THE GREAT GRAMPIANS

If you're thinking of visiting Victoria, can I let you in on travel a secret... My last encounter of the Grampians was as a teenager in school. Rock climbing, hikes and chasing waterfalls, I was blow away by its stunning scenery and the incredible walks. It's been on my to-do list with the kids forever and when Grampians Tourism invited us along for the weekend to check it out, I of course jumped at the chance to finally get back there.

The Grampians, known to the indigenous population as Gariwerd, is located in Western Victoria and spans well over 160,000 hectares from North to South and East to West.

With a range of differing activities and natural sites, a selection of dining options and accommodation, the area is a haven for hikers, families, and food lovers alike. The natural beauty of the region is complemented by a plethora of activities ranging from rock climbing, camping and hiking right through to luxury escapes, high end food, local produce and boutique wineries.

Our adventure started before we'd even arrived with a visit to Mount Langi Ghiran, a gorgeous winery about an hour before Halls Gap, for some lunch and wine tasting.

Set amongst the dramatic backdrop of the Great Dividing Range with incredible views, we feasted on lamb, straight from then paddock and a delicious cheese board that I got all to myself (thanks kids) and some fabulous cool climate wines. They've got fun garden games to entertain the kids whilst you enjoy your wine on the outdoor tables. This is a super picturesque pitstop to break up the 3hour drive from Melbourne. Make sure you take a few bottles with you as well! The shiraz and riesling were fab! Mount Langi Ghiran. 80 Vine Road, Bayindeen.

On arrival to Halls Gap, the heart of the Grampians, we checked into the Breeze Holiday Parks – Grampians. There are a quite a few holiday parks in Halls Gap but what I loved about this one was it was super relaxed and quiet, they provided fire pits for every cabin (our hosts brought us wood and marshmallows!) and there was wildlife a plenty. Emus wandered past the playground and even our veranda which was also frequented with cockatoos who would eat from your hand. Our Twin Deluxe Cabin that could sleep five was perfect in every way. Breeze Holiday Parks – Grampians. 2223 Grampians Road, Halls Gap.

We then kicked off our adventure and exploration of this cute as a button town by hiring some e-bikes. There are 18 kilometres of shared bike path allowing you to enjoy the spectacular Fyans Valley from the township to Lake Bellfield and return. These were so much fun and surprisingly easy to manage, and we loved passing kangaroos on the track and getting our bearings of the valley. Halls Gap E-Bike Hire. 109 Grampians Road, Halls Gap.

Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co. is a fun brewery right in the middle of town, perfect for a casual dinner, with regular live music and events. Their beer is brewed fresh on-site with a seasonal street food inspired menu. I had a fabulous chicken burger and loved sitting outside watching the town pass by. Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co. 119 Grampians Road, Halls Gap.

For mini golf lovers, you can't go past the 18 hole adventure mini golf course which is surrounded by beautiful plants, bridges, streams and waterfalls. We had lunch here including some fun mocktails which the kids thought were a hoot and there is even a cute little gift shop you can poke around in. Grampians Adventure Golf. 475-481 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap.

A highlight of the trip was the Halls Gap Zoo where we were treated to a Red Panda and Meekat experience. Getting up close and personal with these adorable creatures and having them eat out of your hands was so special. Over 160 species call the Halls Gap Zoo home. Besides our new besties, the meerkats and red pandas, there are giraffes, kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, ducks, owls, monkeys and the list goes on. Grab a bag of deer food on entry as these cuties are roaming free and love nothing more than to graze out of your hand too, but watch they don't steal the whole bag off you! Halls Gap Zoo.

4061 Ararat-Halls Gap Rd, Halls Gap

Another famous Grampains landmark is the MacKenzie Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria. Whilst most waterfalls here run dry in the Summer, this beauty flows all year round with water cascading over huge cliffs into a deep pool, sending fine sprays of rainbow mist high into the air above the stunning gorge. To see the falls, take the easy one-kilometre path to the viewing platform at the Bluff, or the steep trail to the base of the falls, but beware there are a lot of steps and mama worked out just how unfit she really is! Also, as inviting as she looks, swimming is strictly off the cards here sorry. MacKenzie Falls. 30-minute drive from Halls Gap on Mount Victory Road.

Whilst our Breeze Holiday Park had a pool, in the summer months the Halls Gap public swimming pool, located in the centre of town, will be a life saver for the ones that don't. Next door to the pool is where you will find a very well laid out adventure playground that will keep your children entertained for hours. Pop over the road for and some ice cream. There are two great shops to chose from. Halls Gap public pool and playground. 10 School Road, Halls Gap.

Dinner on night two was at Flame Brothers, a family owned American-style smokehouse, restaurant and bar along side the Stony Creek in the heart of Halls Gap. You'll be spoilt for choice here with an array of drinks, from coffee to cocktails, which is paired with their delectable menu of smoked meats, pizzas and burgers. Flame Brothers.10/97 Grampians Road, Halls Gap.

We started our last day by exploring Brambuk, the National Park and Cultural Centre, where you can discover the Park's exceptional environment and Aboriginal Culture with super informative displays. We also had a fantastic breakfast here at The Brambuk Café & Eatery, the sister venue to Flame Brothers Restaurant & Bar. BrambukNational Park & Cultural Centre. 277 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap.

A trip to the Grampians is not complete without a walk to The Pinnacle (see main picture). There are two access points. Via the Wonderland Car Park,2.1km and about and 1.5 hours, or a similar distance from the Sundail Car Park at an easier 45min. This is easiest and the best route to use if you've got young children, but it was still no walk in the park! However, the views from the lookout point make it all worthwhile and the journey is ever changing and simply stunning along the way. The Pinnacle Walk. Sundial Rd Bellfield.

Just ten minutes from Halls Gap is Pomonal Estate, the perfect spot for lunch on your way home. I grabbed the wine tasting flight to sample a few local varieties and was pleased to discover they had the delicious Mount Langi Ghiran Riesling I'd tried on day one. Pomonal also serve a great sparkling riesling, rose, shiraz and fortified shiraz. Pomonal Estate. 2079 Pomonal Road, Pomonal.

A great last port of call on your way out of Halls Gap is Five Ducks Farm where Anita hand crafts small batches of delicious preserves from the fruits and berries grown on her small farm. She's also got a select range of produce from other local Grampians growers with seasonal preserves, honey and homemade ice-cream available through the farm gate shop. And yes, the farm has plenty of ducks! Five Ducks Farm. 3621 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Pomonal.

Be it outdoor adventure, indulgent food and wine, cultural experiences, or simply fun family times you seek, a road trip to the Grampians will deliver lasting memories and open you up to some of Victoria's most beautiful countryside.

A big thanks to Grampians Tourism for hosting us and finally giving my kids to opportunity to explore this beautiful place I've been dreaming about since I was a teenager.

To help plan your own Grampians adventure and start making your own memories visit visitgrampians.com.au