Rising to the distant west of Melbourne, the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) and its five sandstone ridges make for a dreamy countryside escape soaked in great wine, food and outdoor experiences. While the entire national park is spread over 1600 square kilometres, the Central Grampians is the main tourist hub, with Halls Gap serving as a charming, accessible gateway to the region. 

Though a Grampians day trip is technically possible from Melbourne — it’d be a very early start — exploring the area’s abundant activities is much better when you’ve got an entire weekend to spare. Primed for year-round fun, even in the cold of winter, look to the volcanic plains of the west, as the Grampians present culinary encounters and cultural adventures that collide with geological wonders.

A stunning weekend awaits, but a little planning goes a long way. The drive from Melbourne to Halls Gap takes three to four hours, depending on traffic. So, do yourself a favour and depart outside peak hour if possible. About halfway to the Grampians, Ballarat is an obvious destination to take a break or change drivers. It’s also a choice option for a bite to eat. Head to the takeaway-only Naomi & I to taste Mrs Browne Bakes‘ raspberry goldfields cookie pie — the winner of Ballarat’s Best Pie competition for 2025.

However, Salinger’s in Great Western is also a stellar choice, a 75-minute drive further west. A blink-and-you-miss-it town with hardly more than a pub and a post office, this cosy cafe and twice-weekly dinner spot is tucked into an 1861 building with exposed brick walls and polished timber floors. Refined dishes and a Grampians-heavy wine list are served by the fireside — a welcoming hideaway on a chilly night. Just 30 minutes from Halls Gap, be cautious of kangaroos bounding across the road at dusk — Skippy is no joke.

Hidden in the dense bushland on the outskirts of Halls Gap, DULC is a top stay for those looking to seclude themselves in the Grampians’ landscape. Spanning sophisticated single and two-storey wood cabins, these peaceful retreats offer everything from gas fireplaces and sun-drenched reading nooks to private outdoor spas overlooking native shrubbery. 

But if your idea of a weekend getaway is slightly more budget-conscious, YHA Grampians Eco is a wise choice. Within walking distance of town, this airy and sustainable accommodation has comfortable dorms and private rooms so you can get a solid night’s rest. Yet the amenities are where this accommodation thrives, featuring two kitchens, soothing wood-fire heaters and lush gardens.

Born from the region’s wine obsession, Halls Gap’s diverse and quality cuisine belies its small scale. Flame Brothers is best known for its American-style smoked cuisine — think pork ribs, brisket and buffalo cauliflower — yet breakfast is also a highlight. You’ll find Melbourne-grade coffee brewed with Campos beans and dishes like avocado ‘bruschetta’ on Blue Wren Bakery sourdough, a highly rated micro-bakery based in nearby Pomonal. Livefast Cafe is also a choice brekkie spot, with its sun-drenched verandah primed for coffee and pastries.

Soon it’s time to make the most of the Grampians wine region. Considered one of Australia’s top destinations for cool-climate drops, the area has built its name on riesling and shiraz. The Pomonal Estate serves lunch from Wednesday–Sunday, with elevated seasonal cuisine offered against a vineyard and mountain backdrop. The operation also triples as a microbrewery and cider house — try the sweet-ish, ultra-smooth pear cider.

More top-quality wine awaits at Fallen Giants. Planted during the second coming of Victoria’s wine industry in the late 1960s, its shiraz, riesling and cabernet have claimed a host of awards, including the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy in 2021. Named after the eponymous and still family-owned spot on Lygon Street — a pioneering wine bar when it opened in 1935 — this highly coveted accolade is given to the best young red wine. Enjoy a sip on the deck in the shade of a giant wattle tree.

Barney’s Bar & Bistro is another rewarding stop. Set inside an old shearing shed, the original timber beams and corrugated iron walls house a rustic pub brimming with crowd-pleasing favourites, from stacked beef burgers to panko-crumbed chicken katsu sandos. You’ll also find the recently added Black & Ginger Wine Shed. Here, visitors will encounter the bleeding edge of local winemaking, where unexpected small-batch drops pair with comfy couches and board games. Order a glass of Cinco Rojas to experience a curious blend of five Iberian varietals. 

For a chilled sunset spot, don’t skip the Grampians Wine Cellar. Just off the main drag in Halls Gap, founder Simon Freeman opened the store to give wine-lovers easy access to the region’s smaller winemakers sans cellar doors. More than just a passionate wine merchant, Freeman was previously the restaurant manager for celebrated fine diners like the Royal Mail Hotel and Brae, so his advice carries more weight than most. On the more casual end of the spectrum, the Spirit of Punjab is Halls Gap’s easygoing restaurant for quality Indian cuisine, not to mention life-size statues, robot waiters and neon chandeliers. It’s as delightfully offbeat as it sounds.

Dining and drinking might take up a significant chunk of your weekend, but there’s plenty more to do in the Grampians. The Halls Gap Zoo is a fun-loving activity with or without kids. As Victoria’s largest privately owned regional zoo, visitors will encounter over 500 animals, from cheetahs and white rhinos to red pandas and a meerkat family. 

Perhaps the most major recent addition to the Grampians is the Wama Foundation’s National Centre for Environmental Art. Showcasing thought-provoking perspectives on climatic concerns, the volunteer-run gallery and endemic garden has been 14 years in the making. Connect with the natural world from within its immersive exhibition space or roam rare and endangered plant species flanked by outdoor artwork extending over 16 acres.

Of course, no visit to the Grampians is complete without experiencing the vistas. If climbing hills isn’t your game, a short drive to Boroka Lookout offers panoramic views across Western Victoria, while The Balconies features an unbeatable platform for admiring dusk as it sweeps across the landscape. For those feeling slightly more active, the 4.2-kilometre return trip to the Pinnacles Lookout is a local icon for good reason. On the way down, cool off with a dip in the Venus Baths.

Concrete Playground stayed as a guest of Visit Grampians.

Images: Visit Grampians.

Want to explore other Victorian regions? Check out these guides to plan a summer adventure to the Yarra Ranges or take a cruise along the Great Ocean Road.