The Grampians National Park is three hours north of Melbourne. It’s a great place for the family to get back to nature. There’s plenty of scenic walks, wildlife and aboriginal culture.
ACCOMODATION
If you want to stay in a house at Halls Gap I would recommend The Loft. It can sleep 7 and is reasonably priced. We paid AUS$200 p/n off-peak. There is a well equipped kitchen, comfortable beds and a fun loft for the kids. The house is situated in a quiet area not far from town, with a huge backyard and firepit. You can see kangaroos, kookaburras, rosellas and friendly cockatoos right on your doorstep. In fact, one cockatoo even had the audacity to tap on the window when we ignored him. This is a great place to stay if you want to experience nature and have a little privacy.
Another option is Hall Gap Caravan Park, which is very central. They have many different sized cabins, ranging in price from around $150-$250 p/n, but it pays to book well in advance.
FOOD
We usually cook our own meals, but there are a few cafés/restaurants in Halls Gap. There is a good bakery just across the road from the caravan park. The small supermarket in Halls Gap is very expensive. It’s better to stock up on essentials elsewhere, like Stawell.
A family-friendly place to eat is The Great Western Hotel (on the right as you drive into Halls Gap). They offer reasonably priced meals including a Kids Menu. The large veranda looks out onto farmland with lots of kangaroos grazing nearby. There’s also a kids playground. I would recommend booking a table in advance.
THINGS TO DO IN HALLS GAP & THE GRAMPIANS
Hike
The Grampians has endless hiking opportunities. Everything from 10 minute strolls to long overnight hikes. Most have amazing views and if you’re lucky, interesting wildlife. For more information go to Visit Grampians.
BEST HIKES IN THE GRAMPIANS
1. Venus Baths & Beyond – 10 mins
This hike starts from behind the caravan park. If you have little kids then this 10 minute loop walk is great. Beware it can be crazy busy in summer. It’s much nicer in winter without the crowds.
How to find the secret waterhole
There is a bigger waterhole past Venus Baths but it’s a long, steep climb to get there. Go back to the start of Venus Baths and climb the stairs above. It will take about 20-30 minutes to reach the first waterhole, then follow the river upstream.
2. Chatauqua Peak – 1.5 hrs
We love this hike. It takes around 1.5 hours from the Caravan Park and has excellent views of Halls Gap and beyond. There is also the thrill factor of an optional rock scramble and small climb at the top. We call it the Hillary Step. I would not attempt this section with younger children as there are some exposed ledges and safety is a factor. Do this as a loop walk down the other side of the ridge, and end up behind the Reserve. The hike down on this side is not as steep.
Keep a lookout for echidnas and lizards. In spring there are also some pretty wildflowers.
3. Boronia Peak – 2.5 hrs
This hike is long and quite strenuous. When you park at the start of the trail on Tandara Road keep a lookout for emus grazing nearby. The hike is flat for a kilometre or so, then it begins to climb. Once at the top you get 360° views and can see all the way to Lake Fyans and Bellfield.
4. The Pinnacle – 1 hour
Depending on where you start determines the length of this hike. Approximate times are: Halls Gap (5hrs), Wonderland Carpark (1.5 hrs) or Sundial Carpark (1hr). The Pinnacle is probably the most popular hike here so start early. It has some great features, including narrow walkways, rock hopping, and incredible views.
5. Hollow Mountain – 1.5 – 2 hours
This is our favourite hike to do here. It has lots of rock hopping and some steep rock scrambles, so would not be suitable for younger children. There are caves to discover along the way and excellent views to Mt Stapylton and beyond when you get to the top. You will have to drive to the Northern Grampians (about 40mins) to reach the start of the hike.
Some parts of this hike are steep and a little scary. Take your time navigating the ledges.
You can explore its narrow crevices and squeeze through a hole into the cave, then walk out below.
6. Mount William – 1.5 hrs
Mount William is 1167m high. This makes it the highest peak in the Grampians National Park. However it is not a hard climb, as you actually drive about half way up before starting the hike. The path (or rather the sealed road) to the top is easy to walk on. We were a little disappointed in the actual hike, because it offered few challenges, although it has magnificent views of the Great Dividing Range from the top.
There is some interesting flora and native birds. Keep a lookout for lizards, they’re not easy to spot.
Find a waterfall
MacKenzie Falls is probably the most impressive waterfall in the Grampians National Park. It’s a 1km walk to the viewing platform from the carpark at Mt Victory Road (40min drive from Halls Gap). A little closer to Halls Gap is Splitters Falls. This is an easy 1.6km walk from the Wonderland Carpark. It is a seasonal waterfall so best seen after plenty of rain.
Go Rock Climbing
We have only climbed here a couple of times. Most recently we top-roped some easy climbs at the Watchtower for the kids and our friends. It was a fairly relaxed scene, until Anna took a small rock to the head, and we had to rush her off to the local doctor. Thankfully she didn’t need stitches, but she did get a tetanus jab. If you’re interested in climbing Hanging Out or Absolute Outdoors operate at Halls Gap or if you have your own gear this is the best Climbing Guide.
Mini Golf
There’s nothing like a game of mini golf to bring out a competitive streak in someone. We’ve seen our fair share of tears and tantrums. Occasionally there’s cheating too. Some have even been caught “adjusting” their balls. Grampians Adventure Mini Golf is one of the best we’ve ever been to. It’s a great place to be on a hot day, with lots of shade and some fun water features. Sit outside afterwards and indulge in the delicious pancakes from the cafe.
Bike Riding and Electric Bike hire
There is an excellent cycle track that runs through Halls Gap. You can take your own or hire push bikes and electronic bikes from Halls Gap E-Bike Hire. The electronic bikes are loads of fun. The pedals are basically unusable (they are a requirement to be licensed to ride on a bike path). The bikes are pretty simple to ride, but they can get up a bit of speed. Also, you do have to cross the busy main road a couple of times, which can be a little hairy, so keep a close eye on younger kids. I would also suggest hiring for the maximum 1.5 hrs for $50 ea, as the time passes very quickly.
Swim at Halls Gap Pool
This pool is a great place to hang out in the peak of summer, especially in the late afternoon. It’s not the cheapest and even if you are not swimming you will still incur a $5 charge.
Build a Fire
Parents this is a must! If we reneged on this nightly ritual we would be bombarded by disgruntled children. There are fire pits in all the camping areas, just grab one that is not in use. You can buy wood at the Petrol Station or the Main Office.
Grampians Aboriginal Rock Art
Some great examples of aboriginal art are Bunjil, a 10 minute drive from Stawell, and Gulgurn Manja, which is a 1 km return walk from the bottom of Hollow Mountain. Both sites are protected by fencing, but you can still take photo’s through the wire.
Kangaroos
Some kangaroos at the Caravan Park are quite friendly. You are not allowed to feed them human food, but they like leaves from the trees near the small cabins.
Things to do when it’s raining
FOR THE ADULTS – Visit a winery. Our favourites are Seppelt Great Western and Grampians Estate Winery. Both are a 30 minute drive from Halls Gap. https://www.visitgrampians.com.au/see-do/food-wine/grampians-wine-region
FOR THE KIDS – Visit the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. It’s free to enter but activities and tours cost. The boomerang throwing lesson looked like fun. Try the Wattle Scones at the Bushfoods Café. http://www.brambuk.com.au
- If you like hiking and nature why not try an overnight hike at Wilsons Prom.