3 days in the Grampians: the ultimate winter escape from Melbourne

Winter is definitely one of the best times to visit, with crisp hiking weather, misty mornings and warm evenings around the open fire pit. Three days is plenty of time to get out on the trails, learn about the cultural stories woven across the landscapes, and try local wine and fresh produce. Make the most of YHA member discounts too, with low season pricing and local tour operators offering some great deals on experiences during your stay.

Day1 (Friday) - Arrive & switch off

The vibe: Get ready to properly slow down. You’re about to experience mountains in every direction, see kangaroos and wallabies grazing, and feel the cool evening breeze. These are all signs it’s time to recharge and unwind over a few days in nature.

Afternoon & Evening

Getting around the Grampians is easier with a car, but if you do take public transport, the best route is catching a train from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station (departing 11:16am to the regional town of Ararat), then boarding the 2pm coach from Ararat, arriving in Halls Gap just before 3pm. Right now, Victoria’s entire public transport network is half price until January 2027, meaning a return fare is under $10. You’ll be dropped at the Halls Gap Visitor centre, a 15 minute walk to the YHA Grampians Eco (Halls Gap).

If driving, leave Melbourne after lunch and follow the Western Highway towards Halls Gap. The journey (around 260km) takes around three hours, passing through sleepy country towns and open farmland before the Grampians suddenly appear on the horizon. Pack car snacks, prepare a road trip music playlist, and make a few stops along the way to break up the long drive. There’s also a huge car park when you arrive at the YHA Grampian Eco.

After checking in, spend the afternoon unwinding from the week. Sitting at the foot of the mountains, the property has everything you’d dream of in an eco retreat, from a cosy fireplace to natural design features like rammed-earth walls that blend into the surrounding landscapes. Outside, there’s huge timber benches, a herb garden, a BBQ and a fire pit, all setting the scene for your much-needed detox in nature.

The Grampians is home to everything from short strolls to multi-day adventures, including sections of the famous Grampians Peaks Trail. In Victoria, it’s also free to visit national parks, so none of this will cost a cent. Remember you also don’t have to overdo it. If you’ve arrived closer to sunset, save some of these options for Saturday and spend your first night relaxing.

Best sites

• Rent free bikes at YHA Grampians and explore Halls Gap before sunset.
• The Venus Baths is just 15 minutes from YHA Grampians Eco, and is an easy 2.3 km loop starting right from the centre of Halls Gap, crossing Stoney Creek and following the gorge up to a series of rock pools. You can do the whole thing in under an hour.
• Also nearby is the Halls Gap Botanical Gardens, a 30 minute loop where you’re likely to spot kangaroos, emus and birdlife. Sunset is a great time to visit.

Best bites

• Cook up a feast in the YHA guest kitchen. For food and supplies, the Halls Gap General Store is open until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays. There’s also bigger supermarkets in nearby Stawell (20 minutes away by car) if you’re looking for more options.
• Raccolto Pizzeria has some of the best wood-fired pizzas (from $24) in the region. Try the Margherita or the Pepperoni.

Best nights

• Pick up a bottle of wine from the Grampians Wine Cellar and settle in around the fire pit back at the YHA. It’s the perfect way to make new friends and swap travel stories until midnight. Whether you spend the night in the courtyard or inside with a board game, you never know who you’ll meet.
• Hours from Melbourne, the Grampians deliver clear night skies with no light pollution, making for some of the best stargazing opportunities in Victoria. Try nearby Boroka Lookout and Dunkeld Arboretum and you won’t be disappointed. You might even see a shooting star or two!

Can’t miss: Kangaroos often gather on the lawn outside YHA Grampians Eco, and it’s a special way of seeing native wildlife up close. Remember to admire them from a distance, and avoid touching or feeding any wildlife you may see.

Day 2 (Saturday) - Ready, set, explore

The vibe: Wake early and rug up warm to experience a winter sunrise, then dive into a day full of outdoor adventures, before winding down in front of the fire pit (you’ve earned it).

Morning

Set the alarm for 6am, jump in the car, and head to The Pinnacle, the most famous lookout in the Grampians, and best to see at either sunrise or sunset. Take those Instagram snaps but remember to also soak it all up IRL.

Best sites

• The Pinnacle is the hike everyone comes to the Grampians for. Starting from the Sundial Car Park, the trail climbs up through sandstone rock formations before opening onto one of Victoria’s most spectacular views. Allow between 1.5 and 2 hours return, and take sturdy shoes and water (fill up your water bottle for free at the YHA before you go).
• Boroka Lookout has sweeping views across Halls Gap, Lake Bellfield and the surrounding ranges. Like the Pinnacle, this is great to experience early morning.
• Splitters Falls is a short walk from the Halls Gap township. For a different viewpoint, head to the Wonderland Loop and follow the stream down.
• Reed Lookout and The Balconies has huge views across Victoria Valley and are particularly impressive in the afternoon when the light is starting to fade.
• Boronia Peak Trail is one of the best walks in the Grampians, and way less crowded than The Pinnacle. It’s steeper and has views towards Lake Fyans and the Fyans Valley.
• If you’re after guided abseiling, canoeing, rock-climbing or small group hiking experiences, Absolute Outdoors cater to all skill levels (from $155). YHA members get 10% off through the YHA Explorer App.
• In the Grampians you’ll also find mountain biking, horseback riding, and quad biking tours throughout the region. Speak to the team at YHA Grampians Eco reception for assistance and recommendations.
• Mackenzie Falls (Migunang Wirab) is one of the largest year-round waterfalls in Victoria and winter is when it looks its best. Closed during the first half of 2026, the site is expected to open mid-year.

