How To Visit Reeds Lookout & The Balconies, Grampians

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 of Serra and Mount Difficult. Easily providing some of the best views of the Grampians, they’re an absolute must to visit.

So, below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Grampian’s Reeds Lookout and The Balconies.

Check out 15 Best Hikes In The Grampians: The Complete Guide

Table of Contents

Where Is Reeds Lookout & The Balconies, Grampians?

Reeds Lookout and The Balconies are located in the central Grampians National Park in the state of Victoria, Australia. Just a short distance from Halls Gap, the entrance to the lookouts can be found along Mount Victory Road. To the north is Lake Wartook and to the east in the valley below is Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield.

To help get your bearings, please click on the image below to access an interactive map of the area on Google Maps.

How to Get to Reeds Lookout & The Balconies

To visit Reeds Lookout and The Balconies, you’ll need to park around the Reeds Picnic Area and take a short walk to both viewing platforms. Access to the car park is found along Mount Victory Road, where there’s ample parking for your visit.

If you’re heading to Reeds Lookout and The Balconies from Halls Gap, then you’ll take Mount Victory Road all the way to the lookouts. It’s about a 15-minute drive.

Reeds Lookout & The Balconies Walk Preview

Type: Out and Back
Distance: 2km
Time: 0.5 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 60m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: The Balconies/Reeds Lookout Car Park

Both Reeds Lookout and the Grampians Balconies skirt the top edges of Mount Victory, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. There’s a short and relatively easy 2km return walk involved to visit both of the lookouts.

The initial walk from the car park to the first viewpoint, Reeds Lookout, is around one kilomtere. Then, it’s another kilometre to reach The Balconies Grampians. Let’s take a closer look.

Reeds Lookout

From the car park, you’ll reach Reeds Lookout first. There’s a fenced viewpoint and access is really easy. You’ll notice a fenced-off road leading up to a lookout fire tower. There’s also a helipad there too. But, don’t worry, they’re not too distracting from the views laid out before you. Certainly, if you walk up this short but steep track, you’ll experience some of the best views across the Grampians from Reeds Lookout.

From up here, there’s the opportunity for a little rock scrambling. Where there is access to walk out onto the rocks, take care. Although, the area is flatter and feels safer to walk out onto, compared to other lookouts with sharp edges and long drops.

We very much enjoyed soaking up the last of the day’s sun at Reeds Lookout.

The Balconies, Grampians

After visiting Reeds Lookout, head back towards the car park, from where you can continue the easy walk along the path to reach the Grampian’s famous Balconies. The lookout is so called because of two protruding rocks, one on top of the other, that look like perfect balconies extending over the Grampians landscape.

There are two viewing platforms at The Balconies, Grampians – an upper and lower deck. We found the upper deck gave the best views of the hanging rock platforms that make up The Balconies.

Access to scramble about the Balconies used to be possible. You’ll no doubt have seen images of people standing on the lower balcony, within what’s known as the ‘Jaws of Death’. But, due to accidents and the now pretty unstable rock that makes up The Balconies, in the Grampians, they are closed off. Accordingly, the viewing decks have been made for safety. Although it’s evident people still jump the fence to access The Balconies, we don’t recommend it.

Head back along the same path to return to the car park.

Best Time to Visit Reeds Lookout & The Balconies

As some parts of Reeds Lookout face west, this is a particularly wonderful spot to watch the sunset in the Grampians. Find a spot on the rocks and enjoy the light show. Alternatively, The Balconies make for a fantastic location to watch the sunrise over the Grampians.

The weather can be cool and windy at Reeds Lookout and The Balconies, so pack accordingly for your Grampians day trip. Especially if you’re planning to visit at sunrise or sunset.

In addition, given the ease of access to the viewing platforms here, Reeds Lookout and The Balconies are some of the most popular attractions in the Grampians. Avoid weekends, school holidays and the middle of the day if you want a quieter experience.

Facilities at Reeds Lookout & The Balconies, Grampians

There are no toilets at the Reeds Lookout Car Park. Along the walk to The Balconies, there are small carved seats to rest on. Neither viewing platform has seating. The closest picnic area is at Reeds Picnic Area, at the turnoff from Mount Victory Road.

