Wildlife, walks and waterfalls are just some of the great natural attractions in the Grampians National Park near Melbourne.
Just a few hours drive from Melbourne awaits the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. The area is rich in Aboriginal history, native flora and fauna, and incredible natural environments.
The sandstone peaks of the Grampians mountain range are best explored on foot. You can expect to encounter grand waterfalls, rare wildflowers and native Australia wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies and emus.
For anyone wanting to take a day trip from Melbourne to a lesser known destination, the Grampians is a nature-lovers paradise waiting to be explored.
The Grampians day tour lets you get off the beaten path and away from the crowds. You’ll explore the National Park by walking the different trails to see canyons, waterfalls, forests and valleys.
Learn from your expert guide about the local history and culture – and spot wildlife such as kangaroos and rare birds. Take spectacular photos at the various lookout points that boast panoramic views over the park and surrounding region.
Here are some of the highlights of the Grampians National Park.
Attractions in the Grampians National Park
Wildlife in the Grampians
Did you know you can see kangaroos in their natural environment in the Grampians National Park? Our tour is great for nature-lovers as kangaroos, wallabies, emus and native birds are bountiful in the region.
As you walk the nature trails, keep an eye out for wallabies in the bushes beside the trails. You may also see flocks of cockatoos in the trees above.
Emus, the large, flightless Australian birds are in many locations around the Grampians. Perhaps the best place to see them is in the main township of Halls Gap, or in the picnic area at the top of MacKenzie Falls.
Kangaroos are most easily seen in the late afternoon when they come out of the bushland to feed in grassy areas. Particularly around the town of Halls Gap it is possible to see many kangaroos at the end of the day.
Waterfalls in the Grampians
Waterfalls are abundant in the Grampians National Park. The mountain range is home to many rivers and streams, most which flow all year round.
The largest of the Grampians waterfalls is MacKenzie Falls. This tall, wide cascade of water flows into the rocky gorge all year round as part of the MacKenzie River. It is possible to take in views of the waterfall from above, and to walk to the base.
On our tour we also visit Silverband Falls. Here it’s possible to take a short walk through eucalyptus forest alongside a stream to reach Silverband Falls.
The falls were named because the stream of water falling over the rocks looks like a silver band. If it is a hot, dry summer, this waterfall dries up but you can still enjoy the nature walk year round.
Nature Walks in the Grampians
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to nature walks in the Grampians National Park. This area is renowned for its hiking trails and bushland tracks. It is a great way to experience a true Aussie destination.
On tour we walk the Grand Canyon Trail. Starting at the Wonderland carpark and looping back again, it is a short but challenging walk. Good walking shoes are recommended, plus a hat and water bottle for the hotter months.
This trail showcases the incredible rocky mountain range that is at the heart of the Grampians Range. Walk through the gorge and marvel at the colours, shapes and sheer size of the rock walls.
You can also do some scenic walks at the MacKenzie Falls area. Take the stairs all the way to the base of the falls to view the incredible cascades up close. However, keep in mind, you need to return up the stairs!
In the same area you can take a relaxing walk through bushland at the top of the gorge. You’ll end up at a scenic lookout perched high above the MacKenzie River Gorge with spectacular views down to the waterfall and river below.
Scenic Lookouts in the Grampians
The Grampians mountain range has many different viewpoints to take in the beauty and scale of the National Park.
On tour we visit Reeds Lookout for views over the Victoria Valley and all the way south to the end of the mountain range. This lookout is easy to access as it is directly next to the carpark area.
The views from Boroka Lookout are also not to be missed. Just a short stroll from the carpark are two wooden viewing platforms that let you step out onto the edge of the mountain. Looking out and down you can see the surrounding countryside, the town of Halls Gap, and the incredible rocky peaks of the central Grampians area.
Where is the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park?
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is located west of Melbourne. It is an almost 3 hour drive from the city along the Western Highway and Grampians Way.
Visit the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park on our Grampians Day Trip from Melbourne. Discover the walks, waterfalls and wildlife on our one day tour of this incredible national park.
Highlights of the Grampians Day Tour
- Take a stroll through shady forests to Silverband Falls
- Time to explore the wildlife and surroundings of Grampians township of Halls Gap
- Take a short hike from the Wonderland Turntable into the spectacular Grand Canyon
- Hike to one of the Grampians most famous sites, MacKenzie Falls
- Enjoy panoramic views from Reeds Lookout and views over the mountain range from Boroka Lookout
- Spot wild animals in their natural habitat
On Tour with Go West
On a Go West Tour we pride ourselves on exceeding industry standards for excellence and customer service. With 22 years in business, Go West Tours is still a family-owned and operated tour business and we are as committed to providing guests with an unforgettable experience as we were back in 2000. We are the most highly-awarded tour operator in Melbourne and we guarantee to provide you with an experience that is memorable for all the right reasons.
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
