Featuring rugged sandstone mountains that rise spectacularly from the Western Plains, the Grampians National Park is one of Victoria’s most popular wilderness destinations. It’s traversed by bushwalking trails and scenic drives that explore its cascading waterfalls and panoramic lookouts while being dotted with campsites and climbing routes.

Stop in at the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre near Halls Gap to discover the local indigenous history and rock art sites within the national park. It’s also here that you can grab a map of the Grampians and find out about the recreational opportunities available, including bush tucker walks and traditional Aboriginal painting workshops.

A highlight of any visit to the Grampians is the MacKenzie Falls Lookout Walk that offers sweeping views of the falls and river as it flows through the gorge. You can opt to stop at the Bluff Lookout or continue on to the base of the waterfall for a different perspective. There are fantastic views across the Victoria Valley from both Reeds Lookout and The Balconies Lookout, accessed along trails that weave through rocky outcrops and stringy-bark forest.

Other popular day hikes include the summit of Mt Zero and the rock scramble up Mt Stapylton, as well as the two-hour-long trail that departs from Zumsteins’ picnic site to the terraced base of Fish Falls.

Keen trekkers can attempt the Grampians Peaks Trail that is one of Victoria’s most spectacular long-distance trails. This 3 day/2 night circuit walk departs from Halls Gap and travels 36 kilometers across the rugged mountain peaks and through the diverse ecosystems of the national park.