Visiting The Grampians & Halls Gap: Best Things to do for Families
Looking to head out of Melbourne for a weekend with the family? Halls Gap, in the Grampians National Park is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway in Victoria. Whether you are travelling with young kids or older kids, there are so many things to do in Halls Gap with kids which is the perfect base to explore the Grampians. Below you can find a list of the best walks in the Grampians, and other things to do in Halls Gap.
Where is the Grampians National Park?
The Grampians is a National Park in Victoria about a 3 hour drive West of Melbourne. There are highways connecting, whether you are coming from Melbourne or Geelong.
The Grampians is a popular regional Victoria holiday destination and makes a great weekend getaway for families because of its location and the variety of activities available for all ages.
The main things to do in the Grampians include walks and hikes so if you love the outdoors then this is the perfect getaway from Melbourne.
There are also plenty of other attractions for kids to keep your busy during your stay. You can also just sit back and enjoy the nature and relax if that’s what you prefer!
Where is Halls Gap?
Halls Gap is a small Victorian town located close to the Grampians National Park. The town is set in the Fyans Valley not far from Lake Fyans, and makes the perfect base to explore. It is also one of the best places to see kangaroos, koalas, and other wildlife. With so many things to do in Hall’s Gap itself, it is one of the most popular towns to stay in the Grampians, especially for families.
8 Things to do in Halls Gap, Grampians
Halls Gap boasts a number of natural attractions and is the perfect weekend getaway for nature lovers. If you are planning to stay in Halls Gap, there are many things to do close by within the town. But make sure you also head out and explore the rest of the Grampians.
We make Halls Gap an annual trip because we love it so much. Here are a few of our top things to do in Halls Gap with kids including different walks for those who love the outdoors, and other activities in town.
Walks in Halls Gap
1.Venus Baths
One of the easiest walks to do in Halls Gap with kids is to visit the Venus Baths. Just a short walk from the centre of town it is a great option to start exploring the surroundings
The walk itself is really easy, we do it every time we are in Halls Gap. We have visited with kids aged from 3-9 and they were all able to do it with no problems. It takes us around 20-30mins all up to reach the Venus Baths.
The track is also pram friendly for most of the way too which makes it great for families. There is only one part at the end where you will need to carry it over some rocks. But we saw a few prams left there at the entrance.
Once there you can sit and relax and even take a dip! We have been there in Winter and Summer and it has been fantastic every time. One time it was only 18 degrees and the water was icy cold, but there were still many kids splashing away. I think it is our favourite things to do in Halls Gap.
2. Mackenzie Falls
Mackenzie Falls is one of our top pics of best waterfalls near Melbourne. You need to drive around 20mins to get to the car park of Mackenzie Falls, and from there it is an easy walk down to the falls which took us around half an hour. Getting back up took a little longer as some of the steps are quite steep. But our kids who are 4 and 6 did it with little help. It was probably just at their limits.
Once you reach Mackenzie Falls you can just sit back and admire the view, or again dip your feet into the water on a warm day.
If you are up for a bit more walking, you can continue onto Fish Falls which is a little further along the track.
It is an easy walk and the tracks are kept really well. A definite highlight and one of the best things to do in Halls Gap with kids.
3. Fyans Creek Loop
We got really lucky as this loop was just behind where we were staying so it wasn’t far at all. It starts at the Brambuk The National Park & Cultural Centre and only takes around half an hour, longer if you stop on the way.
The Fyans Creek Loop was definitely a highlight because of the wildlife viewing. The best time to go on this walk is in the evening after 5pm which is when you can view the most wildlife. A really easy walk through bush land until you get to an opening full of kangaroos. The view is stunning. We saw hundreds of them just bouncing around. Definitely one of the easiest things to do in Halls Gap with kids of all ages.
