Is it worth visiting the Grampians after the Great Ocean Road?

Absolutely. Visiting the Grampians completes the 'Golden Triangle' road trip. It offers a stunning contrast to the coast, featuring dramatic sandstone mountains, ancient Aboriginal culture, and abundant native wildlife like kangaroos and emus.

How far is the Grampians from the Great Ocean Road?

The drive from the end of the Great Ocean Road (near Warrnambool) to the Southern Grampians (Dunkeld) takes approximately 1 hour. From there, it is a scenic 45-minute drive north to Halls Gap and Nook On The Hill.

Where is the best place to see kangaroos in the wild near Melbourne?

Halls Gap in the Grampians is one of the best places in Australia to see kangaroos in their natural habitat. Guests at Nook On The Hill often wake up to see kangaroos grazing peacefully right outside their accommodation.

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The Great Ocean Road & Beyond: Why Your Australia Trip Needs the Grampians

Adventure, Eco-Tourism, Tips

September 11, 2025

For many international travellers, the Australian road trip dream follows a familiar path: land in Melbourne, drive the spectacular Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles and then… turn back.

But just a couple of hours north of the coast lies a landscape that offers a completely different, yet equally iconic, Australian experience.

Welcome to the Grampians (Gariwerd).

If the Great Ocean Road is about the power of the ocean, the Grampians is about the ancient spirit of the land. It’s a place of rugged sandstone peaks, cascading waterfalls and a living Aboriginal culture that dates back over 20,000 years.

The “Golden Triangle” Road Trip

By adding the Grampians to your itinerary, you complete the perfect Victorian loop. Instead of backtracking along the highway, you turn inland from Warrnambool or Port Fairy, driving through rolling pastoral land until the dramatic jagged spine of the Grampians rises from the plains.

Why Make the Detour?

Wildlife in the Wild: Forget the zoos. In Halls Gap, kangaroos graze openly on the ovals and emus wander through the town. At Nook On The Hill, you can often watch them from your private outdoor bath with your morning coffee. It’s a private safari experience, right on your doorstep.
Ancient Culture: Gariwerd is home to the majority of Victoria’s Aboriginal rock art. Visiting sites like the Brambuk Cultural Centre or taking a guided tour offers a profound connection to the world’s oldest living culture.
A Different Kind of Luxury: After days of driving and coastal winds, the Grampians offers a grounded, quiet luxury. It’s about slowing down, lighting a fire, and soaking in an outdoor bath under a sky so clear the Milky Way feels within reach.