First stop is the quaint town of Moyston (the birthplace of AFL) and established from the discovery of gold back in 1857. If you are an AFL lover your first stop should be Moyston at the Tom Wills monument and kick a football on the grounds of the MCG (Moyston Cricket Ground) where it all started.
Continue on your journey towards Pomonal, a quirky town recently (January 2024) devastated by bushfires. Admire the magic of nature as green emerges amongst the black.
Before you reach Pomonal look for the sandwich board on the left-hand side of the road for ‘Glass Blowing’. If open stop at James McMurtrie’s Glass Blowing Gallery and Studio. James’ works with tools similar to those used back in the first century BC. His artwork is inspired by the natural beauty of the Grampians Region and if you are lucky enough to watch him in action you will be in for a treat!
Now onto Pomonal. Here at the General Store you will also find some great coffee as well as light meals and lots of local produce such as freshly baked sourdough bread, Pomonal Orchard seasonal fruit, olives and preserves. You will also find some local pottery and crafts. If you are lucky enough to be passing through on the last Sunday of the Month, the Pomonal Village Market is wonderful little village market where you will find second-hand books, arts and crafts, vegetable and fruit growers, wineries, honey and olives.
Image credit – Barneys Bar & Bistro
Either stay in Pomonal for lunch at Barney’s Bistro. Meet the owners Col and Susie who will welcome you with a big smile and provide you with some great pub food in their converted shearing shed. Alternatively, Pomonal Estate is open for lunch Wed-Sun only, (bookings essential). They offer a range of dishes designed to share as well as a few bigger dishes and grazing boards from locally sourced and house made products.
Back on the road towards Halls Gap there are a couple of other stops you can make. Five Ducks farm where it will be hard to resist taking home a jar of preserve or some of Andys’ fudge, another stop at Fallen Giants Vineyard for a wine tasting (if its not too early) or stay for a cheese platter lunch. The Halls Gap Zoo is the next stop but you may need a separate day if you are an animal lover that loves those up close and personal experiences.
Ok, so you are almost at Halls Gap, the base of the Grampians, but if you didn’t stop on the way for lunch you may like to consider the Halls Gap Hotel. With an extensive menu and large list of local wines you can enjoy a lunch inside by the fire or outside on the deck admiring the beautiful views.
Image Credit – Halls Gap Hotel
So, you are nearly in Halls Gap and if you still haven’t had lunch (many also open for dinner) you will be spoilt for choice. Here are some of the many options.
- Paper Scissors Rock brewery a Craft Brewery with fresh signature beer. Their menu offers gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options plus a kid’s menu for families.
- Spirit of Punjab has a wonderful reputation for traditional Indian cuisine and is known for its delicious food and its robot waiters. I mean who doesn’t want to experience their food brought to the table by a robot?
- For something a bit different you can visit the Café that is a part of Grampians Adventure Golf a mini golf course, and gallery space which is sure to entertain the entire family.
- Flame Brothers for sizzling American BBQ located beside the Stony creek seen babbling along.
- Raccolto Pizzeria for pizza made the Italian way in a woodfired brick oven.
The Halls Gap General store in the center of the village is well stocked for all your needs, from cool drinks, groceries, and many other things you may have forgotten for your day trip!
Of course, the Grampians is all about nature and there is plenty of that. Begin your exploration with hikes that wind through the national park, where towering gum trees provide shade, and the air is infused with eucalyptus. Trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints where the panorama unfolds: jagged peaks, sweeping valleys, and dramatic cliffs cloaked in hues of ochre and green.
Waterfalls and rockpools beckon with their soothing cascades, inviting you to pause and rejuvenate amidst the serene beauty. Each turn reveals wildlife, from birdlife to elusive wallabies, adding a touch of wonder to the natural spectacle.
Image Credit – Visit Grampians
There are too many options to list so would suggest you visit the visitor information centre in Halls Gap when you arrive or visit Parks Vic for information on all walks. For some shorter walks these are some good options Venus Baths or Silverband Falls. One of the more popular walks in the Grampians that rewards you with a spectacular view is the Pinnacle Lookout.
If you are a bit more adventurous and would like to experience some rock climbing activities, you can find out more information from Absolute Outdoors
If you are planning a bit of a hike, it is a local tradition that it seems a lot of visitors have taken on board to indulge in a post hike ice-cream. Choose from one of two Ice cream shops Gelato Guys or Coolas Ice Creamery or stop by back at Five Ducks Farm for some of their homemade ice cream.
For those seeking a deeper connection, indigenous cultural sites whisper tales of the land’s rich history. Sacred rock art sites offer glimpses into the traditions and spirituality of the Aboriginal people. To find out more about these visit Brambuk Cultural Heritage Centre
End your day with a stop at Grampians Wine Cellar (check opening hours) where you will meet owner, Simon Freeman. Simon is a sommelier, and the wine cellar stocks wines from all the local producers including Miners Ridge.
Image Credit – Grampians Wine Cellar
Time will be getting away from you by now and I am guessing one day is not enough. You just may need to plan to stay another day, as I haven’t even told you about what you can do closer to home in Ararat and Great Western, but that is a for my next blog.
For private or group tours check out Experience the Grampians for their options and leave the car behind!
It might be time to head on back to your accommodation, open a bottle of that Miners Ridge Wine and maybe take a stroll up the hill to watch the sunset behind the Grampians or simply relax on your deck.
For more information on the Grampians area visit www.visitgrampians.com.au
Directions on Google maps – https://maps.app.goo.gl/afpsVUgtKDEvqUEz8