Ten Things to Do in Gariwerd (That Aren’t the Waterfalls)
The waterfalls are worth it. Nobody’s disputing that. But Gariwerd has been here for millions of years and has a great deal more to say. Here are ten things to add to your time in the Grampians β some well known, some less so, all worth your while.
1. Walk up to the Pinnacle
The Pinnacle is popular for good reason. The path up from Halls Gap is a proper climb, and the view from the top β Halls Gap spread below, Lake Bellfield beyond β earns every step. Go early if you can. The light is better and the trail quieter.
2. Follow the wine roads
The Grampians grows genuinely good cool-climate wine β Shiraz especially. Pomonal Estate, Fallen Giants, Seppelt and Best’s Wines are all worth a visit. Best’s in particular is one of Victoria’s oldest family wineries and doesn’t feel like a tourist trap. Take your time.
3. Visit Bunjil’s Shelter
Bunjil’s Shelter is one of the most significant Aboriginal rock art sites in Victoria. The wedge-tailed eagle painted on the sandstone has been here for thousands of years. It’s a quiet, serious place β worth approaching it that way.
4. Take to the air
If you’re going to spend up on one thing, a flight with Grampians Helicopters is a good candidate. The scale of the ranges only really lands when you’re above them. Twenty minutes in the air changes how you see the landscape for the rest of the trip.
5. Slow down in the towns
Halls Gap has kangaroos on the main street and Paper Scissors Rock pouring good local beer. Pomonal is smaller and quieter β good produce, mountain views, a general store that rewards a proper look around. Dunkeld sits at the southern end of the ranges with the Royal Mail Hotel and a handful of short walks that most people skip.
6. Find the food
Quamby Farm has a farm gate worth stopping at. Kerrie’s Kreations makes handmade chocolates that are quietly excellent. The Grampians doesn’t have a big food scene, but what it has is genuine.
7. Spend time at Brambuk
Brambuk β The National Park & Cultural Centre is the cultural centre for the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung people. The exhibits on the history and culture of this country are worth more than a quick pass-through. Set aside proper time for it.
8. Look up at night
There’s almost no light pollution out here. On a clear night from the Nook, the Milky Way is directly overhead. No app required β step outside, give your eyes a few minutes to adjust, and let your eyes do the rest.
9. Come in spring
If your visit lands between September and November, the wildflowers are worth planning around. Orchids, trigger plants, carpets of colour along the walking tracks. Gariwerd is home to more than a third of Victoria’s plant species and spring is when they make themselves known. We’ve written a slow guide to the season if you’d like a starting point.
10. Walk a section of the Peaks Trail
The Grampians Peaks Trail is a 160km thru-hike β you don’t have to do all of it. Individual day sections give you the high country without the multi-day commitment. The northern sections in particular are quieter and genuinely worth the effort.
Come back to the Nook
The Nook is here when the day is done. The outdoor bath, the quiet, the bush sounds β it all makes more sense after a day out in the landscape. Book your stay.
