We love summer in the Grampians. From breathtaking mountain views, wild swimming, hiking, and delicious food and wine, the Grampians is a fabulous place to enjoy summer. Here’s a few of our favourites.
For accommodation we recommend the following.
– Heath House
– Cedar Country Retreat
– Royal Mail Hotel (Dunkeld)
– Mount William Station (Willaura)
– Nook on the Hill (Halls Gap)
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Gelato Guys, Halls Gap
A family-run gem offering irresistible ice cream that’s a hit year-round, even on rainy days. We love the espresso flavour! - 2
Cool Off with Wild Swimming
Venus Baths: A natural wonder and an easy walk from the centre of Halls Gap. Great for kids too!
Halls Gap Pool: A kid-friendly spot with music, inflatables, and pool games.
Lake Fyans: Our summer go-to for a picnic and a swim. - 3
The Mess and Barracks is the place to stop for a wood fired pizza on your way through Ararat to Halls Gap. SubRosa Rosé and Shiraz are available by the glass too!
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The Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld: Home to the award winning Wickens and Parker St Project restaurants and the largest private collection of Bordeaux and Burgundy in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s a lovely outdoor seating area with views of Mount Sturgeon. A great spot to enjoy a glass of our SubRosa Nebbiolo! They have tours of their cellar and kitchen garden.
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Water sports
Join Absolute Outdoors for a canoeing experience that combines history and fun—perfect for families and adventurers. - 6
Grampians Wine Cellar, Halls Gap – Our friend Simon Freeman is a true gem of the Grampians. After an illustrious career in some of the most prestigious restaurants across Europe and Australia, Simon relocated to Western Victoria and established Grampians Wine Cellar in 2020. This charming spot offers an exceptional selection of local wines, including the SubRosa, as well as exquisite bottles from around the globe. Whether you choose to take a bottle home or savour a glass on the deck with stunning views of the Grampians, the experience is sure to be memorable.
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The Bunyip Hotel, Cavendish – A little off the beaten track, but well worth the visit. A great team has turned this local pub into a gastro-destination. We love the Sunday Chef’s table menu. A country pub to remember.
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Perfect Picnic Spots
Dunkeld Arboretum, Dunkeld
A short 1.6km walk from the centre of town, this stunning picnic spot is surrounded by a walking track filled with ancient trees and birdlife. Take a leisurely stroll around the small lake and find a shady spot to immerse yourself in nature. Haven’t packed your own lunch? Pop into the Little Brick House Cafe on the main street for a takeaway to enjoy just a short walk away.Halls Gap Gardens
Pack a picnic and enjoy the vibrant blooms, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere at this charming spot. It’s perfect for families with a large playground and plenty room to run around. It is also a favourtie spot for local wildlife, lots of native birds and kangaroos too!Zumsteins Picnic Area
Located along the MacKenzie River, this historic picnic area is a picturesque spot to relax, swim, or explore the nearby walking trails. The area is rich in wildlife, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. - 9
Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap – Looking for a hearty feed after hiking the Grampians Peaks Trail, head to the Halls Gap Hotel. The menu includes local premium produce which you can pair with our SubRosa wine! Enjoy views of the local kangaroos and emus from the great outdoor area that includes a playground.
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Mount Langi Ghiran, Bayindeen – Located at the base of Mount Langi Ghiran (home of the black cockatoo) this exceptional winery is only two hours from Melbourne. Adam grew up around the corner and has spent many years walking the vines and making wine. Enjoy the views of Mount Cole and Mount Langi Ghiran from the modern cellar door, or my favourite, head up to the bocce court with some produce from their café and a bottle of their award-winning wine (also made by Adam!).
This is the list of things we share with our visitors but it’s not the exhaustive list. Visit Grampians is a great resource to see where else you should explore. If you have kids, we put together a Grampians Top 10 list for families you should check out.
Looking to pick up a bottle of SubRosa wine while you’re here? You can find our SubRosa wine at the IGA in Ararat and Stawell, the Halls Gap Hotel or visit Simon at Grampians Wine Cellar. For a full list of stockists you can visit here.
Can’t visit this summer? You can find our wines at our online shop to bring a taste of the Grampians home!
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