McKenzie Falls, Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld: Where to go in the Grampians region
With waterfalls, wineries, art pieces on silos and a bright pink lake, there’s so much to be seen around the Grampians. Here are some items to tick off your roadtrip bucket list.
IN THE west of Victoria wide open spaces and natural experiences are in abundance. Whether you’re hitting the open road to explore the region through the Silo Art Trail, taking on a hike in the Grampians National Park or testing some of the area’s finest produce and wine, the Grampians has plenty to offer.
Make sure to ring ahead and book, and wear a mask where possible.
PLAY
GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK, HALLS GAP
Seasoned hikers and those after an easy afternoon stroll will find an adventure to suit when wandering in the Grampians National Park, most easily accessed from Halls Gap. Some crowd favourites include the leg-burning trek to McKenzie Falls, getting immersed in flora and fauna on the way up to the Pinnacle and the views that stretch forever from Boroka Lookout.
HALLS GAP ZOO
Not just one to keep the kids entertained, the Halls Gap Zoo has a range of interactive experiences for all animal lovers to enjoy. With more than 160 native and exotic animals, including rare and endangered species, it is Victoria’s largest regional zoo.
SILO ART TRAIL
The 200km along the famed Silo Art Trail is a must-see while in the area. See the iconic artworks depicted on silos in six of Victoria’s smallest towns from Rupanyup up to Patchewollock.
THE GIANT KOALA, DADSWELLS BRIDGE
This week named Victoria’s Best Big Thing by Wotif, the Giant Koala sits on the Western Highway between Stawell and Horsham and is hard to miss. Make sure to stop for that iconic photo, where a cafe and zoo are also situated for a convenient rest stop. Local folklore says it’s bad luck to look directly in its eyes.
PINK LAKE, DIMBOOLA
Another detour from the Western Highway to boost your Instagram profile, the Pink Lake is exactly what you think it is. The stunning hues of this salt lake have to be seen to be believed.
DRINK
SEPPELT WINERY, GREAT WESTERN
The Grampians are home to some iconic wines and cellar doors, including Seppelt Winery in the town centre of Great Western. The historic cellar door has an extensive list of wines to try as well as an informative tour of the underground drives. While in the area, visits to nearby Bests Winery and Grampians Estate is a must, and Pomonal Estate isn’t too far down the road to ensure your tastebuds get the most out of the Grampians.
PAPER SCISSORS ROCK, HALLS GAP
Halls Gap have welcomed newcomers Paper Scissors Rock with open arms, as one of the regions only independent microbreweries. All beers are brewed on-site and paired with street-food-inspired menu and live music, it makes for a fun night.
EAT
ROYAL MAIL HOTEL, DUNKELD
Local produce is in high demand across restaurants and cafes but at Dunkeld’s renowned Royal Mail Hotel you get all the taste with all the thrills of fine-dining. With Mt Sturgeon as a backdrop, choose from a 10-course degustation or a pub meal in the bistro, paired with the best wines in the region.
BUNYIP HOTEL, CAVENDISH*
For something a bit more laid-back, Cavendish’s Bunyip Hotel offers a real taste of fantastic country far in a community-owned and run pub. Testimonials say the inviting atmosphere and friendly ambience are a drawcard.
*Reopening Thursday, October 8.
STAY
WANDERLUST GLAMPING
Camp a little luxuriously at a range of sites across the region with Wanderlust Glamping’s range of bell tents and vintage caravans. They even set up the site at your chosen campground.
SHEARERS’ QUARTERS, WILLAURA
Experience an authentic farm stay at the rustic Shearers’ Quarters on working sheep and cattle farm Mount William Station. The accommodation sleeps up to 16 people in a building with many key features dating back to 1869 still in tact.
MORE
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