As the gateway to the Grampians and the hub of this incredible national park, you’ll find plenty to do in and around Halls Gap. Certainly, this outdoor-focussed and family-friendly town is bursting with natural attractions, all either a short drive away or simply via a walk from town. Indeed, you won’t be twiddling your thumbs on a trip to Halls Gap in the Grampians. And, in this guide, we’ll provide a brief overview of 23 awesome things to do in Halls Gap.
Read more: Grampians National Park: The Complete Visitor’s Guide
Table of Contents
About Halls Gap and the Grampians
Halls Gap is a small town in the central Grampians. Indeed, it’s the perfect base for exploring some of the best natural attractions in this fantastic national park. Understandably, given the wealth of walks, waterfalls and wildlife around the Grampians National Park, Halls Gap’s main industry is tourism. So, you’ll find a pleasant and friendly town that’s well set up for visitors.
Surrounding Halls Gap are the towering mountain ranges of Mount William and Wonderland Range. Indeed, arriving at Halls Gap will more than whet the appetite to get out and explore these giant and picturesque mountains.
The town centre, which sits within the beautiful Fyans Valley, has plenty to offer in terms of amenities. Halls Gap also isn’t short of accommodation options or places to eat. In fact, despite its small size, you’ll find pretty much all you’ll need for a comfortable break in the Grampians.
Where Is Halls Gap, Victoria?
Halls Gap is located on the eastern side of the Grampians National Park. The Grampians National Park is found in western Victoria, Australia, and definitely has some of the best natural attractions and hikes to be found in the entire state.
23 Things to Do in Halls Gap Map
This map shows the locations of the 23 top things to do in Halls Gap in the Grampians that we’ll cover in this post. Of course, feel free to click on the interactive map to check out exactly where they’re all located.
23 Awesome Things to Do in Halls Gap: Walks, Waterfalls, Lookouts & Culture
So, let’s get into our list of the 23 best things to do in Halls Gap. We’ve grouped the items to explore by walks, waterfalls and lookouts before finishing with other things to do in Halls Gap. So, kicking things off is Mount William, the highest peak in the Grampians National Park.
Halls Gap Walks
One of the main reasons for visiting Halls Gap in the Grampians is to take on many of the fantastic walks and hiking trails close by. Below, we’ll detail seven of the best options.
1. Mount William (Duwil)
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 4.2km
- Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 300m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Mount William Car Park
- Map: Wikiloc
Standing at 1,167m tall, Mount William is the highest peak in the entire Grampians National Park. So, it’s a popular walk. But, don’t worry, despite being the highest mountain, it’s actually very easy to summit.
From Mount William Car Park, the 2km uphill walk to the summit follows a sealed road that winds upwards to the communications tower perched at the top. Reaching the summit takes around 30 minutes. After skirting the edges of the communications tower, the walk leads out over the rocky outcrop where you’ll be blown away by the panoramic views over the Grampians.
Read more: Mount William Walk – Summit The Highest Peak In The Grampians
2. The Pinnacle Walk and Lookout
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 9.6km
- Time: 3.5–4 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 370m
- Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
- Trailhead: Halls Gap Picnic Reserve
- Map: Wikiloc
The Pinnacle is one of the most iconic and well-recognised lookouts in the whole of the Grampians National Park. Certainly, the wonderful walk to reach it is a popular one, with multiple walking route options to reach the summit. But, we recommend hiking the full Wonderland Loop circuit, beginning and ending in Halls Gap.
By hiking this loop to the Pinnacle, you’ll see all of the main attractions in this area, such as Venus Baths, Splitters Falls, the Grand Canyon and Bridal Veil Falls along the way. The 9km hike offers such varied and interesting sections, that you’ll certainly hardly notice the time go by.