Best bites

• Livefast Cafe is one of the best in Halls Gap. Head here for breakfast or lunch. And if doing an early hike, swing past here first for a takeaway coffee (they open at 7am).
• You’ll need the car to get there, but Fallen Giants Vineyard is the ideal place for a cheese board and afternoon wine overlooking the mountains.
• Spirit of Punjab has a tasty Indian menu, with craft beer on tap, perfect for relaxing after a big day out in nature.

Best nights

• Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co. is the only craft brewery in Halls Gap, located on the main street. They have seven beers on-site which change seasonally, main meals starting from $26, and there's regular live music.

• Check out Flame Brothers Restaurant and Bar for a laid back dinner overlooking Stoney Creek, with steaks, burgers and ribs. Also open for breakfast and lunch.
• At the Kookaburra Hotel, settle in for an evening of hearty pub classics, local wines, and a roaring wood heater to keep you warm.

Can’t miss: Hiking the trails will work up an appetite. Head back to the YHA, fire up the BBQ, and share dinner with new friends from all around the world. With less screen time and more conversation, you never know who you’ll meet. The best Saturday nights often unfold when you keep everything relaxed, low key and social. 

Day 3 (Sunday) - Sleep in, but then continue exploring

The vibe: Your alarm clock this morning is the 230 species of native birds calling the Grampians home. Don’t rush breakfast, then ease into whatever kind of Sunday you’re ready to experience.

Morning

After checking out, store your bags at YHA Grampians Eco for free. Before you head to another lookout, we recommend immersing yourself in the stories that have shaped the Grampians for thousands of years. Gariwerd (the traditional Indigenous name for the region) holds the largest concentration of Aboriginal rock art sites in southern Australia, adding a whole new layer to the landscape you’re exploring. The main rock art sites are all free to visit, self-guided, and don’t require  any entry fees or park passes required.

Best sights

• Bunjil’s Shelter has one of Victoria’s most significant Aboriginal rock art sites and the only known image of Bunjil, the creator spirit of many Kulin Nation peoples.
• Gulgurn Manja Shelter, near Laharum in the northern Grampians, means the "hands of young people". This shelter holds hand stencils and is part of the Grampians Rock Art Trail. While less visited than Bunjil's, it is definitely worth the detour.
• Seppelt Wines Great Western has underground cellar tours (from $28) through historic tunnels originally dug during the gold rush era. YHA members receive 20% off through the YHA Explorer App.
• One Tree Hill Lookout is about 40 minutes from Halls Gap and has panoramic views across the surrounding countryside and ranges. Plus there’s a picnic area.
• Halls Gap Adventure Golf (from $20) is a fun way to finish the weekend before heading home. YHA members receive 10% off by showing their YHA membership.
• Visit Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre (closed during 2026 for renovations) to learn about the landscapes and stories of the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung Peoples, who have called Gariwerd home for thousands of years.

Best bites

• Down by Lake Bellfield, Moco Gallery is a short drive from the main street with cafe food available throughout the day. 
• Make Coolas Ice Creamery your final stop before leaving town. Their homemade ice cream has become something of a local institution, with 33 flavours to choose from.

Afternoon

Head back to YHA Grampians Eco, grab your bags and start making the trek back to Melbourne. If taking public transport, the latest coach departure on a Sunday is 14:43, swapping to another coach at Stawell station through to Ararat, then taking the V/Line train back to Southern Cross Station, with just over four hours of travel time all up, and costing just $4.

Alternatively, if you’re still in the mood for more adventure, add a few extra nights of exploring and head south to Apollo Bay, where you’ll catch the very best of The Great Ocean Road and Victoria’s famous surf coast.

Can’t miss: Around 80% of Victoria's known Aboriginal rock art sites are found in the Grampians. Visiting places like Bunjil’s Shelter or the Gulgurn Manja Shelter shifts how you see the landscape entirely, adding depth, meaning, and a stronger sense of connection to Country as you drive on. Especially if you’re visiting from abroad, it’s a powerful opportunity to learn more about Australia’s Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities, and to deepen your understanding of the Country you’re travelling through.

*Prices are indicative only and may vary depending on season, availability, fuel prices and vehicle type.

Words: Troy Nankervis