From cosy cottages and wood-fired cooked fare to breathtaking vistas waiting to be admired, the Grampians region beckons exploration during these cooler months.

Whether for a weekend or a much-needed mid-year break, the southern tip of the Great Dividing Range is the perfect holiday destination for those keen to embrace outdoor and indoor adventure with fine wines, crackling fires, and the winter aromas of Australia's bushland.

Drink: Renowned for its wine-making heritage, diverse cellar door experiences and producing fine wines that only improve with age, the Grampians wine region is nothing short of spectacular.

There are twelve cellar doors to explore in this food and wine paradise. Just 15 minutes from Horsham is Barangaroo Wines, which has been warming up its weekend guests with mulled wine, flammekueche and baked camembert.

A popular hang-out with locals and tourists alike is Pomonal Estate. Set along the picturesque east side of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Pomonal Estate has just launched its winter menu with fresh seasonal produce perfectly paired with their wine, beer or cider.

Mount Langi Ghiran is another must-visit winery in the Grampians and is home to one Australia’s most famed cool climate wines, Langi Shiraz. Sit back and relax with a wine in hand at the winery’s cellar door or café while enjoying stunning views of mountain ranges and its charming vineyard.

Eat: Warm up with a hearty meal showcasing seasonal produce from one of the region's welcoming restaurants or cafes. Find authentic Indian cuisine full of spices to fill visitors with warmth at the iconic Spirit of Punjab, which has over 90 dishes on the menu, including its signature favourites, Butter Chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh.

With a friendly ambience and snug woodfire heater, the Kookaburra Hotel is a laidback restaurant and a Halls Gap favourite with its harmonious menu of contemporary bistro dishes and pub classics. For meals hot off the pan and grill, Flame Brothers Restaurant & Bar is the go-to destination for delicious smoked meats, wood-fired pizzas, and tasty burgers. With an extensive drinks list, this American-style smokehouse dream is the only eatery in the area with offerings cooked in an offset Texas-style BBQ smoker.

Explore: Do go chasing waterfalls in the Grampians in winter with the flow of the waterfalls at their strongest! Wannon Falls located 20km outside of Hamilton, will awe explorers with its spectacular display of water surging into its deep plunge pool below. Created by a basalt lava flow that was carried upstream to the Wannon River, the falls are not only a beautiful sight but an interesting way to learn about the site's geology, flora and fauna, as well as its rich Indigenous history from close by rotunda displays.

The Grampians ranges, traditionally known as Gariwerd, are also rich in indigenous culture and art. Home to 80 per cent of Victoria’s known rock art sites, with some dating back over 20,000 years, the region provides great opportunities to learn about Indigenous history. One of the most impressive, Billimina in the Wartook Valley is a rock overhang excavated by archaeologists in 1976 with over 2500 red ochre figures and drawings.

Stay: The Grampians region has the perfect accommodation for a snug winter’s getaway. For luxury accommodation right in the heart of Halls Gap, look no further than Heath House and Hemley House. They both feature a cosy and convenient gas log fireplace, stunning views of the mountains and visiting wildlife, plus an outdoor heated jacuzzi, perfect for star gazing. With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, they are perfect for groups of friends or families.

The DULC cabins located in Halls Gap are an incredible option for a secluded stay during the cooler seasons. With three luxurious self-contained cabins to choose from, The Treehouse, Mountainview, and Mountainview deluxe, visitors will feel one with nature with the accommodation’s gorgeous timber design and bush picture windows. All featuring toasty gas log fires and spa baths, the DULC is the ideal stay to keep warm while enjoying the Grampians from both the indoors and outside!

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WHAT’S ON:

Hamilton Gallery's Art Outside The Walls

Saturday 17th June – Life drawing at Chateau Kolor, Penshurst.

Saturday 24th June - Life drawing at Royal Mail Hotel's Mt Sturgeon Homestead, Dunkeld.

Life drawing models will adopt captivating poses at these idyllic locations, allowing aspiring and seasoned artists to capture their grace and allure on paper. Art enthusiasts of all skill levels can embrace this transformative opportunity for artistic expression and convivial conversations for $50pp, including materials and tuition, plus tea, coffee, nibbles and live acoustic music.

Seymour Railway Heritage Centre heritage train tour

Friday 14th– Sunday 16th July, southwestern Victoria

Take in the stunning scenery of southwestern Victoria from the comfort of air-conditioned heritage rail cars constructed in 1937 for the original Spirit of Progress train with the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre. The three-day journey will take passengers from Seymour or Southern Cross Station to Portland on a line reserved typically for freight trains. Guests can enjoy the second day exploring the charm of the Hamilton township with an optional day tour passing through stunning bushland, the perfect way to get a taste of the Grampians.

Best’s Wines Museum Wine Night

Saturday 15th July, Great Western

A unique way to experience some of the best wine in the region is at one of Best’s Wines Museum Wine Nights. Founded in 1866, Best’s is home to some of the oldest vines in Australia and is one of Australia’s oldest continually family-owned and operated wineries. Held in the historic redgum slab Cellar Door, upon arrival, enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles and pick a platter before settling in for four rare back-vintage tastings.

Sheepvention

Sunday 6th - Monday 7th August, Hamilton.

Sheepvention is a two-day jam-packed expo in Hamilton that provides the opportunity to take in all things sheep and meet producers, taste local produce, compete, admire, shop and heaps more!

Peaks & Trails

Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th August

Peaks & Trails is a challenging trail running event, starting and finishing in the heart of picturesque Dunkeld. The weekend offers five distance options for all levels of trail enthusiasts. All distances include sections of the newly opened Grampians Peaks Trail and take in the beautiful southern Grampians (Gariwerd) landscape.

Dunkeld Writers Festival

Thursday 17th - Friday 18th August

Celebrating the people and places of the Western District, various venues around Dunkeld will host themed author events over the weekend, with wonderful food, wine and the stunning setting of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.

Wonderland Run

Saturday 26th - Sunday 27th August

Behold the incredible vistas and experience suffering and joy equally on a Wonderland Run. Conquer the terrain surrounding Halls Gap in the heart of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park on a 20, 36 or 50-kilometre full impact trail or a short 2 or 8-kilometre fun run.

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