Grampians for Couples in Winter

If you like hiking, wining and dining, the Grampians is a wonderful region to explore during the winter months. We’ve compiled our favourite things to do for couples wanting a weekend getaway in the country. Here are some ideas to immerse yourself in the natural scenery, savour the local produce featured in our exceptional restaurants, and enjoy a taste of the cool-climate wines that this region is famous for.

For accommodation we recommend the following.
– Royal Mail Hotel (Dunkeld)
– Mount William Station (Willaura)
– Nook on the Hill (Halls Gap)

bottle of subrosa viognier lying on the granite rocks in the grampians wine region

1

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. The bar area has a lovely fireplace that is always roaring – a great spot to enjoy a glass of our SubRosa shiraz! They have tours of their cellar and kitchen garden daily.
2
Hike Mount Abrupt, Dunkeld – Want to work for your meal at the Royal Mail? Hike Mount Abrupt. The 6.5km hike is not too tricky and the views are spectacular. You meander to the top which makes it feel a little less intense. The reward at the top is a stunning view of the Grampians.
3
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 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.
4
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.
5
MacKenzie Falls, Halls Gap – One of the most photographed locations in the Grampians, MacKenzie Falls is best in winter and spring. Pack a picnic and enjoy one of Victoria’s largest waterfalls as it cascades over the granite rocks into the pool below. The hike includes lots of steps which are good on the way down but a little more challenging on the way back up. Looking for more? Continue your walk through the bush towards Fish Falls which are often a little quieter and just as special.
6
Best’s, Great Western – Great wine made by a great family. Adam’s first job was at Best’s at the age of 15. At this historic cellar door you can learn about the 160+ year-history of the Grampians wine region. On long weekends you can enjoy back vintage tastings and live music.
7
Hike the Grampians Peaks Trail, Halls Gap – Choose your own adventure! You can hike one day or 13 days! The recently completed spectacular Grampians Peaks Trail (164km) is a challenging 13-day/12-night hiking experience. Maybe start with one or two days and come back for more!
8
Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap – Looking for a hearty feed after hiking the Grampians Peaks Trail? Head to the Halls Gap Hotel where the fire is always roaring. The menu includes local premium produce which you can pair with our SubRosa wine!
9
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 or your byo-picnic and a bottle of their wine (also made by Adam!).
10
Hike Ferntree Falls, Mount Buangor – A great, short (1.5km) hike enroute to, or from, the Grampians. We love this trail and hike it regularly. From the moment you have parked your car you enjoy tall gum trees and the large ferns that grow by middle creek.

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.
We’d be remiss not to mention where you can purchase SubRosa wines locally. Whether you’d like to take a bottle to share as you marvel at the scenery, include it in your BYO picnic, or enjoy a glass in your cosy room, you can find SubRosa wines at the IGA in Ararat or visit Simon at Grampians Wine Cellar.

And to those who can’t make it to the Grampians this winter, we’re sorry. As the next best thing, let us bring a taste of the Grampians to you! Shop online here.

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