Read more: The Grampians Pinnacle Lookout & Walk – 3 Spectacular Routes
3. Venus Baths Loop
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 2.3km
- Time: 1 hour
- Accumulated elevation gain: 20m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Halls Gap Picnic Reserve
- Map: AllTrails
It’s an easy walk to Venus Baths, one of the most popular swimming holes in the Grampians. The gentle flow of Stony Creek passes down the smooth mountainside of Halls Gap, pooling in naturally carved-out basins. Certainly, these shallow and refreshing bathing holes are perfect to relax in on a warm summer’s day.
After parking at Halls Gap Picnic Reserve, you’ll first take the path toward Halls Gap Botanical Gardens. From here, the trail gently climbs and undulates as it passes towering rock walls and dense vegetation. After around 1km, you’ll reach Venus Baths. Enjoy!
Read more: Venus Baths – Quick Guide To The Grampians Best Swimming Hole
4. Boronia Peak
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 6.6km
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 290m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Tandara Road ‘Car Park’
- Map: Wikiloc
The Halls Gap hike to Boronia Peak is a short and punchy walk. You can find parking at the end of Tandara Road. From here, you’ll initially join the Fyans Creek loop before merging with the Boronia trail. The track is a simple U-shaped curve up to the peak. There’s a little rock scrambling needed as you approach the summit, but your footing feels secure and the ridge is more than wide enough to feel steady and balanced.
To be expected, the views from the craggy peak are, of course, wonderful. Return the way you came to complete this Grampians hike.
5. Fyans Creek Loop
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 3km
- Time: 1 hour
- Accumulated elevation gain: 15m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Brambuk Cultural Centre
- Map: Wikiloc
Speaking of Fyans Creek, for one of the easiest walks in Halls Gap, you can complete the Fyans Creek Loop. Beginning from the Brambuk Cultural Centre, the circuit passes through the beautiful Fyans Valley, alongside Fyans Creek and within the foothills of the Mount William Range. For a gentle walk in Halls Gap that takes around an hour, Fyans Creek Loop is a great choice. Plus, if you visit early in the morning or late in the evening, you’ll likely see plenty of wildlife.
Additionally, for a longer walk, you might consider joining the Fyans Creek and Boronia Peak walk together.
6. Mount Rosea Loop
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 12km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 560m
- Difficulty: Medium
- Trailhead: Rosea Car Park
- Map: Wikiloc
The Mount Rosea Loop walk is one of the more demanding in Halls Gap, Grampians. The hike begins from Rosea Car Park, with the initial parts of the trail meandering through the forest. There’s a steady incline and the scenery, enclosed by trees, is beautiful. Once through the forest, the hike to the summit is a long stretch across the exposed stone.
Summit views are extensive (if you don’t have a whiteout, like us). But, in reality, the walk itself is just as excellent as any view. The hiking trail from Mt Rosea summit then continues south a little further, before swinging back around to form a loop. Afterwards, the trail joins the Burma Track and is downhill from here on out, with the final sections of this Grampians walk following along Silverband Road.
7. Chatauqua Peak
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 5.6km
- Time: 2 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 240m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Halls Gap Oval
- Map: Wikioc
Chatauqua Peak is a wonderful hike from Halls Gap that is just perfect for sunrise. Also along this loop walk, you’ll get to see Clematis Falls, which is a pretty waterfall in Halls Gap. If you decide to hike at sunrise, like us, we recommend hiking this trail in a clockwise direction. This way, you’ll pass the waterfall at the end of the walk, where you’ll be able to see it better. Otherwise, traditionally this walk is hiked in an anti-clockwise direction.
The final ascent to Chatauqua Peak involves a bit of a scramble across the top ledges of rock, but nothing too challenging. Certainly, from the peak, you’ll enjoy extensive views overlooking Halls Gap and all of the beautiful mountains and valleys of the Grampians. Chatauqua Peak might not be the tallest peak in the region, but it’s certainly no less beautiful and is fully worth the early get-up.
After leaving the summit, the hiking trail descends back to Halls Gap, passing Clematis Falls, a seasonal Grampians waterfall. So, if you want to see Clematis Falls at its best, you’ll need to hike this trail after some decent rainfall.
