4 iconic road trips around The Grampians & Wimmera Mallee

From its exceptionally diverse national parks to world-famous sparkling shiraz, every corner of the Grampians has us grabbing our car keys.

With dramatic sandstone escarpments, ancient Indigenous rock art, majestic waterfalls, sparkling shiraz and giant evocative artworks, a visit to the Grampians lets you plan a multi-stop road trip without ever leaving the region. Here are our top tips for memorable Grampians road trips to every corner of this diverse region.

Drive to every corner of the Grampians. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Northern Grampians

Those seeking a scenic drive through dramatic landscapes should go directly north to the Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, the Traditional Lands of the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali peoples.

For local expertise, turn to the guidance of Absolute Outdoors or Grampians Peaks Walking Company. Award-winning guides will take you on multi-day hiking journeys along the Grampians Peak Trail, or help you set up your solo adventures if you’d rather go out on your own.

Join multi-day hiking journeys along the Grampians Peaks Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve been dreaming of more ways to walk on the wild side, Victoria’s largest regional zoo is in the Grampians. Halls Gap Zoo houses over 160 native and exotic mammals and has a breeding program to support various endangered species. Families can hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies and deer, and little ones can gaze wide-eyed upon giraffes, cheetahs, crocodiles and more.

Want to stay a little longer in the small village of Halls Gap? The five-star Hemley House, Heath House and Grampians Under The Stars have a heated spa and multiple bedrooms making them ideal family and friend getaways.

Alternatively, book a night or two at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, which has breathtaking views of the mountains. You’ll enjoy spacious powered campsites and cabins. Spot an abundance of wildlife, take a dip in the woodfire-heated pool and sit by the campfire at night.

Feed the deer at Halls Gap Zoo. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Taste the bounty of Mother Nature in the north, and book a tour of the labyrinth of tunnels with a Seppelt Great Western Underground Cellar Tour. Your adventure through the Southern Hemisphre’s largest underground cellar ends with a glass of Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz — and a three-course meal with tasting wines, if you want — under the earth.

Southern Grampians

You’ve had a teasing taste of the Grampians culinary scene. Next, drive onto the Southern Grampians Touring Route. When your designated driver is ready — and you’ve worked up an appetite — the Royal Mail Hotel in the village of Dunkeld at the foot of Mount Sturgeon/Wurgarri awaits.

Stop for food at the Royal Mail Hotel. (Image: Visit Victoria)

This five-star accommodation has a kitchen garden that provides produce to both the hotel’s restaurants, the casual Parker St Project and the award-winning degustation-based Wickens. Along with Australia’s largest restaurant kitchen garden, it also boasts the biggest private collection of bordeaux and burgundy in the southern hemisphere.

More accommodation can be found nearby at Southern Grampians Cottages, with several log-built accommodations set among its native gardens.

From casual breakfasts to evenings filled with cocktails, pizzas and the music of local artists, Roxburgh House in Hamilton serves warm experiences in a historic building all day. Later, drop into Petschel House to browse the art gallery and garden.

Listen to local artists at The Roxburgh House. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Eastern Grampians

This area is best known for its wines — like delectably spicy, sparkling Shiraz. Indulge in some tasting flights of the cool climate wines at the remote Mount Langi Ghiran Winery, as part of an Eastern Grampians road trip along Route 222.

Duck into the Pomonal Estate for a produce platter and a diverse array of flavoursome small plates like honey-glazed bao buns, crispy cauliflower bites and grilled chimichurri prawns. The boutique Clayfield Wines uses traditional methods to make its award-winning shiraz. For a laidback, dog-friendly vibe, kick back at Barney’s Bar and Bistro, with its local wines on offer.

Taste cool climate wines at Mount Langi Ghiran Winery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

At Mount William Station you can stay in a luxurious homestead with a long line of farming heritage and an everchanging set menu. Alternatively, call it a night at Acacia Caravan Park.

Western Grampians

Put the keys back in the ignition and prepare to marvel at the monumental artworks that make up the Wimmera Silo Art Trail: Australia’s largest outdoor gallery that is a must-see stop on any Grampians road trip.

In Yarriambiack Shire, Fintan Magee’s Patchwollock depicts the archetypal Australian farmer, struggling against the odds in the harsh environment. Large-scale murals by Guido van Helten, Adnate, Kaff-eine Julia Volchkova and Matt Adnate, complete this awe-inspiring experience.

Follow the Wimmera Silo Art Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another tribute to Australian tales of adversity can be found at The Stick Shed in Murtoa. It’s the only remaining emergency grain store built during World War II. Taste organic oils with tasting platters at Grampians Olive Co 6.

Fall asleep dreaming of the Grampians on your tastebuds and the artistic tales at the luxurious lodge, Meringa Springs, or tucked away at the Tiny Away Escape at Grampians Edge. Sleep in an old bank at the boutique shop and hotel, Dimboola Imaginarium & Accommodation.

Find more at visitgrampians.com.au.