THE GREAT GRAMPIANS GETAWAY

Explore the rustic charm of the Southern Grampians by road

Looking for a short break from Melbourne or Adelaide? The Grampians is an easy drive with lots of interesting breaks along the way; there’s a mix of historic towns, wineries, luxury experiences and plenty of outdoor fun.

ABOVE: Couple standing on Mt Sturgeon

Roadtrippers can combine the spectacular scenery of the rugged Grampians mountain range with western Victoria's rich pastoral heritage on this inspiring touring route.

Road Signs at Grampians

Begin your journey in picturesque Dunkeld, wander through the 2-km walking track around the waterways in the tranquil Dunkeld Arboretum and revel in the excellent views of the Grampians' three southern peaks: Piccaninny, Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt.

Mount Sturgeon

Want to spend the night in Dunkeld? Rest your head and indulge your senses at the Royal Mail Hotel. The historic 1850s hotel features two restaurants, the two-hatted Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel – serving five and eight course degustation menus Thursday to Saturday evenings, and Parker Street Project – a casual diner, open for lunch (Thursday to Saturday) and dinner (Wednesday to Saturday).

Plated Food at the Royal Mail Hotel

Continue on to historic Penshurst, home to quaint bluestone buildings, the Wetlands Garden and the Volcanoes Discovery Centre. At the centre, make your way up to the peak of extinct volcano, Mount Rouse (Collorrer), to view the landscape of the surrounding volcanic plains.

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Hit the road again and head towards Hamilton. Discover the treasures of local homesteads at the renowned Hamilton Gallery. While away an hour or two at one of Victoria’s most intact 19th-century botanic gardens, Hamilton Botanic Gardens. Designed by William Guilfoyle, one of Australia’s greatest garden designers, the Hamilton Botanic Gardens include an impressive display of 19th-century trees, an ornamental lake and a caretaker’s cottage dating from the 1870s.

Grampians National Park

Enroute to Coleraine, take in the spectacular views of Wannon Falls from the viewing platform and Nigretta Falls, perfect for swimming, fishing, picnics and barbeques. Sample handmade chocolates at Glenelg Fine Confectionery on the main street and then take a wander along the paths of the official Eucalyptus Collection of Australia, at the Peter Francis Points Arboretum, with over 12,000 native plants.

Nigretta Falls

Continue on to Cavendish and take a break at the Bunyip Hotel Cavendish, serving up delicious meals using locally grown produce in a true country pub setting. Following your feed, end the day with the most spectacular views of the Grampians as you pass through the Mirranatwa Gap.

EVENTS

Upcoming do-not-miss events in the Grampians region.

MAY 23, RUN THE GAP, Visitor Information Centre. Halls Gap Run the Gap is a fun run held every year at Halls Gap in the scenic Grampians National Park and provides the opportunity to run while enjoying the natural outdoors.

SEPTEMBER 11-16, GRAMPIANS BRUSHES, Various locations. Halls Gap Set in the gorgeous hillside setting of the Grampians, Halls Gap plays host to a number of exhibitions and workshops for aspiring artists.

SEPTEMBER 11-16, GRAMPIANS WILDFLOWER SHOW, Grampians Flora Botanic Gardens. Halls Gap The spectacular Grampians region is also an oasis for wildflower and orchid lovers. Every spring, the area glows with many colourful wildflower plants.

OCTOBER (TBC), AUSTRALIAN PEDAL CAR GRAND PRIX, Coleraine. The Australian Pedal Car Grand Prix is a two-hour endurance event through the streets of Coleraine, where teams are tasked with recycling old bike parts into a pedal-car. This community event raises funds for several local groups.