Grampians National Park, Victoria

Guide to the Grampians

Aboriginal name: Gariwerd (pronounced Gary-word)

Welcome
Aboriginal
Getting to the Grampians
When to visit

This majestic mountain range is home to a huge array of wildlife and adventure activities alongside a rich and continuing Aboriginal history.

Rising from the pastoral land of Victoria's west are the Grampians – a playground for adventurers and haven for food and wine lovers, with a fascinating Aboriginal story to tell. The Grampians National Park is home to an incredible mountain landscape dotted with small towns such as Dunkeld, Stawell, Halls Gap, Wartook Valley and Beaufort. With so much to do, it's no wonder this nature lover's paradise is a popular escape among Melburnians.

The Grampians/Gariwerd mountain range is a sacred place, particularly to Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people, the Traditional Owners of the land. Here, creation stories and over 80 per cent of Victoria’s rock art sites are woven into the mountains. See them for yourself along the Grampians Rock Art trail or visit the Brambuk Cultural Centre to learn more about the region’s Aboriginal culture.

Traditional name: Gariwerd (pronounced Gary-word)
Indigenous Peoples: Djab Wurrung and the Jardwadjali
Traditional lands: Gariwerd
Traditional languages: Djab wurrung

The Grampians region is a three-hour drive west of Melbourne, which is serviced by two airports. It's a fabulous road trip, with charming towns and wineries to visit along the way. If you want to explore the Grampians, but don’t want to drive, join a day tour from Melbourne.

Melbourne Airport (MEL) is 258km (160mi) from the Grampians and services international and domestic arrivals
Avalon Airport (AVV) is 233km (144mi) from the Grampians and services international and domestic arrivals
Car hire options are conveniently available at both airports

Grampians National Park is best explored on foot, so lace up your boots! You can drive within the Grampians, but some of the best lookouts are only accessible along their hiking trails.

The shoulder seasons, being spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), are ideal for a trip to The Grampians. It's less busy at these times while offering the best weather for wildlife, hikes and making a splash in the swimming holes.