Other Walks & Lookouts Nearby

Boroka Lookout: another excellent lookout for sunrise over the Grampians.
Pinnacle Lookout Grampians: a steep walk is rewarded with panoramic views of the Grampians.
Mackenzie Falls: see the biggest waterfall in the Grampians National Park.

Boroka Lookout grampians — Boroka Lookout

How to Get to the Grampians

Reeds Lookout and The Balconies are located within the Grampians National Park. The national park lies around 250km west of Melbourne and takes around three hours to drive to.

Although it’s possible to take public transport from Melbourne to Halls Gap, you’re looking at an extremely long journey. Instead, it’s best to have access to your own set of wheels. If you need a car, we recommend using DiscoverCars.com. It’s a fantastic search engine for finding the cheapest car hire. Search for cheap car hire in Melbourne today. A 2WD will suffice for this adventure.

It’s also possible to take a tour of the Grampians from Melbourne. Full-day tours from Melbourne generally include a stop at Reeds Lookout and The Balconies, like this Grampians National Park Group Tour, as well as seeing some waterfalls and a stop in Halls Gap.

Getting to Melbourne

Of course, you’ll first need to fly to Melbourne to visit the Grampians if travelling from abroad. We recommend using Skyscanner to search for the cheapest flights. When flying abroad, we always get the ball rolling with a Skyscanner search. Check out cheap flights to Melbourne today!

Reeds Lookout & The Balconies Accommodation

As Halls Gap is the main hub of the Grampians and is only 12km away from Reeds Lookout and The Balconies, it makes for the perfect place to base yourself. So, below, we’ve put together the best budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options to help plan your trip.

Budget – Grampians Eco YHA: the main hostel in town is the Grampians Eco YHA. Although the price doesn’t feel super budget, this is probably one of the nicest hostels you’ll ever stay in. Enjoy clean facilities and plenty of space.
Mid-range – Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park: enjoy a pool, mountain view and well-equipped kitchenettes at the Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park.
Luxury – Grampians Chalets: lake views, friendly kangaroos and a fantastic location at the Grampians Chalets make for a very comfortable holiday. Also, try the Marwood Villas for a stay in an individual bijoux villa.

Grampians Reeds Lookout & The Balconies Camping

Camping isn’t allowed at Reeds Lookout and The Balconies in the Grampians. Instead, the nearest campgrounds can be found at Stony Creek, Boreang and Smith’s Mill. Of course, check Parks Vic’s official website for booking information.

If you want a little more luxury to your camping in the Grampians, then head to Halls Gap where you’ll find Halls Gap Caravan Park, Lake Fyans Holiday Park and Breeze Holiday Parks.

More Grampians Accommodation

Camping in Halls Gap: 8 Epic Campgrounds In Central Grampians
Camping In The Grampians: The Complete Guide
Grampians Caravan Parks: 5 Best Caravan Parks in Halls Gap
Halls Gap Accommodation: Best Hotel, Camping & Caravan Parks
Grampians Accommodation: Where To Stay & What To Book

Five Gear Essentials For Reeds Lookout & The Balconies

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.

FAQs

Below, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about Reeds Lookout and The Balconies in the Grampians.

What is the Highest Peak in the Grampians?

Mount William, which stands at 1,167 metres high. It lies south of the lookouts.

What Is the Reeds Lookout & The Balconies Address?

Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Zumsteins, VIC, 3381, Australia.

What Are the Reeds Lookout & The Balconies Opening Hours?

They’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Do You Need to Book in Advance to See Reed Lookout & The Balconies?

No. It’s also free to visit.

What’s the Best Way to See Reed Lookout & The Balconies?

By taking the short 2km return walk from the Reeds Lookout Car Park.

Bonus Tips

Reeds Lookout and The Balconies death: one of the most recent tragic accidents to happen at a Grampians lookout was at Boroka Lookout in December 2020. A fence was jumped to access the rocks when the accident happened. Of course, this is why fences are in place, to keep you safe. So, don’t jump the fences.
Accessibility: Reeds Lookout and The Balconies in the Grampians are completely wheelchair and push-chair accessible.
No dogs: sorry, furry friend will have to sit this attraction out.
More of Victoria: certainly, some of our favourite places in Victoria include exploring along the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and of course, Wilsons Prom.

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