Australia Travel Planner · Victoria

Grampians for backpackers

The Grampians, Gariwerd in the local Aboriginal language, are a sandstone range about three hours west of Melbourne: rocky outcrops with wide views, waterfalls and, in the evening, kangaroos on the meadows of Halls Gap. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips.

Location
About 260 km west of Melbourne
Base
Halls Gap with hostel and caravan park
Highlight
The Pinnacle at sunrise
Wildlife
Kangaroos in Halls Gap in the evening
Arriving

Getting there and best time to visit Grampians

You reach the Grampians from Melbourne by car in about three hours. By public transport, take the train to Stawell and then the bus to Halls Gap. For the lookouts and walking tracks in the park you need a car; many tracks start at car parks outside town.

Spring and autumn are ideal for walking. In summer it gets hot and there's bushfire danger — follow warnings and closures. After rain the waterfalls carry the most water. In winter it's cool, but on clear days the visibility is best.

Sleep

Hostels and camping in Grampians

Grampians YHA Eco Hostel: eco hostel with kangaroos

An eco hostel in Halls Gap where kangaroos often graze on the grounds. A big kitchen and a cosy common room — a good base for a few days of walking.

Sleep · Hostel · Halls Gap · Price level $$ · Website

Plantation Campground: campground in the national park

A cheap national park campground north of Halls Gap, basic and quiet. Book in advance through Parks Victoria.

Sleep · Camping · Grampians NP · Price level $

Halls Gap Caravan Park: campground in the middle of town

A caravan park in the middle of Halls Gap with tent and powered sites and showers, everything within walking distance.

Sleep · Camping · Halls Gap · Price level $$

Views & photos

Lookouts and photo spots in Grampians

The Pinnacle: rocky outcrop overlooking Halls Gap

This rocky outcrop is the best-known lookout in the Grampians, with views over Halls Gap and the valley. From the Sundial car park the walk is shorter than from town. Most beautiful at sunrise, when the light comes over the hills.

Views & photos · Halls Gap · Best time: sunrise

MacKenzie Falls: powerful waterfall at the end of a stairway

One of Victoria's most powerful waterfalls, at the end of a steep stairway. Most impressive after rain. Swimming is prohibited here. Save some breath for the climb back up.

Views & photos · Halls Gap · Best time: after rain

Boroka Lookout: viewing platform on the edge

A viewing platform right on the edge, reachable by car — one of the best views in the Grampians without a hike. Most impressive at sunrise with mist in the valley.

Views & photos · Halls Gap · Best time: sunrise

Free

Free things to do in Grampians

Halls Gap: little town with kangaroos

The small town in the valley is the base for the Grampians, with a café, bakery, pub and places to stay. In the evening kangaroos graze on the meadows in the middle of town. Don't feed the kangaroos.

Free · Halls Gap · Best time: evening · Price level $

Hollow Mountain: short scramble

A short scramble between rocks in the north of the park, with hollowed-out sandstone formations and wide views at the top. In places you climb with your hands — not for wet days. Most beautiful in the late afternoon.

Free · North · Best time: late afternoon

Common questions

Grampians for backpackers: frequently asked questions

How do I get to the Grampians?

By car in about three hours from Melbourne, or by train to Stawell and bus to Halls Gap.

Which walk in the Grampians is most worth doing?

The Pinnacle for the view over Halls Gap, plus MacKenzie Falls and Hollow Mountain for a short scramble.

Where can you see kangaroos in the Grampians?

In the evening on the meadows in the middle of Halls Gap, and often on the hostel grounds.

Next

Travelling on from Grampians

All spots on the Grampians map. Nearby: Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road.

Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.