Nestled amongst towering peaks and lush valleys, this charming town offers an incredible array of experiences. From encounters with wildlife and explorations of awe-inspiring natural wonders to thrilling outdoor adventures and delightful gourmet discoveries, Halls Gap is a place where memories are made.
Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-pumping hike, a peaceful connection with nature, or simply a chance to savor the region's finest flavors, let us help you navigate your way through your ideal Halls Gap Escape!
Below you will find some of our favourite places to visit and a number of options to enhance your stay at a Halls Gap Escape property. Follow the links for more information on What to Do and Where to Eat when in town. You'll also find useful information at the house to help you decide where to go next.
We defy you to find someone who doesn't love coffee, breakfast, cake or chocolate! Kerrie creates it all at her little shop just 500m from the townhouses on Grampians Road at the top of Halls Gap.
Pull in and grab breakfast or stock up on genuine Grampians produce to take home for all your loved ones, they'll be very happy you did :) And if you get a hankering for the Grampians after you've headed back home, you can always order Kerrie's delicious treats through her website and she'll post them out to you!
We are very lucky to have one of Halls Gap premier eateries on our doorstep, the Halls Gap Hotel. Offering lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, it's the ideal place to enjoy dinner with the family (the boys love their indoor and outdoor playground!), or a romantic evening on the deck looking out at the Grampians.
Dogs are welcome to dine with you outside and there is also a bar with pool table and a convenient drive-through bottle shop if you just want to relax at home with a nice drop.
Peaks Chefs is a private chef and boutique catering business offering tailored dining experiences in your very own Halls Gap accommodation. If you're planning a special event or getting together with loved ones, the lovely chef Ash will come to you and he'll even do the washing up, so you can focus on what's important - breaking bread and making memories on your Halls Gap Escape.
Peaks Chefs also offer heat and eat meals, platters, lunches and Welcome Hampers, that we can deliver directly to your accommodation so they are ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
Ever dreamed of being a zookeeper? Or getting up close and personal with a rhino?? At Halls Gap Zoo you can do it all! As regional Victoria's largest zoo, there are so many animals and birds to meet. It is a long walk around all the enclosures for little legs, so we recommend taking the pram, plenty of water, snacks and sunhats and sunscreen with you. And if they've still got energy at the end of the visit, let the kids wear themselves out on the huge adventure playground and enjoy a cup of coffee and some hot chips from the kiosk.
Book your special Wildlife Encounter through their website.
Finlay's tip: Watch out for the cheeky deer if you buy some food to feed them - they will eat the bag too!
Did you know that the Grampians region produces 40% of Australia's most-awarded wines?
Fallen Giants is Jenny's favourite, especially their golden rose, and the kids love their playground, too. Ian loves nothing better than lunch and a tasting paddle or growler at Pomonal Estate, where the dogs are also welcome outside on the deck.
Ian and the boys are all into their golf, so we often head down for a round of mini-golf over the mountains at Grampians Adventure Golf, or a walk around the course at the Halls Gap Golf Course - the dogs enjoy this one as well!
Lake Fyans, just north of Pomonal, is our favourite way to spend a sunny afternoon! You can drive right out onto the lake beach (4xd recommended!) and relax in and on the water with boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, fishing-rods or just a nice dip in the cool clean water. Not to mention the views of the Grampians's peaks behind are beautiful.
A great spot for brunch, especially after a round of golf or a fun bike ride down the shared footpath to Lake Bellfield, with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan delights to boot. Take a walk through MOCO Gallery while you're there.
Make sure to eat at our favourite smokehouse, for an informal feed, morning, lunch or dinner and any day of the week. Their smoked meats and pizzas are to die for and they also do a great coffee.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Grampians on foot, with trails catering to all levels – just be sure to check current conditions and bring the right gear, plus plenty of drinking water, for a safe and enjoyable hike.
An easy 2.3km return walk starting and finishing at Halls Gap Botanical Gardens. On warm days, take the bathers and enjoy a dip, but watch out for slippery algae in the rock pools!
If you're bringing a pram, make sure to take the right hand path, starting in the Botanic Gardens, not the path leading out of the caravan park, for a much smoother ride for bubs. If not, you can take one road in and the other back out.
A lesser known waterfall, best in winter, spring or after rain, Clematis Falls is a gentle 2.4 km return walk that starts behind the cricket nets at the back of the Recreation Reserve. Be sure to take care with small children once you reach the falls as there are steep drops below.
This is the waterfall that our street takes it's name from and can be seen as a silver streak on the hillside from the balcony when in full flow - a good indication of when this walk will be at it's best!
The Clematis Falls walk can form the start of a loop walk over Chatauqua Peak and back through Venus Baths, or vice versa. See Chatauqua Peak Loop Walk in the Moderate Hikes Section for more details.
A 700m walk through shady forest takes you to the waterfall that disappears. This is an easy well-formed path suitable for all.