Read 15 Best Hikes In The Grampians: The Complete Guide
Halls Gap Lookouts
Of course, the Pinnacle is arguably the Grampians and Halls Gap’s most popular lookout and viewpoint. But, there are a couple of other lookouts in Halls Gap that are just as breathtaking and don’t require the same length or level of walk to reach. Let’s take a look.
8. Reeds Lookout and The Balconies
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 2km
- Time: 0.5 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 60m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: The Balconies/Reeds Lookout Car Park
Surely, no visit to the Grampians National Park is complete without a stop at the wonderful Reeds Lookout and The Balconies. These two outstanding viewpoints sit side by side above the Victoria Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Certainly, they provide some of the best views of the Grampians and are an absolute must.
Set a little off Mount Victory Road, you’ll find a car park with ample space for your short stay. Both lookouts skirt the top of Mount Victory and offer wonderful views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The first lookout to visit is Reeds Lookout, where the best views are found by taking the sealed road up to the fire tower.
After enjoying Reeds Lookout, head back towards the car park, and then continue the easy walk along the path to reach the Grampian’s famous Balconies. Here, there are two viewing platforms – an upper and a lower deck. But, we found the upper deck gave the best views of the hanging rock platforms that make up The Balconies.
Read more: How To Visit Reeds Lookout & The Balconies, Grampians
9. Boroka Lookout
Boroka Lookout is one of the finest viewpoints to visit in Halls Gap and the Grampians National Park. A short and easy 5 minute walk from the car park brings you to two fantastic viewing platforms. The pathway is well-maintained and suitable for those with mobility issues and pushchairs.
In fact, Boroka Lookout is one of the most family-friendly and accessible attractions in the Grampians. Both viewing platforms offer extraordinary views across the Grampians, Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield below.
Read more: Boroka Lookout – How To Visit This Epic Grampians Viewpoint
Halls Gap Waterfalls
As well as walks and lookouts, Halls Gap is also home to some wonderful waterfalls. Although, many of these waterfalls are seasonal. So, you’ll want to time your visit with some rainfall if you’re keen to see these Halls Gap waterfalls at their best.
10. Mackenzie Falls
Mackenzie Falls is a magnificent waterfall in the Grampians National Park and just a short drive from Halls Gap. Thundering around 40 metres into the Mackenzie River below, Mackenzie Falls isn’t just the largest waterfall in the Grampians, but also one of the biggest waterfalls in Victoria.
At Mackenzie Falls, you’ll find two viewing platforms offering great vantage points towards this Halls Gap waterfall. In addition, you can take the steep steps to the base of the falls for even better views. As the only Grampians waterfall that reliably flows year-round, Mackenzie Falls is understandably a popular waterfall to visit in Halls Gap.
- Parking: Mackenzie Falls Car Park
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic area
- Distance from Halls Gap: 18km // 20 minutes
Read more: Mackenzie Falls, Grampians – The Complete Visitor Guide
11. Broken Falls
Visiting Mackenzie Falls is also a great opportunity to see another Halls Gap waterfall – Broken Falls. The lookout for Broken Falls is only a few hundred metres from the Mackenzie Falls Car Park, on a side trail away from the track to Mackenzie Falls.
Unfortunately, the viewing platform for Broken Falls can be a little obscured by the trees. But, to the side of the viewing platform is a fairly hidden but well-walked track that leads you through the scrub to a better vantage point. You can’t access the base of the falls along this track, or in general, but the views are much less impeded.
Broken Falls is a huge platform of layered rock, where the water is forced to find cracks and crevices in which to find its way down. The result is a stunning display of water flowing in all directions, showing the curves of the rock to its fullest, as it trickles down like rainwater.
