Tucked away in Victoria’s rugged west, the Southern Grampians region is a treasure trove of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage and unforgettable experiences. From the awe-inspiring peaks and world-class hiking trails of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park to charming country towns steeped in history, this area is one of Victoria’s most rewarding regional getaways – for adventurers, foodies, history buffs and nature lovers alike. Read on as we guide you through the best places to visit in the Southern Grampians, where breath-taking mountain views, ancient First Nations history and laid-back country hospitality await at every turn.
The Southern Grampians sits on the traditional lands of the Gunditjmara, Djab Wurrung, Jardwadjali and Buandig peoples, whose deep and enduring connection to this Country spans thousands of years. As you explore, we invite you to reflect on this remarkable ancient heritage.
When it comes to things to do in Western Victoria, there simply is so much. For Victorians, the Southern Grampians is an easy Australian road trip – just a short drive from Ballarat and Geelong and around three and a half hours from Melbourne. If you’re coming from interstate, try a fly-and-drive from Melbourne Tullamarine or Avalon Airport.
Always check current conditions via Parks Victoria before your visit.
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Cavendish
Cavendish is a small but characterful town in the Southern Grampians Shire in Western Victoria, set either side of the picturesque Wannon River beneath towering red gums. It’s a wonderful place to slow down, breathe in the fresh country air and reconnect with nature.
There are lovely riverside walks to enjoy along the Wannon and on the main street you’ll find a sign to the Settlers Walk – follow it to soak up the beautiful riverbanks at their most peaceful. The surrounding landscape is classic western Victoria: wide skies, native gums and a sense of wide-open possibility.
Cavendish is also home to the popular community event, the Cavendish Red Gum Festival – a diverse, family-friendly celebration that educates visitors about the unique local environment.
Foodies and locals alike rave about The Bunyip Hotel Cavendish. The Bunyip, as it’s known to locals, prides itself on great food and wine using local produce in a genuine country pub setting. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, the five-course Chef’s Table set menu is an absolute highlight. The outdoor beer garden – with its fantastic outlook over the Wannon River – is not to be missed on a sunny day and it’s wonderfully family-friendly.
The Bridge Cafe is a popular pit stop for locals and road-trippers alike, offering café-style food, fast food and a convenience store.
Camping in Cavendish: The Recreation Reserve Campground and Picnic Area is a lovely spot for families to stretch their legs. There’s plenty of room to pitch a tent or roll out a swag riverside for a genuine bush escape – the perfect base for exploring the Southern Grampians on a budget.
Coleraine
Just 19 kilometres from Hamilton along the Hamilton-Coleraine Road, the small historic town of Coleraine is worth a detour. Keep your eyes peeled for signs to the Wannon Falls, fed by the Wannon River – a spectacular sight after rainfall and one of the most Instagrammable stops in Western Victoria. (Keep an eye on the BOM South West forecast before you visit.)
Coleraine has a lovely small-town atmosphere, great community spirit and a very scenic outlook. Sweet-tooths will want to stop in at Glenelg Fine Confectionery for handcrafted chocolate treats. The Catching Pen is a popular local café serving freshly prepared, homemade-style food with warm country service.
For accommodation, there are holiday houses throughout the area, the Coleraine Hotel (which also serves bistro meals and breakfast) and a council-owned caravan park – making it an easy and affordable base for exploring the region.
Dunkeld
If you visit only one town in Western Victoria, make it Dunkeld. Widely regarded as the most spectacular town in the Southern Grampians, Dunkeld sits at the southern gateway to Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, with dramatic mountain scenery rising in every direction. Visiting Dunkeld should be on every Victorian’s travel bucket list.
There truly is something in Dunkeld for everyone. Families can enjoy walking tracks, bike paths, a playground, gardens, pool, tennis courts and the local bowls club. Art lovers should make time for Off The Rails and Ros McArthur Art Studio. And for hikers, the mountain walks here are simply extraordinary.
The Dunkeld & Grampians Visitor Information Centre on Parker Street is open 10am–4pm, seven days a week (closed Christmas Day), and is a fantastic first stop for current conditions and local recommendations.
Hiking near Dunkeld
Dunkeld is the trailhead for some of the best hikes in the Grampians.
Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri): A 7km return walk, allowing up to 3 hours. From the summit, walkers enjoy sweeping views across the town and beyond.
The Piccaninny (Bainggug): A 2.4km return walk, perfect for families with young children wanting to tackle their first Grampians hike. There are some steep sections, but it’s a great introduction to hiking in the park.
Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug): A 6.3km return walk offering some of the most spectacular panoramic views across the southern Grampians on a clear day.
Dunkeld also serves as the southern terminus of the newly restored Grampians Peaks Trail – the epic 164km, 13-day multi-day hike stretching north to Mount Zero. The full trail fully reopened in March 2026 following extensive post-fire reconstruction, including the rebuilding of six hike-in campgrounds. It’s a huge milestone and a thrilling time to experience the trail.
