From epic hikes to enchanting wildflowers and canola drives to inquisitive wildlife, immerse your senses in the Grampians as nature flourishes this spring.
Whether it’s a visit as the season’s turning or a trip in the depth of spring, the Grampians region always offers plenty to see, eat, drink and do.
SEE
Home to more than one-third of Victoria’s flora, spring is when budding horticulturalists can admire wildflowers in full bloom in the Grampians.
Head to Wartook Valley to find vast displays of Grampians Heath Myrtle. Flowering shrubs, Blue Tinsel Lilies and native orchids are abundant at Heatherlie Quarry, and the southern plains are home to native grass species. Other spots to get your flower fix include the Wartook Gardens, Dunkeld Arboretum, and the Mount William summit.
DO
Pause, be silent and try to identify the birdsong. Birdwatchers can delight in the sounds of parrots, currawong, lorikeets and the iconic song of Australia’s most famous bird, the kookaburra.
If the gentle humming of your engine is more your thing, take the wheel and discover somewhere new on a canola drive from Moyston to Dunkeld, via Maroona. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the view across fields blooming with bright yellow crops. While in Dunkeld, pop in to admire the artistic talents of Gerard Muphy’s Furniture and have lunch at the Parker St Project at the Royal Mail Hotel.
Or, if you prefer adventure by foot, tackle the almighty Mount William (Duwul) in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Spring is also the perfect climate for a 2 to 4-night expedition with the Grampians Peaks Walking Company on the Grampians Peaks Trail, the pinnacle of hiking adventure.
EAT
Spring is ideal for picnicking in the Grampians, whether a self-catered experience at Lake Fyans or something arranged, like a pre-booked platter from Norton Estate or a delicious picnic experience at Mount Langi Ghiran, complete with a picnic box and blanket for relaxed sipping in the sun.
Those with a sweet tooth can now indulge in local chocolatier Kerrie’s Kreations at her shop front at the Breeze Holiday Park Grampians from Thursday to Monday. Or fully indulge the senses with an Experience The Grampians wine and chocolate tour, including a chocolate-making workshop with Kerrie, a premium wine tasting & underground cellar tour at Best’s Wines and lunch at Grampians Estate.
DRINK
Take the time to discover fine wine as the award-winning Grampians wine region continues to release 2023 vintages, from spicy shiraz to crisp rieslings. And the Great Western Hotel is the perfect place to taste these, with over 170 local drops on their list.
Paper Scissor Rock Brew Co. in Halls Gap is a must-visit for beer lovers to sample a selection of beers brewed onsite. Pomonal Estate microbrewery offers in-house brewed beers, ciders and a seasonal menu, whilst Grampians Ale Works, a small independent brewing company, uses local grains and brews in Stawell.
STAY
The Grampians is home to many great caravan parks, including the Lake Fyans Holiday Park, Breeze Holiday Parks, Acacia Holiday Park, and Horsham Holiday Park.
Those who prefer self-contained apartments should check out the all-new Serenity Holiday Accommodation and Grampians Under The Stars, both in Halls Gap. Or, for pet-friendly accommodation, think Grampians Getaway, where guests can also enjoy access to the famous Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park woodfire heated pools.
Just over two hours away from Melbourne, Geelong and Bendigo, restore your connection with nature on a weekend catch-up with friends, a longer stay with family or even a sneaky mid-week getaway in the Grampians.
For more information on the Grampians region: https://www.