The Grampians National Park Tour is one of those trips where nature, culture and good walking boots are equal. I’ve been leading eco-tours through Victoria’s mountain country for years. Still, few places combine raw geological drama and deep cultural history like the Grampians – or Gariwerd as it’s known to the Traditional Owners.
Three hours west of Melbourne, this region is a magnet for travellers who want more than a selfie. You’ll find summit trails that will test your calves, waterfalls that thunder through eucalyptus forest and stories that go back tens of thousands of years. Let’s get into the good stuff – the hikes, lookouts, wildlife and those “bring-a-thermos” moments that make this park an Aussie icon.
Highlights
- Get to experience the Grampians National Park, officially listed on the National Heritage register
- Immerse yourself in the Indigenous culture at Brambuk, the National Park & Cultural Centre
- Take in the sensational views from the summit at Reeds Lookout, Boroka Lookout, and The Balconies
- Go on the lookout for wildlife – kangaroos and emus in their natural habitat – pretty cool!
- Get a taste of the region’s deep history and cultural significance in the park
- Be amazed by MacKenzie Falls – take the 160 steps down to the base for an experience you won’t forget
- Enjoy our guided bushwalks, panoramic hiking trails and breathtaking views of the Australian bush
- Have a stroll through the picturesque village of Halls Gap, right in the heart of the Grampians National Park
Tour Details
Tour Code: GP-S
Operates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
Departs: 7:35 am
Back in Melbourne by 8:30 pm
Duration: 12 and a bit hours
- Morning tea is on us
- National Park entry fees are paid by us
- Guided bush walks, roughly 2-4km each
- We’ll help you spot some of that amazing Australian wildlife, like kangaroos and emus, along the way
- You’re in good hands; our guides are pros
- We’ll pick you up and drop you off at selected Melbourne hotels\
- Audio translation in 10 languages available
Itinerary
Join us on a road trip to the Grampians (Gariwerd), one of Australia’s most ancient and awe-inspiring mountain ranges. Take in the stunning scenery, be blown away by the park’s sandstone ridges and waterfalls and get a real feel for the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage. With its diverse wildlife and luscious vegetation, the Grampians National Park is a true gem of Australia’s natural beauty.
We kick off the day with a stop for some morning refreshments in the charming township of Beaufort before heading into the park. As the landscape unfolds, your guide will share all sorts of cool facts and insights about the region’s unique wildlife – from kangaroos and emus to the amazing birdlife and seasonal wildflowers that pop up throughout the year.
Eventually, we’ll arrive in the lovely village of Halls Gap, right in the heart of the park, and you can grab some lunch at your own expense. Later in the day, we’ll visit Brambuk, the National Park & Cultural Centre, where you can discover the art, history and stories of the local Aboriginal communities through all sorts of interactive displays and exhibitions.
Continuing your exploration with scenic hikes to Reeds Lookout, The Balconies (that infamous set of the Princess Mononoke film) & the majestic MacKenzie Falls. Follow that path down to the base of the falls (or visit Silverband Falls or Beehive Falls, if you happen to encounter conditions that require a change) – and get treated to the refreshing spray & that raw natural grandeur of one of Victoria’s most beloved waterfalls.
After a day of exploring & taking in those eye-popping views, unwind on your way back to Melbourne, stopping off for dinner at your own pace (no expense account for that one).
Meals: none provided
Driving distance: around 600km
Walking distance: approx 4km
Details
- 6:50 – Pullman Albert Park – 65 Queens Road Albert Park
- 6:55 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel – 206 A’Beckett St Melbourne
- 6:58 – Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane – 388 Lonsdale St Melbourne
- 7:00 – Melbourne Marriott Hotel – corner Exhibition St & Lonsdale St Melbourne
- 7:00 – Nomads St Kilda Beach – 17 Carlisle St St Kilda
- 7:05 – Space Hotel – 380 Russell St Melbourne
- 7:10 – Grand Hyatt Melbourne – Russell St entrance Melbourne
- 7:15 – Windsor Hotel – 111 Spring St Melbourne
- 7:20 – Adina Apartment Hotel – 189 Queen St Melbourne
- 7:20 – Mercure Melbourne Southbank – 9 Riverside Quay Southbank
- 7:25 – The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St Melbourne
- 7:25 – Crown Towers – 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank
- 7:30 – Pan Pacific Melbourne – 2 Convention Centre Pl South Wharf
- 7:30 – The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne – 44 Spencer St Melbourne
- 7:35 – Immigration Museum – 400 Flinders St corner Market St Melbourne
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm and cool clothing
- Rain jacket
- Camera
- A sense of adventure
- National Park admission fees
- Morning tea included
- Aboriginal cultural visitor center
- Guided bush walks* (2-4km, subject to fitness level)
- Australian wildlife sightings, in the wild!
- Hosted by an experienced driver-guide
- Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
- Comprehensive local tour commentary
- Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
- Audio translation app service, available in 10 languages (Cantonese, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish) / Headphones not included.
* If you cannot find your desired pickup location, please contact our office for a more exhaustive list of locations.* It is strongly recommended that you arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before departure time. Please be patient and do not panic if your bus is running a few minutes late. If your bus has not picked you up within 10 minutes of your departure time, then contact our office on 03 9393 1300
For private tour groups contact our charters team on [email protected] for more information.
Booking Online
FAQ
How tough are the walks on the Grampians tour?
The walks on the Grampians tour are suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness – not super athletes, but someone who can handle a bit of a walk on uneven terrain & maybe some small uphill climbs.
Can you swim at MacKenzie Falls?
Sorry, no swimming is allowed at MacKenzie Falls due to safety concerns. But, you can still get some great shots & enjoy the views from the lookout points & walking tracks that have been put in place.
What wildlife can you expect to see on the tour?
The Grampians are home to loads of native wildlife. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus, wallabies & – if you’re really lucky – even an echidna. The park also has an amazing birdlife as well as stunning seasonal wildflowers on show.
How long do you need to see the Grampians?
This one-day tour will give you a taste of some of the most gorgeous parts of the Grampians, including waterfalls, lookouts & wildlife encounters. If you have more time, the 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour offers a more relaxed pace & some extra sights you can explore.
Is there a volcano near the Grampians?
As it happens, there is Mount Napier, which was Victoria’s most recently active volcano & is located about 20 km south of Hamilton. It’s also the highest volcanic point in the Western District Plains – with visible evidence of lava flows that date back around 10,000 years.
Can you still visit the Grampians in winter?
Yes, you can – winter is actually a pretty great time to explore the Grampians. The crisp air, lush vegetation & cooler temperatures make it a perfect time to hike, and you can spot kangaroos, wallabies, and emus all year round.