Dunkeld Arboretum
One of Dunkeld’s most beloved hidden gems, the Dunkeld Arboretum is an absolutely stunning location for visitors and locals. Swim, paddle, walk, run or cycle around the lake, all with beautiful mountain views as your backdrop. The made track around the lake is perfect for small children learning to ride, and it’s a popular spot for early morning walks to catch spectacular sunrises. A walking track from the centre of town (behind the Royal Mail Hotel) follows Salt Creek through the Dunkeld Caravan Park to the Arboretum.
Freshwater Lake Reserve
Just a five-minute drive along Victoria Valley Road, the Freshwater Lake Reserve is one of those quiet, magical spots that rewards those who seek it out. Surrounded by stunning Southern Grampians views, it’s the perfect location for a bush picnic, a lakeside wander, a campfire or even free camping.
Events in Dunkeld
Dunkeld has a vibrant events calendar that draws visitors from across Victoria:
Serra Terror – a two-day hiking and running event over the June long weekend
Dunkeld Cup – a race day set against one of the most picturesque backdrops in the world, named in the Top 10 Most Picturesque Race Tracks globally. Whether you book a marquee, umbrella package or simply find a spot on the mound, it’s an unforgettable day out.
Eating and Drinking in Dunkeld
Dunkeld punches well above its weight when it comes to food – visitors are genuinely spoilt for choice.
Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel is the undisputed culinary star of the Southern Grampians – and one of the most celebrated regional restaurants in all of Australia. Awarded two hats by the Good Food Guide, this destination dining experience from Executive Chef Robin Wickens is built around the daily harvest from Australia’s largest working restaurant kitchen garden (1.2 hectares of organic produce, right on site). The tasting menu changes with the seasons and the landscape and the wine cellar – holding over 30,000 bottles, including the largest private collection of Bordeaux and Burgundy in the Southern Hemisphere – has been awarded the world’s best wine list. The adjoining Parker St Project offers a more relaxed (but equally delicious) dining experience for those who want a taste of the Royal Mail without the full degustation commitment. Bookings are essential.
The Old Bakery on Parker Street is another Dunkeld institution. Current custodians Geoff and Belinda Potter continue a proud tradition of early-morning baking: expect sourdough loaves, baguettes, beef and ale pies, slow-cooked lamb pies, pork and fennel sausage rolls, hand-crafted croissants and pastries, and a legendary vanilla slice with passionfruit icing. Relax on the verandah in the morning sun with a locally roasted coffee and fresh pastry while the Grampians views unfold before you. A word of warning – they sometimes sell out early, so arrive before 10am to avoid disappointment.
The Grampians Providore is a little store full of big flavours from the Grampians and beyond. Owners Melissa and Adrian curate some of the most delicious artisan treats you’ll find in the region – ideal for a gourmet road trip hamper.
Izzy’s Café is a welcoming dine-in and takeaway institution on Dunkeld’s main street, serving European-style pizzas, indulgent burgers, Illy coffee and Timboon ice cream, alongside freshly prepared pasta, salads, pies, sausage rolls, cakes and biscuits. Open Monday–Thursday 9am–6:30pm, Friday–Sunday 9am–7:30pm.
Accommodation in Dunkeld
The Southern Grampians Cottages offer beautifully maintained, rustic self-contained cottages set among the trees, with a walking track straight into the main street – a favourite for families seeking the perfect country escape. The Royal Mail Hotel also offers outstanding on-site accommodation, ideal for those making the most of a full Wickens experience.
Hamilton
Hamilton is the regional hub of the Southern Grampians and a destination with far more to offer than many visitors expect. It’s worth an overnight stay at minimum.
A must-visit is the Hamilton Gallery – one of regional Victoria’s most significant public art galleries, free to enter and open seven days a week (Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, weekends 10am–2pm). Its internationally significant collection of over 9,000 artworks spans Decorative Arts, European, Australian and Asian Art, and the gallery presents a rotating program of touring exhibitions, public events and educational programs throughout the year. There’s even exciting news on the horizon: the council has endorsed concept designs for a New Hamilton Gallery, with detailed designs expected to be completed in 2026 – a major cultural investment for the region.
Next door to the Gallery is the Hamilton Cinema – perfect for a rainy day or a cosy evening with the kids.
The Hamilton Botanic Gardens, on the edge of the CBD, were established by William Guilfoyle – the same visionary behind Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s a beautifully established green space, ideal for a picnic lunch or a leisurely wander through rare and heritage trees.
