Nook On The Hill sits at 32 Pioneer Lane in the foothills of Gariwerd, the Grampians, a 10-minute drive from Halls Gap and around three hours from Melbourne. Almost everything worth doing in the region is within a 45-minute drive: short walks, summit hikes, lookouts, waterfalls, swimming spots, wineries and local restaurants. These are the places we send our guests, with a few words on each and links to read more.
YOUR GUIDE TO GARIWERD
WHERE IS THE NOOK?
WHERE IS THE NOOK?
Nook On The Hill is in the foothills of Gariwerd at the edge of the Grampians National Park. It is a 10-minute drive from Halls Gap, 5 minutes from Pomonal and around three hours (250km) from Melbourne, with Melbourne Tullamarine airport about 2 hours 40 minutes away. A car is essential, as the region has no public transport to the door. Almost everything below is within a 45-minute drive.
SHORT WALKS NEAR HALLS GAP
SHORT WALKS NEAR HALLS GAP
If you want the Grampians without a full-day commitment, start here. The Pinnacle is the classic first-morning hike, a 10km return/loop climb from Halls Gap that opens onto sweeping sandstone views over the township. Venus Baths is gentler, a flat and shaded 1.5km stroll to a series of natural rock pools carved into the creek. Clematis Falls is the easiest of all, a 1km out-and-back from the Halls Gap Recreation Reserve, about 20 minutes each way.
THE BEST LOOKOUTS
THE BEST LOOKOUTS
Two of the finest views in Gariwerd are reachable by car. Boroka Lookout is the one guests photograph and remember, looking out over Halls Gap valley and township, around 20 minutes' drive from Halls Gap. More central in the National park are Reed Lookout and The Balconies which share a single car park. You can walk to both from one short stop, with views across Lake Moora Moora and the Victoria Valley.
HIKES FOR THE BIG VIEWS
HIKES FOR THE BIG VIEWS
For those who want to earn the view, two summit hikes stand out. Boronia Peak is our pick, a 6.6km return climb of medium grade with a short rocky scramble to the summit that takes in view of the valley and Wimmera farm lands, roughly 2 to 3 hours return. Mt Rosea is the longer challenge, a 12km return hike of around 6 hours that rewards the effort with some of the most dramatic ridge-line scenery in the park.
WATERFALLS NEAR HALLS GAP
WATERFALLS NEAR HALLS GAP
Mackenzie Falls is the one worth the drive, the largest waterfall in Victoria and the furthest. The walk down to the base is steep with plenty of steps, but the sound and the spray make every one worth it. For something far gentler, Clematis Falls, listed in the short walks above is a quiet 20-minute option close to town.
SWIMMING SPOTS AND LAKES
SWIMMING SPOTS AND LAKES
When the weather warms, Gariwerd has water worth seeking out. Venus Baths listed above has natural rock pools for a cool dip. Lake Fyans, a few minutes from the Nook, is open water with room to swim and our favourite spot to watch the sun set. Lake Bellfield sits quietly to the south of Halls Gap township with shoreline picnic area. We have rounded up our full list of swimming holes, lakes and creeks in a separate guide.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
The food and wine near the Nook is a genuine reason to visit. Five minutes down the road in Pomonal, Pomonal Estate pours excellent wine IRIS by Block & Cleaver. Next door at the award-winning Barney's Bar & Bistro, the Black & Ginger Wine Shed offers some of the most adventurous wines in the region. In Halls Gap, Livefast Cafe does fresh food and great coffee, Paper Scissors Rock Brewery pairs craft beer with food and live music, and the Grampians Wine Cellar is our number-one pick for local wines, beers and spirits, run by sommelier Simon. Fallen Giants pairs cellar-door wine with cheese platters and views. For a special occasion, Wickens at Royal Mail in Dunkeld is worth the hour's drive for one of regional Victoria's finest degustation menus.
STARGAZING
STARGAZING
The Nook sits under some of the darkest skies in Victoria, far from city light pollution. On a clear night the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, and the outdoor bath and fire pit make fine places to watch for it. Read more about stargazing from the Nook, including what to look for and when here.
MAKING A BIGGER TRIP OF IT
MAKING A BIGGER TRIP OF IT
Many guests reach the Grampians as part of a longer Victorian road trip. The region pairs naturally with the Great Ocean Road, around two hours south, for travellers who want both the coast and the mountains in one journey. We have written about why the Grampians deserves a place on any Australian itinerary, not just a day trip from Melbourne.
THE WELCOME HAMPER
THE WELCOME HAMPER
Before you head out exploring, your first taste of the region is already waiting. Every stay begins with a complimentary hamper from local Grampians makers, including bread from Blue Wren Bakery, wine from Pomonal Estate and preserves from Five Ducks Farm. Meet the producers behind it at The Table.