- Parking: Mackenzie Falls Car Park
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic area
- Distance from Halls Gap: 18km // 20 minutes
12. Fish Falls
Another Halls Gap waterfall you can reach from Mackenzie Falls is Fish Falls. In fact, walking from Mackenzie Falls to Fish Falls is a wonderful return walk taking no more than an hour. It’s a fantastic trail. But, for an easier walking option, you can begin the walk from Zumsteins instead.
The impressive Fish Falls drops 60 metres into the Mackenzie River. Additionally, there’s a refreshing plunge pool below and a set of steps leading to the top of the waterfall for more epic views.
- Parking: Zumsteins Car Park or Mackenzie Falls Car Park
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic area
- Distance from Halls Gap: 22km // 25 minutes
13. Silverband Falls
Not far outside of Halls Gap is Silverband Falls. The waterfall cascades some 10+ metres over a dark layered rockface. It shimmers and glistens like a thin silver band, hence the name. Silverband Falls is one of Halls Gap and the Grampian’s many seasonal waterfalls. But, despite this, the waterfall is also fairly reliable. So, you’ll likely see some amount of water cascading down, whatever time of year you visit Halls Gap.
There’s no small pool that the waterfall drops into here. Which, makes it quite special. Certainly, when Silverband Falls dries up somewhat, the waterfall seemingly disappears the moment it hits the ground. Any water cascading down the rock wall immediately runs underground, only to reappear further down Dairy Creek. In fact, you can walk right up to the waterfall without even getting your feet wet.
- Parking: Siverband Falls Car Park
- Facilities: None
- Distance from Halls Gap: 8km // 10 minutes
Read more: Silverband Falls, Grampians – The Complete Visitor Guide
14. Splitters Falls
Splitters Falls is a multi-tiered drop cascade over laminated rock slabs. The enclosed location of this Halls Gap waterfall gives the feeling of stumbling across a secluded and secret waterfall. Definitely, Splitters Falls might not be the largest waterfall you’ll ever see, but it’s a very pretty one. Keep in mind that Splitters Falls is a seasonal waterfall. So, depending on when you visit, you might find it dried up.
You can see Splitters Falls during a quick 15 minute return walk from Wonderland Car Park. Otherwise, we definitely recommend visiting as part of the longer Wonderland Loop track to the Pinnacle, starting in Halls Gap.
- Parking: Wonderland Car Park or Halls Gap
- Facilities: Toilets and picnic area in Halls Gap. Parking only at Wonderland Car Park.
- Distance from Halls Gap: 4km // 7 minutes
Read more: The Grampians Pinnacle Lookout & Walk – 3 Spectacular Routes
15. Bridal Veil Falls
Another Halls Gap waterfall to look out for on your way to the Pinnacle Lookout is Bridal Veil Falls. But, bear in mind, if it hasn’t rained recently, you won’t have much to look at. But, if it has rained, then you’re in for a treat. Located just to the side of the Pinnacle track, between Cool Chamber and Silent Street, will be a beautiful yet small cascade. Certainly, this is a lovely Halls Gap waterfall to see on the walk to the Pinnacle Lookout, if it’s flowing!
- Parking: Wonderland Car Park or Halls Gap
- Facilities: Toilets and picnic area in Halls Gap. Parking only at Wonderland Car Park.
- Distance from Halls Gap: 4km // 7 minutes
16. Clematis Falls
When it’s rained, Clematis Falls is a tall and rather impressive Halls Gap waterfall. But, if it hasn’t rained, you’ll see more of a trickle, like the image below. Luckily, Dan and I visited Clematis Falls as part of the Chatauqua Peak walk, which we highly recommend. This meant, despite seeing a fairly tame-looking waterfall, we’d already enjoyed many delights on a longer walk, so weren’t too disappointed. But, if you don’t want a longer walk, Clematis Falls is easy to reach as a quick out and back from Halls Gap.
From the Halls Gap Recreation Reserve, take the Chatauqua Peak track in an anti-clockwise direction toward Clematis Falls. The walk is around 1.2km and takes around 30 minutes, with moderate elevation gain. Additionally, keep a lookout for kangaroos and other wildlife.
