Guest blogger Taylor Randolph of the Travelling Souk has written this Guide to The Grampians Day Tour: 5 Tips for Planning Your Visit.
The Grampians National Park is a stunning mountain range rising from the picturesque Victorian landscape. Let the Grampians take your breath away with its cascading waterfalls, towering sandstone cliffs, and lush green forest landscape. Spot many of the famous Australian wildlife species that call this place home including kangaroos, platypus, and emus.
Traditionally known as Gariwerd, Aboriginal history can be found throughout the park in the form of ancient rock art paintings and shelters. Enjoy a day trip to this heritage-listed national park on your Melbourne holiday. Go West Tours will pick-up and drop-off from your accommodations in Melbourne for this unforgettable adventure. Take a moment to read through our 5 tips for planning your Grampians Day Tour experience.
#1 Getting There
The Grampians are located three hours west of Melbourne. The cheapest and fastest way to get to the national park is by driving. If you are looking to do a Grampians day trip, then the easiest way to experience all that the park has to offer is to book a tour with us and let us handle all the details. We will pick you up from your inner-city accommodations and drop you off there at the end of the day.
If you are visiting from elsewhere in Australia or around the world, then you will want to fly into the Melbourne Airport (also known as Tullamarine Airport). The airport is situated 20 km from the central business district of Melbourne. Ubers, taxis, and buses operate regularly and take around 20-30 minutes. Melbourne Airport car parking is cheap and easy to book online.
#2 Best Time to Visit
There is truly not a bad time to visit the Grampians National Park. It all depends on your preferences. Every season offers different highlights and perks. The busiest month for tourism in the Grampians is February, followed by June and December. The least busy month is July.
In the spring, the waterfalls are at their peak, wildlife is most active, and wildflowers are blooming. In the winter, the cool air is perfect for hiking and running. There are no crowds in the winter and you can enjoy a wonderful campfire in the cool evening. Autumn is a popular season because of the crisp mornings and mild afternoons. The Grampians vineyards are turning beautiful shades of orange in the autumn months. The summer is the busiest time of year because of the terrific warm weather, so expect crowds and book everything in advance.
#3 Grampians Weather
The weather in the Grampians varies widely from season to season. The summer sees average temperatures around 26°C (80°F) and has a consistent gentle to moderate breeze. The winter sees average temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and the most precipitation (4 to 9 days per month). The Spring and Fall see temperatures around 18°C (65°F) and very little precipitation (2 to 4 days per month). Check the Grampians weather before your trip to dress appropriately for the day.
#4 What to Bring
Our Grampians Day Tour involves sightseeing and a few short hikes. Bring sturdy and comfortable shoes to enjoy the walks up to Silverband Falls, Reeds Lookout, and MacKenzie Falls. This trip will be a true highlight on your Melbourne visit, so bring your camera to get snapshots of all the incredible natural beauty of the Grampians. Consider bringing a portable phone battery if you plan to use your phone as your camera.
#5 Grampians Day Trip Itinerary
The GoWest Grampians Day Tour is a full day of excitement and wonder. We depart from Melbourne at 8:00 am and return approximately at 9:00 pm. During our trip, we will enjoy spectacular walking trails, sweeping panoramic views, and amazing wildlife sightings. A day trip will encompass the top six things to do in the Grampians National Park:
- Relax by the Silverband Falls
- Halls Gap for lunch and to see wild kangaroos and unique bird species
- Walk through the rocky gorge of the Grampian’s Grand Canyon
- Reeds Lookout with panoramic views of Victoria Valley
- Walk Bluff trail up to the famous MacKenzie Falls
- Take in the best views of the Grampians at the Boroka Lookout
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To join Go West Tours and explore the Grampians National Park – check out our day tour from Melbourne!
