditional landowners with Bunjil seen as the protector of the people, their beliefs, and the natural world. Other archaic sites within the park include Manja, Ngamadjudj, Gulgurn and Billimina.

Wine and dine your way through the “Gastronomic Grampians” on your next trip to foodie heaven. Lined with award-winning vineyards, microbreweries, five-star dining, quaint cafes, and country-style pubs, the hardest decision is choosing where to start. Dive into some fresh seasonal produce-inspired menus at the Great Western Hotel or Salinger’s Café. Spice up your life with the exotic Indian flavours on show at Spirit of Punjab. Tie in a fun-filled game of mini golf and a bite to eat at the Adventure Café Bar. Dine like a king at the critically acclaimed Royal Mail Hotel with its gourmet 5-course menu and alluring scenic backdrop. Sink your teeth into some American-style burgers and succulent smoked meats at the Flame Brothers Restaurant & Bar. Or kick back and relax with a glass of Shiraz or sparkling wine at Seppelt Wines, Grampians Estate or the iconic Bests in the Great Western. With the towns of Halls Gap, Dunkeld and the Great Western encapsulating the bulk of the region’s gourmet food scene, you can be sure to find something satisfying to warm the palette on this multisensory culinary experience.

Explore the natural beauty of the Grampians National Park with a car hire from Melbourne, Ballarat or Warrnambool.