The Northern Grampians is a beautiful outdoor adventure destination, including notable natural sites such as Pinnacle, Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout, and Balcones.
The Northern Grampians are home to some of the most beautiful towns and villages, each with unique attractions and atmosphere. The region is also rich in colourful history, with crucial Aboriginal heritage sites, art galleries and a rich gold history of winemaking.
Nestled in the heart of the Grampians (Garivird) National Park, Halls Gap is a charming little village in an area known for its breathtaking walks, stunning views and curious wildlife. It’s a must-visit stop on many Grampians National Park tours. Spend the day at Halls Gap Zoo, Victoria’s largest countryside zoo, and get up close and personal with the animals.
The charming village of Great Western, located in the heart of the Grampian’s historic wine region, is home to some of the oldest vines in the world. Discover vineyards, charming wineries, stunning cellar doors, underground routes and the winemakers behind them!
However, some great vineyards are worth visiting if you explore the north of Grampian.
Towns of the North
Great Western
Great Western is a lovely village on the Western Highway that connects Ararat and Stowell.
Founded in the 1840s by sheep farmers, Great Western increased with the discovery of gold and the planting of vineyards. Today, the Great Western is worldwide recognised as a historic wine production area that produces award-winning wines.
Saint Arnaud
St Arnaud is not just a stopover on the way to Mildura; it’s well worth a visit. Stop at one of the lively historic pubs, then follow up your country pub meal with a visit to St Arnaud Railway Station, a railway hub.
Stroll through the manicured gardens of Pioneer Park and Queen Mary Gardens and admire the city’s lacy iron porches. Observe the local wildlife and bright spring wildflowers, and head to Teddington Reservoir to camp or fish in the nearby lakes and rivers.
Halls Gap
Nestled in the heart of the Grampians National Park, Halls Gap is a charming little village offering various accommodations and activities. The area is known for its breathtaking walks, stunning scenery and exciting wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, wallabies and birds.
If you prefer canoeing, fishing or birdwatching, Bellfield, Lonsdale, Fiancee and Wartook Lakes are all within a short drive of the city.
For the more adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities for rock climbing, mountain climbing, canoeing, off-roading and ATV driving.
Stowell
Just a 20-minute drive from Halls Gap, Stowell’s historic gold mining town is the closest major shopping centre to Grampians National Park.
Stowell is famous for hosting the annual Stowell’s Gift held in 1878. Look out over the Central Park course from the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame, which also displays memorabilia from Australia’s most prestigious running event. This 120-metre handicap race is held every year over the Easter weekend.
Visit nearby Black Range State Park and walk to Bunjil’s Shelter, a massive rock outcrop with ancient rock art depicting the Aboriginal spiritual figure Bunjil.
Halls Gap Zoo
Halls Gap Zoo is the largest regional zoo in Victoria. It is home to more than 120 native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds, ranging from cheetahs, giraffes, meerkats, monkeys, red pandas and bison to kangaroos, koalas, Tassie devils, wombats, crocodiles, snakes and dingoes.
Halls Gap Zoo is home to several captive breeding programmes for endangered species. The Species Coordinator manages these programmes through the Zoo Aquarium Association (ZAA), which brings together more than 90 zoos and aquariums across the Australian region, including Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
At Halls Gap Zoo, park visitors can get up close and personal with many species of animals. Exceptional animal feeds are available for purchase to feed kangaroos, wallabies and deer from your hands. You can also climb on the lap of a meerkat, feed a giraffe or rhino, get up close to a dingo or hold a reptile.
The two-and-a-half kilometre trails around the zoo are wheelchair and pram-friendly. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue while the kids play on the playground.
Halls Gap Zoo offers food, drinks and souvenirs. For more information, please contact them or visit their website.
Absolute Outdoors
From a geological point of view, the Grampians are a mountain range with a unique formation. The national park in Australia is known for its ecological diversity. Culturally, they are home to thousands of years of ancient history. All of this is in a place that offers some of the best outdoor and adventure sports opportunities.
Located in the heart of the Grampians, Absolute Outdoors is the key to connecting people with the place they live and getting to know the Grampians.
In 2021, they received accreditation under the Quality Tourism System in Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Activities and Adventure. These accreditations recognise that through their business practices, they offer experiences that are reliable, consistent, predictable and sustainable.
In 2021 and 2022, Absolute Outdoors was awarded the Gold Medal for Adventure Tourism at the Victorian Tourism Awards. The company is committed to creating sustainable, high-quality, engaging, memorable visitor experiences.
Experiences range from mild adventures to hair-raising adventures for all ages. They offer canoeing, rock climbing, mountaineering, and a quality outdoor store that meets all your hiking and climbing needs.
As an experienced tour operator, no matter how you spend your time with Absolute Outdoors, their goal is to share their home with you in a safe, fun, and informative way so that you can better understand yourself and your destination – Grampian.
Seppelt Great Western Underground Cellar Tour
You’ll be transported back through the iron gates into the majestic National Trust listed ‘banks’. The vast countryside tunnels stretch as far as the eye can see, tempting you to wander further and explore their rich history.
Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world visit the Seeppelt winery to discover the Drives and marvel at the incredible history during historical tours to see the impressive three-kilometre network of underground cellars first-hand.
FAQ
What are the must-visit towns in the Northern Grampians?
Halls Gap, Great Western, St Arnaud, and Stawell are top picks, each offering unique attractions like hiking trails, historic wineries, botanical gardens, and cultural sites.
What outdoor activities can I do in Halls Gap?
You can enjoy bushwalks, wildlife spotting, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing, and mountain biking, with nearby lakes perfect for birdwatching and water sports.
Why is Great Western famous?
Great Western is known for its historic vineyards, award-winning wines, charming cellar doors, and the Seppelt Underground Cellars—one of Australia’s most remarkable wine attractions.
What family-friendly attractions are in the region?
Halls Gap Zoo is Victoria’s largest regional zoo, with over 120 native and exotic species, interactive animal experiences, and accessible walking trails.
What cultural and historical experiences can visitors enjoy?
Explore Aboriginal heritage at Bunjil’s Shelter, delve into the gold mining history of Stawell, visit art galleries, and take historic wine tours in Great Western.