Lake Hamilton is another highlight, offering excellent fishing, walking, running and boating. The 4.2km lakeside trail hosts the Hamilton Park Run each Saturday morning – a welcoming, free weekly event for all fitness levels. On the lake you’ll also find the Lakes Edge Adventure Park, a huge family-friendly playground with BBQ facilities. Nearby, the Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum tells the fascinating story of Hamilton’s own Reg Ansett, who launched his transport business here in 1931 before building one of Australia’s great airline empires. Lake Hamilton is also home to the local ParkRun event each week.
A short drive from town, Pierrepoint Vineyard is a gorgeous spot for a wine and cheese platter in a stunning pastoral setting. Check their social media for seasonal events and, if you’re staying over, they also offer bed and breakfast accommodation.
For dining, Hamilton has a solid range of local favourites including Tosca Browns, Roxburgh House, Thai Town, Little Koi, Woody’s and Thomson’s Tavern. For the best dining-out experience in Hamilton, book ahead at Wilfred’s – the food and service are consistently sensational.
Penshurst is a small, historic rural township perfectly positioned halfway between the Shipwreck Coast and the Grampians National Park – making it an ideal stop on a Western Victoria road trip. Dominated by Mount Rouse, a dormant volcano, Penshurst offers a rare chance to explore volcanic landscapes and enjoy sweeping views from the summit.
The Botanic Gardens in the centre of town contain a lovely small caravan park, playground and free BBQs. In summer, the outdoor pool in the gardens is in operation – a wonderful community asset. Leisurely walks on quiet roads take you around the town, to the Yatmerone Nature Reserve or up the steep path to Mount Rouse’s summit (there’s also a sealed tourist road to the top, with a free BBQ, toilets and lookout for those who prefer to drive up). Native animals – including kangaroos, wallabies and a variety of birds – are often spotted on walks into the crater.
The Volcanoes Discovery Centre in town brings the region’s fascinating geological history to life, with displays covering all types of volcanoes and specific information on volcanic activity in Western Victoria – a surprisingly engaging experience for all ages.
Penshurst Store Bakery Café is a great option for a meal, with the Bakery Café producing what are widely considered the best donuts in Western Victoria. There’s also a takeaway and a small licensed supermarket in town, both open every day, stocking fresh meat and vegetables, groceries and alcohol.
Whether you’re exploring Western Victoria, travelling between the coast and the mountains, or simply seeking some quiet time in a beautiful country town, Penshurst is a genuinely rewarding place to stop.
Willaura
Nestled on the edge of the Grampians National Park, the rural country town of Willaura is a hidden gem for those who love wide-open Australian landscapes. Simply driving through the surrounding area is a highlight – expect vast golden plains, dramatic mountain backdrops, and plenty of kangaroo and emu spotting along the roadside.
The town features a beautiful heritage-listed railway station built in 1877, along with local craft shops showcasing the region’s artisan talent. The annual Willaura Market is a wonderful community event featuring local produce, food and family activities.
Tourists and locals alike make detours to the acclaimed Willaura Bakery, famous for its traditional Aussie pies, sausage rolls, freshly baked bread and sweet pastries. Don’t leave without picking up one of their gorgeous illustrated tote bags.
For a truly memorable stay in this part of Victoria, The Shearers’ Quarters on Mount William Station is exceptional. This 16-bed farm stay on one of Australia’s oldest farms occupies an 1860s building that once housed the station’s sheep shearers, with all key original features still intact. Featuring a large communal kitchen and living room, sun-soaked courtyard, barbecue, fire pit, eight comfortable bedrooms, three modern bathrooms and its own private lake, it’s a beautiful and affordable base for exploring the region.
When to visit: The shoulder seasons of spring (September – November) and autumn (March – May) are the ideal times to visit the Southern Grampians. The weather is mild and perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting and exploring the region’s country towns. Summer can be warm and dry; always check fire danger ratings before visiting the national park.
Getting there: The Southern Grampians is approximately three to three-and-a-half hours’ drive west of Melbourne. It’s accessible via Ballarat or Geelong, and is a natural addition to a Great Ocean Road road trip from the south. V/Line coach services also run from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station to Hamilton.
Current park conditions: Always check Parks Victoria for the latest track and road conditions before heading into Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. The Dunkeld & Grampians Visitor Information Centre (Parker Street, Dunkeld) and the Hamilton & Grampians Visitor Information Centre (86 Hamilton Place, Hamilton) are both open seven days a week and staffed by knowledgeable locals who can provide the most up-to-date advice.
Erin Parker( Finnish Lapland specialist, women's adventure host and founder of Lapland Lowdown & Travel Her Way )
Erin Parker is a Finnish Lapland specialist, women’s adventure host and founder of Lapland Lowdown & Travel Her Way. She has travelled six continents and brings first-hand experience to every destination she writes about – from the Arctic wilderness of Finnish Lapland to the high Andes of Peru. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Erin helps long-haul travellers plan extraordinary Finnish Lapland adventures and leads small group trips for women who are ready to explore the world boldly.
