Halls Gap – Things To Do

Halls Gap is the perfect base for you to launch yourself into the green Australian wilderness at your own relaxed pace or with numerous tours. The rugged landscape of the Grampians ensures panoramic stunning landscape and a bountiful list of sights to see and routes to hike.

It can take about three hours to drive up there from Melbourne but there are daily trains from Melbourne’s Southern Cross station that take you as far as Ararat, where a connecting coach service will bring you further out into the region (four hours). If the journey sounds too tiresome, Autopia Tours organise day trips from Melbourne for $99 so you can explore the region, including Halls Gap and the Grampians.

The Grampians National Park is bursting with native flora and fauna: emus, koalas, kangaroos, even wedge-tailed eagles can be spotted. The grand five sandstone ridges of the Ranges are real unique rock formations that run from north to south with steep craggy slopes. The earth movements over time have created impressive peaks and look out points that can be explored with a variety of different walks. Just abide by the parks rules and regulations as no one wants to have to play “hunt the lost tourist”. Of course you could just drive and get up to the famous Boroka Lookout within half a day, which is perfect for those on tight deadlines. It gives great views across Halls Gap and the Mount William and Wonderland Ranges.

Take in the beauty and then get down to the Brambuk Cultural Centre that’s owned and run by Aboriginals. Halls Gap possesses the longest running Aboriginal cultural centre, which is pretty bloody important since the area is steeped in Aboriginal history. The National Park is one of the richest indigenous rock art sites in south-eastern Australia, and guided tours to the ancient sites (and natural beauties) are led from here.

It’s all very striking and scenic, but where there’s an epic Australian setting there’s sure to be some adventure activities to get that heart pumping full of adrenaline. Mountain biking, kayaking, dirt buggy tours, rock climbing and abseiling are just a few of the things you can get involved in. And after all that excitement you can head down to the local pub, such as Halls Gap Hotel (www.hallsgaphotel.com.au) or Kookaburra Bar and Bistro (kookaburrabarbistro.com.au) for a heart-warming meal, or even visit the nearest winery to really round off your visit. The Gap Vineyard takes care to conserve the local Aboriginal history and traditions, as well as create tasty tipples so get around to knocking on their cellar door.

Eco-friendly accommodation is favoured out here to ensure a minimal impact on the environment is made. Dorm rooms in Halls Gap Grampians YHA are $27 a night and Brambuk Backpackers offer dorms or 4-6 people share rooms for $25 per person/night. DULC are one of the many boutique cabins that are available and are so luxurious, they’re sure to give you a night’s shelter that you won’t forget. But for all accommodation here, booking is paramount when the weather warms up and the tourists come rolling in.

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