Three Hours from Melbourne: Your Weekend in the Grampians

Looking to get away from the city for a breath of fresh mountain air?

Make the most of your weekend in the Grampians with this amazing itinerary! Our well-balanced itinerary strikes a nice blend of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation.

Check in to this fun-filled weekend away from city life.

In terms of a weekend away, the Grampians have it all. Heaps of adventurous hikes, wineries, and yummy eateries.

Get to the Grampians from Melbourne

Morning: Leave Melbourne for Halls Gap

First stop: Ballarat and Sovereign Hill

The journey will take about three hours, but if you want to maximise your time in the Grampians, then it’s probably best if you leave Melbourne nice and early.

The road from Melbourne is straightforward. Head west out of the city until you join the M8. Make a stop in Ballarat on the way to Halls Gap.

Kick off your road trip with a coffee break in Ballarat. There are plenty of small shops and cafes in town where you can fuel up on coffee (and some actual vehicle fuel).

With Gold Rush era buildings that echo the Victorian-esque buildings of Melbourne, Ballarat is the perfect backdrop for a mid-journey cup of coffee. For a cosy vibe with delicious food, head to Café Lekker. For specialty coffee and a famous serve of chilli scrambled eggs, head to Common Ground.

If you’re after some sightseeing in Ballarat, head to Sovereign Hill museum for a glimpse into 1980s Gold Rush life!

Arrive at Halls Gap and explore this mountain town

Wander around the town of Halls Gap!

This mountain town is the gateway to the Grampians, set against a picturesque mountain backdrop.

Here’s what we recommend doing in Halls Gap:

• Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre
• Boroka Lookout
• Botanic Gardens
• Go on a hike

Boroka Lookout

The Boroka Lookout is one of the most scenic lookouts in the Grampians – and you’ll see why! With gorgeous panoramic views that overlook the whole Grampians National Park, you’ll be met with 360 degrees of pure, sweeping views.

Go to Halls Gap Botanic Garden

This local community garden is the ultimate spot to stretch your legs after the journey from Melbourne.

The Halls Gap Botanic Garden is open most of the year, so you can go and visit whenever suits you.

Go on a hike through the Grampians

For an easy hike, check out the Halls Gap to the Boroka Lookout Hike – this is a relatively easy to moderate hike.

Seasoned hiker? Check out Hollow Mountain.

Overnight accommodation and sleeping

While there are some cute little places in Halls Gap where you can go and camp, there are also a few spots to camp for the outdoorsy and adventurous travellers.

Spectrum of accommodation, ranging from basic campsites to high-end.

There are even some free campsites in the Grampians, depending on the time of year that you go. Parks Victoria also offers some discounted, half-price camping spots that are available for public use throughout Victoria during the winter.

Simply book online beforehand and turn up.

Or for free camping grounds near Halls Gap, go to the Plantation Campground.

Day Two: Hike around the waterfalls and visit a winery before returning to Melbourne

Breakfast in Halls Gap

Take yourself out for brekky in Halls Gap before a hike up to the waterfalls.

The Livefast Lifestyle Cafe do a great breakfast, from eggs to pancakes! Or head to The Views Restaurant to get yourself a boojie breakfast paired with a beautiful mountain view.

Waterfall spotting

Wonderland car park is a great spot to park, as it’s a central point for all of your hikes. Use this spot as your launchpad to explore the Mackenzie Waterfalls, and or hike up to the Venus Baths. The Pinnacle Lookout is another must-see…don’t forget your camera!

Visit a winery

Surprisingly, the Grampians are home to some incredible wineries! Sample a glass of local wine and head to the Grampians for a taste of grapes on the mountain! The Grampians Estate Winery or the Seppelt Cellar Door are both great spots to explore delicious local vino.