- Parking: Halls Gap Recreation Reserve
- Facilities: Toilets and picnic area in Halls Gap
- Distance from Halls Gap: start from Halls Gap
17. Burrong Falls
Burrong Falls is a more secluded and quieter waterfall to visit from Halls Gap. Indeed, this multi-tiered, terraced waterfall is quite beautiful and the views from the upper falls upon arrival are lovely. It’s possible to head down the terraced rock a little, but do take care.
The downside to Burrong Falls, and probably why it’s quieter than other Halls Gap waterfalls, is the unsealed road needed to access the car park. Although possible in a 2WD, we recommend a more comfortable journey in a 4WD. If the road is wet, which is great news for the waterfall, then driving conditions might be a little more problematic. Have a see when you get there though.
- Parking: Burrong Falls Car Park
- Facilities: None
- Distance from Halls Gap: 24km // 30 minutes
18. Turret Falls
From the southern end of Wonderland Car Park, a small track leads to the fantastic Turret Falls. Well, they’re fantastic if it’s rained. The water flows over a wide rock shelf, which is quite impressive when the water is pumping. A cool lookout is reached by crossing over the top of the waterfall.
This is one of the quieter waterfalls to visit in Halls Gap in the Grampians, despite being relatively easy to reach.
- Parking: Wonderland Car Park
- Facilities: None
- Distance from Halls Gap: 4km // 7 minutes
Check out 12 Must-See Grampians Waterfalls: The Complete Guide
Other Things to Do in Halls Gap
Halls Gap might be a hive of natural attractions, with walks, waterfalls and lookouts to keep you busy for quite some time. But, there are a few other activities to consider, especially if the weather is a little poor. Let’s take a look.
19. Halls Gap Botanical Gardens
Located in the heart of Halls Gap is the Halls Gap Botanical Gardens. Here, you can enjoy mostly native plants and walk the short trails around the gardens. Additionally, a visit to the botanical gardens is great to pair with a walk to Venus Baths. Certainly, the area is super family-friendly, with the pathways easy to walk on and fairly level. As you walk around the gardens, you can stop to admire the sculptures and learn about the local flora. This is certainly a great trip to make with children.
- Opening hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Distance from Halls Gap: in town
20. Brambuk: The National Park & Cultural Centre
The Brambuk Cultural Centre is a wonderful place to stop to discover and learn more about the Grampians (Gariwerd) and the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung people. You can also purchase a range of indigenous products and enquire about activities in the area. Brambuk also has a cafe, which is a great spot to relax in Halls Gap.
You could even pop in here before or after the Fyans Creek Loop, as the walk begins from the cultural centre.
- Opening hours: 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week
- Distance from Halls Gap: 2km // 3 minutes
21. Halls Gap Zoo
For the ultimate family-friendly attraction in Halls Gap, it’s hard to beat the Halls Gap Zoo. Indeed, the zoo is the largest regional zoo in Victoria and sits perfectly against the backdrop of the Grampians. There are many animals to see here, including red pandas, giraffes and meerkats. The Animal Encounter ticket is also a great way to remember your trip. Here, staff take high-quality photos of you with the animals.
Certainly, you should visit the Halls Gap Zoo official website for the most up-to-date admission prices and activities.
- Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week
- Distance from Halls Gap: 6km // 7 minutes
22. Wildlife Art Museum (WAMA)
After the Halls Gap Zoo, why not head across the road to the Wildlife Art Museum? WAMA is a 16-hectare area of woodlands, wetlands and botanical gardens, showcasing art, science and nature. Indeed, part of WAMA’s vision is to help people better understand their connection to nature and to help make a more sustainable future. So, it’s a wonderfully educating visit. On-site, you’ll see a wealth of incredible artwork and plenty of indigenous animal and plant life.
- Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week
- Distance from Halls Gap: 6km // 7 minutes
23. Pomonal Estate Winery
Certainly, after all that exploring, walking and sightseeing, it’s time to unwind with a glass of wine. Pomonal Estate Winery is a winery, microbrewery and cider house. This small estate is located just a 10 minute drive from Halls Gap and is the perfect spot to relax. The locally crafted produce is served within a modern building that has cleverly reused and recycled from locally sourced products. Indeed, the picturesque landscape of the surrounding Grampians is quite special.
So, enjoy a delicious lunch, a glass of wine or a beer-tasting paddle at this relaxing location.
- Opening hours: 10am to 5pm (lunch 11am to 4pm), Wednesday to Sunday
- Distance from Halls Gap: 13km // 10 minutes
How to Get to Halls Gap, Grampians
So, now you know about 23 awesome things to do in Halls Gap in the Grampians, let’s look at how to get there in the first place.
The best way to visit all of the Halls Gap attractions described in this guide is with your own set of wheels. Certainly, the ease of driving around the Grampians to each walk, waterfall or lookout is both time-efficient and convenient.
Of course, to see all of the best things to do in Halls Gap, you’ll first need to get to the Grampians National Park. The Grampians lie around 250km west of Melbourne and take around three hours to drive to. You’ll take the Western Highway all the way to Ararat, before joining the C222 Ararat-Halls Gap Road straight through to Halls Gap and the Grampians. It’s a very straightforward journey.
Car Hire
If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.
Getting to Melbourne
Certainly, if you’re visiting from abroad, you’ll first need to fly to Melbourne to visit the Grampians.
Booking Flights
Skyscanner is our go-to website for booking flights. If you’re looking to find the cheapest flights, we recommend getting the ball rolling with a Skyscanner search. It allows you to scan all airlines and platforms to find the cheapest airfares.
Halls Gap, Grampians Day Tours
Although it’s possible to take public transport to Halls Gap, you’re sometimes looking at a very long journey. If you don’t own a car or simply don’t want to hire a car, but are still keen to visit the delights of the Grampians, then you can take a tour.
There are many day tours and even multi-day tour options for visiting the Grampians from Melbourne. Some of the most popular include the following from GetYourGuide – Grampians National Park Group Tour, Grampians National Park Bushwalking Tour and 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Small-Group Tour.
Best Time to Visit Halls Gap and the Grampians
The beauty of Halls Gap and the Grampians is that it can be visited any time of year. Indeed, Dan and I visited the Grampians National Park in winter and had a wonderful time. In fact, winter and spring are the best times of year to visit if you want to see the waterfalls looking their best because there has been more consistent rainfall.
But, for longer days of hiking, warmer weather in Halls Gap and better chances to enjoy some wild swimming spots, you’ll want to visit in summer. But, summer also coincides with peak tourism. So, expect busier walking trails, and lookouts. Still, the Grampians rarely feel overly busy.
Additionally, if you visit in May, you should head to the Grampians Grape Escape. This yearly festival runs across an entire weekend, showcasing great food, drink and music. And if you’re feeling fit, you can take part in the annual Run The Gap race, which sees participants take on trails of up to 21km long.
Accommodation in Halls Gap, Grampians
Being the main hub and gateway to the Grampians, Halls Gap certainly has plenty of accommodation options, including a range of hotels and caravan parks. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of general amenities and places to stock up on supplies. So, below, we’ve put together the best budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options to help plan your trip.
Grampians Eco YHA
Budget: the main hostel in town is the Grampians Eco YHA. Enjoy the super clean facilities and spacious common rooms.
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park
Mid-range: relax in the pool and admire the brilliant mountain views at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park
Grampians Chalets
Luxury: lake views, friendly kangaroos and a fantastic location are ready to be enjoyed at the Grampians Chalets
Camping in Halls Gap, Grampians
Some of the best Halls Gap caravan parks include Halls Gap Caravan Park, Lake Fyans Holiday Park and Breeze Holiday Parks.
