Grampians Day Trip: Hiking, Wildlife & Aboriginal Culture

Summary

Hiking wild trails, spotting kangaroos and learning ancient stories in the Grampians

You’ll wake early for a Grampians adventure packed with wild hikes, sweeping lookouts, and close-up moments with kangaroos near Halls Gap. Learn stories at Brambuk Cultural Centre, breathe in eucalyptus air at Boroka Lookout, and cool off by MacKenzie Falls before heading back to Melbourne with new memories in your pocket.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Melbourne just after sunrise, all a bit bleary-eyed but buzzing for the Grampians day trip. The city faded behind us and suddenly there were gum trees everywhere — you could almost smell eucalyptus through the bus windows. Our guide, Dave (he’s from Ballarat), kept tossing out little facts about towns we passed. We stopped in Beaufort for tea; I grabbed a flat white and watched two old guys argue about footy outside the bakery. It felt like real country Victoria already.

The first time I saw the Grampians spread out ahead — those chunky sandstone ridges — I just stared. We hiked up to Boroka Lookout, legs burning a bit, but wow. Wind whipped at my jacket and you could see Halls Gap tucked below like a toy village. Dave pointed out wedge-tailed eagles circling way above us (I tried to snap a photo but missed it). There was this moment where everyone went quiet at Reed Lookout — just birdsong and someone’s muesli bar wrapper crinkling.

Lunch in Halls Gap was casual; I ate outside and watched kangaroos grazing near the playground. They really do bounce around like cartoons here — one nearly hopped into someone’s picnic blanket. After that we checked out Brambuk Cultural Centre. The stories about Gariwerd and seeing those ochre handprints on rock… I didn’t expect to feel so moved by it all. Li laughed when I tried to pronounce ‘Budja Budja’ properly — probably butchered it.

The last hike up to the Balconies (the Jaws of Death) was tougher than I thought but worth it for that view over endless forest. MacKenzie Falls was loud and cold — spray everywhere, slippery rocks underfoot. On the drive back everyone sort of dozed off or swapped photos quietly. Even now, sometimes I catch myself thinking about that sky over the ranges as dusk crept in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grampians National Park wildlife and hikes

• Leave Melbourne city at 7:30am
• Stop at Beaufort for morning tea
• Drive to Grampians National Park
• Spot wildlife en route to Halls Gap
• Walk through Wonderland Ranges
• Lunch break in Halls Gap
• Visit Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre
• View from scenic lookout over Halls Gap
• Hike to Jaws of Death and Balconies Lookout
• Relax at MacKenzie Falls base
• Stop in Ararat for refreshments
• Return to Melbourne by 8:30pm

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Melbourne to the Grampians?

The tour departs Melbourne around 7:30am and returns between 8:00-8:30pm.

Is lunch included on the Grampians day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there is a stop in Halls Gap where you can purchase food.

Will I see kangaroos or other wildlife?

Yes, native Australian wildlife sightings are common—kangaroos often graze near Halls Gap.

Are there guided hikes during this tour?

Yes, your local guide leads bush walks totaling about 2 hours through scenic areas.

Does this tour include entry fees to attractions?

Your admission to Grampians National Park is included in the price of the tour.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

No hotel pickup; tours depart from central Melbourne meeting point.

What level of fitness do I need for this trip?

A moderate level of fitness is required for hiking sections—expect some uphill trails.

Are children allowed on this Grampians tour?

This tour is suitable for children aged 6-12; not recommended for kids under 6 due to walking involved.

What’s included

Your day includes small group mini-coach travel with air conditioning, all entry fees to Grampians National Park covered, guided bush walks totaling about two hours led by an experienced local driver-guide who shares live commentary along the way, plus stops for morning tea and lunch (food at own expense) before returning to Melbourne in the evening.