Here’s our guide to the best time to visit the Grampians National Park, west of Melbourne.
The Grampians National Park is a day trip that will fill you with awe. The waterfalls, wildlife and stunning natural surrounds are a nature-lovers paradise. In fact, it is a great way to experience the flora and fauna of Australia. Because many native animals call this region home, and there are many types of bushland, wetlands and even rainforest to explore.
If you are thinking of planning a trip to the Grampians National Park, we highly recommend taking a tour. You can relax comfortably in our touring bus as your expert guide drives you the 2.75 hours to the National Park. It is well worth the drive as you will get to experience the main highlights of the National Park all in one day.
From walks to lookouts and waterfalls to rock formations, there’s no end to the stunning natural surrounds the Grampians have to offer. You’ll see kangaroos up close and have the chance to spot an emu, wallabies and many of Australia’s unique birds including kookaburras and cockatoos.
Here’s our guide to the seasons so you can choose when you’d like to visit.
The best time to visit the Grampians National Park
Spring: September, October, November
Spring is wildflower season in the Grampians National Park. Small, colourful blossoms line the walking trails and bring dashes of colour to the landscape. The milder weather is perfect for walking and the clear skies allow for spectacular views from the lookouts.
Spring is also a great time to see baby animals. The Grampians are home to an amazing array of native Australian animals. You might be lucky enough to spot some baby kangaroos – called joeys – when you stop to view these marsupials in the town of Halls Gap.
Summer: December, January, February
Summer is the busiest time in the Grampians, as Melburnians take their Christmas and summer holiday break. The Grampians are popular for holidaymakers because it feels a world away from city life. The walking trails, fishing, hiking and kayaking attracts many people to the region.
Summer is a great time to explore the waterfalls, particularly MacKenzie Falls which flows all year round. You can walk to the base to dip your feet in the pool at the bottom of the falls – but strictly no swimming is allowed. You can also take a stroll along the top of the gorge to a lookout high above the waterfall.
Autumn: March, April, May
Autumn is when the weather starts to cool down and the wildlife is more abundant in the central Grampians area. Animals like kangaroos and emus prefer to avoid the summer heat and they stay in the shady bushland areas during the day. However in autumn, you are more likely to see them along the trails and in the town of Halls Gap during the daytime.
The cooler weather also makes it easier to enjoy the trails. Walking through the rocky gorge of the Grand Canyon is great when the weather is cooler. You can take a close up look at the colours and fault lines in the rock. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding valley when you take the staircase to climb out of the top of the gorge.
Winter: June, July, August
While winter is cold in the Grampians, it is also the quietest time of the year, which is perfect is you want to avoid the crowds. Rug up and take to the walking trails and you’ll be warm in no time. Plus, you’ll be able to visit locations such as Reeds Lookout and Boroka Lookout without anyone else around.
The waterfalls are also at their most spectacular in winter. The flowing waters of MacKenzie Falls almost double in winter. In addition Silverband Falls flows at it’s fullest, when in dry times and during summer drought, there is no waterfalls to view there at all.
Take a tour to the Grampians National Park
We think our Grampians National Park day tour from Melbourne is an excellent way to experience this unique location. Here are some of the main attractions you’ll be able to experience on the tour.
Wildlife
You can see kangaroos in their natural environment in the Grampians National Park. In addition to kangaroos, wallabies, emus and native birds are bountiful in the region. Kangaroos and emus can be seen around the main township of Halls Gap, or in the picnic area at the top of MacKenzie Falls. As you walk the nature trails, keep an eye out for wallabies in the bushes or flocks of cockatoos in the trees above.
Waterfalls
The largest of the Grampians waterfalls is MacKenzie Falls. The MacKenzie River features this tall cascade of water which flows into the rocky gorge all year round. It is possible to take in views of the waterfall from above, and to walk to the base. On our tour we also walk through eucalyptus forest to view Silverband Falls.
Nature Walks
There is no shortage of nature walks in the Grampians National Park. This area is renowned for its hiking trails and bushland tracks such as the Grand Canyon Trail. You can also do some scenic walks at the MacKenzie Falls area. Either to the base of the falls or through bushland at the top of the gorge.
Scenic Lookouts
The Grampians have many different viewpoints to take in the beauty of the National Park. Visit Reeds Lookout to view the spectacular Victoria Valley, or Boroka Lookout to see the surrounding countryside, Halls Gap and the rocky peaks of the central Grampians.
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
