As the leaves begin to fall and the days grow shorter, the Grampians offers an abundance of sensational experiences to satisfy each and every visitor. Gather friends and family and head off on your next exhilarating adventure, or simply relax and enjoy the award-winning food and wine, as you explore the rich flavours of the Grampians region. It is sure to tickle anyone’s fancy!
EXPERIENCE: Leisurely hikes to Reeds Lookout and The Balconies allow spectacular views as far as the eye can see, looking over the breathtaking Victoria, Serra and Mount Difficult Ranges. Those seeking a more challenging adventure can spend the day exploring the legendary Grand Canyon, Splitter Falls and Silent Street via the Wonderland Loop Hike.
Get the heart racing by saddling up for guided horse-riding tours through the Western region, or abseil the striking cliff faces of Mount Arapiles that overlook the breathtaking landscapes of the Grampians National Park. Cycling trails are also in abundance, while access to picnic spots by the beautiful lakes and waterways are easily reached via 4WD trails. The likes of Lake Bellfield, Moora Moora Reserve and Lake Wartook provide the perfect sanctuary for relaxing outdoor activities with a mix of fishing, boating, picnic and bird watching opportunities available.
For those looking to experience the storied past of the region Lantern Ghost Tours and Aradale Tours hosts regular excursions and investigations to the J. Ward Asylum and various sites known for high levels of paranormal activity.
FOOD AND WINE: The cooler autumn weather brings new colour and texture to the region’s many wineries as the vines fill with ripened grapes and winemakers begin preparing for the harvest. The regions have produced some of the best wine in Australia since vines were brought over from Europe 150 years ago. Take some time out of the hustle and bustle of the daily grind and enjoy the rich flavours of the local wineries, cellar doors, artisanal produce and award-winning local restaurants.
THE GRAPE ESCAPE: The annual Grampians Grape Escape festival never disappoints, and this year is no exception! In celebration of the region’s best food, wine and music, the festival takes over Halls Gap from May 2nd to May 3rd, 2020. Celebrating 29 years, The Grampians Grape Escape is the perfect excuse to get friends and family together and dive headfirst into the sights, sounds and sensations of the Grampians. The Grampians Grape Escape allows attendees to sample local wines and regional produce direct from the maker, while boogying down to some of the region’s best musical acts. Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay to discover more of the region.
For more information on the Grampians Grape Escape: http://grampiansgrapeescape.com.au/
STAY: The region offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all visitors, interests and budgets. From opulent B&Bs, boutique inns and relaxing family holiday parks and cabins, through to unique camping and glamping experiences within the national park – the Grampians has something for everyone!
Find luxury accommodation like the famed Royal Mail Hotel, Boroka Downs and DULC Cabins, as well as more affordable options like The Grampians Motel, Comfort Inn Country Plaza Halls Gap and Dunkeld Old Bakery. There are also exquisite camping options at the Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, Wimmera Lakes Caravan Resort and throughout the Grampians National Park.
CULTURE: The Grampians is recognised as culturally sacred land, known as Gariwerd to the traditional owners of the land: the Djab Wurrung and the Jardwadjali peoples. Gariwerd follows a six-season cycle, with indicators to climatic features that indicate the changing of the seasons. Autumn sees the emergence of the honeybees, also known as gwangal, and the flocking of the birds which occurs from late March onwards. There are several cultural landmarks that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the indigenous history of the Grampians region. With the largest number of rock art sites in Southern Australia, the public can explore sites such as, Guljurn Manja Shelter, which is an easy fifteen-minute walk from Bunjil Shelter which is considered one of the most significant cultural sites in South Eastern Australia.
REGIONAL EVENTS: Some fantastic ways to discover the Grampians’ variety of great food, wine, music and heritage, are through the festivals and events that run throughout the year, with not-to-miss Autumn events including:
- Wine and Symphony – March 8, 2020
- Grampians Grape Escape – May 2-3, 2020
- Stawell Gift – April 10-13, 2020
- Run the Gap – May 24, 2020
- Serra Terror – June 6-7, 2020
For more information on the Grampians region: www.visitgrampians.com.au