Additionally, there are plenty of Parks Victoria walk-in campgrounds along hiking trails and within the beautiful surroundings of the Grampians. Some of the most popular include Smiths Mill Campground, Boreang Campground, Borough Huts Campground and Stony Creek Campground. But, be sure to check Parks Vic website for booking conditions and availability.
More Grampians Accommodation
- Camping Halls Gap: 8 Epic Campgrounds In Central Grampians
- The Complete Guide To Camping In The Grampians
- 5 Best Caravan Parks in Halls Gap For A Memorable Grampians Trip
- Halls Gap Accommodation: Best Hotel, Camping & Caravan Parks
- Grampians Accommodation: Where To Stay & What To Book
FAQs
Below, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions with regard to visiting Halls Gap.
What Is Halls Gap Known For?
Halls Gap is known as the gateway to the Grampians and offers wonderful walks, waterfalls and other natural attractions, as well as housing plenty of wildlife.
Is Halls Gap Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely. Certainly, there are 23 reasons alone in this guide.
Why Is it Called Halls Gap?
Halls Gap is named after Charles Hall. Mr Hall was a drover and pastoralist who discovered the beauty of the area in 1842, initially using the land for grazing. To the indigenous population and custodians of the land, Halls Gap is known as Budja Budja.
Is Halls Gap in the Grampians?
Yes, it’s located in the central Grampians.
Is Halls Gap Dog Friendly?
Dogs aren’t permitted in the national park. But, there are places within Halls Gap that are dog-friendly. With that being said, they should be kept on a lead in public places. Luckily, you’ll find a few dog-friendly accommodation options. These include Tim’s Place, Breeze Holiday Parks and Grampians Getaway. But, always check conditions and requirements with the individual accommodation option before booking.
How Far Is Halls Gap From Melbourne?
Halls Gap and the Grampians are around 250km from Melbourne and take around three hours to drive to.
Five Gear Essentials For Visiting the Grampians
As Halls Gap is such an outdoorsy place, hiking and seeing natural attractions are what most visitors tend to come for. As such, these are our gear essentials for any trip to Halls Gap and the Grampians.
Osprey Skarab 30
The Osprey Skarab 30 is our go-to hiking backpack for day hikes. This well-designed unisex backpack is comfortable and spacious, so you’ll have plenty of space to pack everything without feeling the strain on your upper back.
Osprey Ultralight Raincover
A waterproof backpack cover is an absolute must when you’re adventuring outdoors. The Osprey Ultralight Raincover Medium is a high-quality waterproof cover that’ll keep your backpack bone dry.
GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best water filter bottle that allows you to purify 710mL (12 ounces) of water. This bottle will make water safe to drink wherever you’re hiking.
BUFF Original Ecostretch
The BUFF Original Ecostretch is a great option when it comes to multifunctional headwear. We use the Ecostretch as a neck gaiter to keep the sun off our necks and it helps us keep warm in cooler climates.
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Capture epic photos and videos with the Sony Cybershot RX100 VII. This is hands-down the best compact camera. We love using this simple point-and-shoot camera when we’re hiking as it’s lightweight and durable.
To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.
Bonus Tips
- Halls Gap shops: most of the shops can be found on Grampians Road close to the Halls Gap Information Centre. Also, you can pop into the information centre to help with any questions you have during your visit.
- Halls Gap restaurants: top places to eat in Halls Gap include Livefast Cafe for coffee and brunch, Spirit of Punjab for dinner and Coolas Icecreamery for, of course, ice cream.
- Halls Gap swimming: there are four lakes in Halls Gap – Lake Wartook, Lake Fyans, Lake Bellfield and Lake Lonsdale. You’ll find a variety of watersports, fishing and wild swimming spots at the majority of these lakes.
- More of Victoria: the Grampians is certainly one of our favourite places we’ve visited in Victoria. But, other favourites include exploring along the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula and of course, Wilsons Prom.
Bookmark or save this post for when you’re ready to visit Halls Gap in the Grampians.
We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.
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