Take a leisurely stroll at Lake Bellfield. Swimming, boating, fishing and picnicking are possible from the bank but look out for strong currents. The lake holds the local water supply, so only electric motors permitted.
A great one for kids (we have walked it with the pram), take Mt Victory Road to Reeds Lookout, then either enjoy the magnificent views over the whole Victoria Range from here or take the easy 2km path to the Balconies viewing areas. The best spot for sunset photos, but we don't recommend going passed the balustrades, as they used to back in the day.
From Mt Zero Road look for the tiny sign to on the left about 13km along. Leave the car and take the easy track to the quarry where the last of the machinery used to extract the rocks to build Parliament House in Melbourne.
The highest point in the Grampians, Mt William (Duwil) provides 360-degree views of the region. Drive almost to the top, then walk the 3.5km to the summit on a steep sealed road. A must do in winter when dusted with snow.
A moderately challenging 5.6km or 2.5-hour circuit that showcases the diverse beauty of the Grampians. This trek takes you through open forest to the base of Clematis Falls, particularly stunning after rainfall. From there, the track ascends along steep, rocky sections to the summit, rewarding you with panoramic views and then back down the other side through the serene Bullaces Glen, a fern-filled gully shaded by towering blackwood trees, and Venus Baths rockpools, concluding at the Halls Gap Botanic Gardens.
One of Victoria's largest waterfalls flowing year round, follow signs from Mt Victory Road to the short accessible path and viewing platforms or brave the 275 steps to the bottom.
A bigger adventure starts at Zumsteins and follows the 3.5km trail along the Mackenzie River.
From Roses Gap Road follow signs to one of the most peaceful and secluded falls in the region. A 2.8km return trip requiring a medium level of fitness brings you to the fern-lined rock pools at the base. Best after rain and in spring for the surrounding wildflowers.
One of the best and quietest, this 6.6km return trail takes 2-3 hrs and offers epic views over Fyans Valley & a rocky climb to the peak. Join the trail from Delleys Bridge.
The Grampians most iconic lookout and walk is accessible from 3 different starting points, offering different distances and difficulty to the top.
The most adventurous starts in Halls Gap and ascends the entire mountain on a 9.6km, 5 hour, return trip. Follow the Venus Baths path from the Botanical Gardens past Splitters Falls, then join the trail at Wonderland carpark.
The shortest route to the iconic Pinnacle Lookout starts at Sundial Carpark with a 4.2km return walk taking roughly 1.5 to 2hrs.
More challenging and taking in the Grand Canyon and Silent Street, start from Wonderland Carpark for a 4.2km, 2-3 hour return trip.
An adventurous 2 hour climb (2.2km return trip) to the summit of Wudjub-Guyun (Hollow Mountain) offers impressive views over Mt Stapylton Amphitheatre and the Wimmera Plains through the unique hollow peak. Can involve slippery tracks, rock hopping and scrambling.
No visit to the Grampians is complete without experiencing the breathtaking views from its renowned lookouts. Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout, and Lake View Lookout are just a few of the must-see locations offering incredible perspectives of the national park's diverse landscapes. The best thing is that a lot of these viewpoints are also easily accessible - we've included accessibility details and recommendations for the best times to visit, ensuring you don't miss these unforgettable sights.
Off Mt Difficult Road, Boroka Lookout is easily accessible by car and offers the best views over the eastern Grampians and the whole Halls Gap valley. Just a few steps from the car park, the two viewing platforms look out over the town as far as Lake Bellfield, Mt William and the Wonderland Ranges to one side and the farmland plains to the other. See if you can spot the Halls Gap Escape Townhouses from the top! Go early to see the sunrise set the rugged landscape ablaze with shades of gold, crimson and bronze.
It is also possible to walk up to the lookout from the centre of town. Starting from the Halls Gap Picnic Reserve on School Road, follow Boroka Track along Stony Creek, ascending the side of the Mt Difficult Range on a narrow trail for a 5-7 hour 11.6km trek.
A great one for kids, take Mt Victory Road to Reeds Lookout, from where you can enjoy the magnificent views over the whole Victoria Range. This is a great one for sunset, since it looks out to the Wimmera in the West.
From here you can also take the easy 2km path out to the Balconies viewing areas, which used to be known as the Jaws of Death. In Halls Gap Escape Townhouse 6 you'll find an old photo of a large group posing on the rocks of the Balconies - we don't recommend passing the balustrades these days!
It is possible to walk up to the Boroka Lookout from the centre of town. Starting from the Halls Gap Picnic Reserve on School Road, follow Boroka Track along Stony Creek, ascending the side of the Mt Difficult Range on a narrow trail for a 5-7 hour 11.6km trek offering beautiful panaramic views of the Halls Gap Valley and beyond.