4. Chatauqua Peak Loop Walk
Another great walk if you are visiting the Grampians with kids. Starting at Halls Gap Oval car park, the track passes the foot of Clematis Falls. If you have little ones, you can stop here, look at the waterfalls and head back the same way. Up and back will take around 40mins to an hour. Note that the waterfalls are best after the rain. If you go there in Summer there may not be any water.
To continue the loop, head back to the intersection and then on through the open forest zig zagging your way up to Chatauqua Peak which is at 433m. The views here of the Grampians National Park are simply stunning.
Coming down, you continue around the loop, back to the Halls Gap Oval Car Park. The loop is 5.6kms and takes around 2 and half hours give or take.
This walk is great to do in the afternoon because the oval is usually packed with kangaroos by around 5-6pm and the kids love it.
5. The Pinnacle
For those with older kids, the Pinnacle is a definite highlight. It is probably one of the most photographed places near Halls Gap one of the most popular things to do in the Grampians.
There are a few different walking options to reach The Pinnacle. The easiest is from Sundial Car park and is around 2kms and takes around an hour round trip depending on how long you want to stay and enjoy the views.
A slightly more challenging option is from Wonderland Car Park which is around 2km and takes around an hour and a half round drip. There are a few more rocky areas that can be slippery when wet so make sure to wear good shoes.
For families who are more experienced hikers, or those who want a challenge start at the Halls Gap Caravan Park in the centre of town. This route is 9.5km and takes around 5 hours return. You actually pass the Venus baths on the way and the circuit continues around. Would not recommend this route with young children unless you are experienced hikers.
Other Things to do in Halls Gap
6. Brambuk The National Park & Cultural Centre
If you are interested in learning about the Aboriginal Culture, the Brambuk Cultural Centre is the place to go. They offer a range of information on Aboriginal history, rock art sites, as well as general information about the Grampians National Park. This is a popular activity for school excursions and camps too.
7. Halls Gap Zoo
If you have young kids or you are just an animal lover, then a visit to Halls Gap Zoo is a must. You can get up close to a wide range of Australian wildlife including wallabies and dingoes as well as other exotic animals from around the world such as meerkats, monkeys and more. There are even opportunities to feed some of the animals and to get up close with the rare Red Panda.
8. Pomonal Estate Winery
Pomonal Estate is a newly established family friendly Winery, Microbrewery and Cider House located in picturesque town of Pomonal, just a 10 minute drive from Halls Gap towards Lake Fyans. You can enjoy the breathtaking mountain backdrop sitting back and enjoying a wine board, or a cider board, while the kids play cricket, kick the ball around or swing around the hoola hoop.
Read More: Pomonal Estate
9. Halls Gap Playground
In the centre of Halls Gap you can find an adventure playground that kids will love. It is on the main street across from all the shops. If you are looking for something easy and relaxing to do in Halls Gap with kids, grab some lunch and have a picnic on the grass or one of the picnic tables and let the kids burn off some energy.
When to visit the Grampians
Weather in the Grampians vary a lot but you can travel to the Grampians all through the year.
If you’re looking for the warmest time to visit Grampians, the hottest months are in the Australian Summer, which is from December to January.
Keep in mind that this is also the busiest month for tourism in Grampians. Hotel prices will be most expensive during these months, though you can money save if you book in advance.
The cheapest time to visit the Grampians is in the Australian Winter when there is less tourism. You may have to rug up though as it can be quite cold.
Where to stay?
There are numerous accommodation options which include holiday parks, holiday houses, and family hotels. See our review of Lake Fyans Holiday Park and Check out the full list here.
Halls Gap, your gateway to the Grampians
With so many walks in the Grampians, and things to do in Halls Gap with kids, you can easily fill your days no matter how long you intend to stay. Whether you are just on a weekend getaway from Melbourne or visiting from around Victoria for a week or more, this National Park will surely impress.
Looking for more family travel destinations? See our post on best places to visit in Victoria
Follow Mum’s Little Explorers on FACEBOOK for more kids activities and family events in Melbourne! Look at our Melbourne for Kids page with tones of other ideas!
