Grampians National Park

The Grampians National Park — known as Gariwerd to its Traditional Owners — rises dramatically from the plains of western Victoria, about three hours west of Melbourne. A series of rugged sandstone ranges with spectacular lookouts, cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and one of the richest concentrations of Aboriginal rock art in south-eastern Australia, it's one of the state's finest hiking and nature destinations.

The park's most iconic walk is the climb to The Pinnacle, a rocky lookout perched high above the town of Halls Gap. The trail winds through the Wonderland Range, passing narrow gorges, balancing boulders, and the striking Grand Canyon rock formation before emerging at a viewpoint with jaw-dropping views over the valley below. It's a moderately challenging half-day hike and the signature Grampians experience.

MacKenzie Falls is the park's most famous waterfall — one of the largest in Victoria, tumbling over rugged cliffs into a deep pool and flowing year-round. A steep path leads down to the base, where you can feel the spray, while the nearby Bluff lookout offers a view from above. Other standout lookouts include Boroka, Reeds Lookout, and The Balconies, all easily accessible and offering sweeping views across the ranges.

Halls Gap, the small town at the heart of the park, is famous for its resident kangaroos and emus, which graze freely on the recreation reserve and around the town. Deer, wallabies, echidnas, and abundant birdlife are common throughout the park, and in spring the Grampians burst into colour with one of the best wildflower displays in Victoria.

The cultural significance of Gariwerd runs deep. The park protects the majority of Victoria's Aboriginal rock art sites, with several open to visitors, including Bunjil's Shelter — a rare depiction of the creator spirit Bunjil. The Brambuk Cultural Centre in Halls Gap shares the stories, history, and living culture of the region's Traditional Owners.

Beyond the headline sights, the Grampians offer endless walking trails for every fitness level, from short strolls to the multi-day Grampians Peaks Trail, which traverses the length of the ranges. Rock climbing, abseiling, and mountain biking are also popular, and the surrounding region is dotted with wineries and farm-gate producers.

The Grampians sit conveniently on the overland route between Melbourne and Adelaide, and many travellers combine the park with the Great Ocean Road. Dundee Adventure's tours include the best of the hikes, lookouts, and wildlife, taking care of the transport and timing so you can focus on the scenery.