A great alternative to the Pinnacle Walk with small children, the easy 800m walk from the Sundial Car Park passed interesting rock formations and wildflowers (at the right time of year) leads you out to Lake View Lookout. You'll get a similar view from the top over Lake Bellfield and the Halls Gap valley, but with less steep edges to contend with. We have done this one with a pram, but the path is quite uneven in places, so probably not recommended.
Halls Gap and the surrounding Grampians are a haven for Australia's iconic wildlife. From the ever-present kangaroos and emus grazing in open fields to the diverse birdlife soaring overhead, and yes, even the occasional snake basking in the sun, you'll have ample opportunities for unforgettable encounters. However, for your safety and the well-being of these animals, please remember to observe them from a respectful distance and never feed or attempt to handle them.
We think the best place to view wildlife is from our back deck and balcony! Overlooking a large open paddock in front of the Grampians National Park, you'll be able to spot kangaroos, emus, deer, cockatoos, kookaburras and the occasional red-bellied black snake without even leaving the house.
A favourite spot for an evening rest, the oval plays host to plenty of kangaroos all year round. Watch out for the large families of ducks that also call this place home, they often like to cross the road to get down to the creek. The ducklings are particularly cute in spring, but be aware that parents may be protective.
A great picnic spot for humans obviously also makes a great picnic spot for birds! If you enjoy a tasty treat from the Halls Gap Bakery or Coolas Ice-Creamery in the picnic area next to Stony Creek, just take care that you don't end up sharing it with one of the local cockatoos, rosellas, currawongs, magpies or kookaburras that will all approach your table.
Lake Bellfield isn't just a stunning spot for a picnic; it's also a great place to spot some local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos grazing along the shoreline and you'll often see a variety of waterbirds enjoying the lake's calm waters. If you're keen on fishing, you might even reel in a catch of redfin or trout! And if you're really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the wild goats that sometimes roam the surrounding hillsides. They're pretty shy, but it's always exciting to see them.
For a guaranteed wildlife encounter, visit the Halls Gap Zoo, the largest zoo in regional Victoria. See Our Favourites, above, for more information.
While encounters with snakes in Halls Gap are generally infrequent, they are a natural part of the Grampians ecosystem, particularly during warmer months. To ensure your safety, it's advisable to be aware of their potential presence. Snakes are often found in long grass, rocky areas, along walking trails with dense undergrowth, and in areas with fallen logs or debris. When hiking, stick to established paths, wear sturdy footwear, and be mindful of where you place your hands and feet. If you encounter a snake, remain calm, give it plenty of space, and allow it to move away on its own. Remember, they are more likely to avoid you than to seek interaction.
Planning a family getaway? Halls Gap offers a delightful mix of activities that are perfect for all ages. Whether you're looking for an easy-going afternoon of mini-golf, an educational experience at the Brambuk Cultural Centre, or simply a fun time at the local playground, you'll find plenty to keep the whole family happy. Discover the accessible and enjoyable activities that make Halls Gap a great destination for family fun.
Ph: 0488 991 676
10 School Rd, Halls Gap VIC 3381
Open: NOV to APR, daily, 7-9am, 1-6pm
Facebook.com/HallsGapPool
Ph: 1300 526 258
105 Grampians Road, Halls Gap
Open: Mon-Sat, 9-5pm. Sun, 9-5pm
Gentle guided walks to hair-raising adventure activities for all ages and abilities
AbsoluteOutdoors.com.au
Ph: 0407 684 831
Climbing and abseiling with local guide, Earl, the adventure experience you didn’t know you needed!
HanginOut.com.au
Ph: 0414 336 774
Multi-day guided hiking & camping excursions and luxury walks across the Gariwerd landscape
GrampiansPeaks.com.au
A lovely picnic spot with tables and toilets, paddle in the river here or follow the track out to Mackenzie Falls.
Ph: 0419 532 615
989 Wonwondah-Dadswells Bridge Rd, Laharum
Open By Appointment
Pam and David Pratt are sustainable farmers who adore their donkeys, alpacas and sheep and want to share them with you!
RosehavenFarms.com.au
Ph: 03) 5383 8299
376 Olive Plantation Rd, Laharum
Open Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm
GrampiansOliveCo.com.au
From the car park on Tunnel Rd, follow trail to the old 1870s water tunnel.
Ph: 0427 949921
63 Springwood Hill Road
Fri-Sun 10-4pm
JamesMcMurtrie.com.au
For the most up-to-date information on all that is open and going on around the region, don’t miss the award-winning Visit Grampians website.
The Parks Victoria pages are another great resource for trail maps and safety guidelines within the Grampians National Park.
As locals, we're always happy to share our love for this region and provide personalized recommendations to make your stay truly unforgettable. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 0412 885 828 or info@hallsgapesacape.com.au for further assistance.
If you're just beginning to plan your Halls Gap Escape, start with exploring our comfortable townhouses, with stunning views, modern amenities and a prime location overlooking the Grampians National Park, they are perfectly positioned for all that Halls Gap has to offer.