Halls Gap in the Grampians, Victoria is a beautiful, small town 3 hours west from Melbourne, set between large, spectacular rock mountains.
Rock climbing, hiking, fishing and camping are all popular in Halls Gap, as well as experiencing the local restaurants and wineries.
After visiting the area mid 2025, here are 8 of my best things to do in in this special part of Australia.
Wildlife
You don’t need to wander far to see the spectrum of Australian wildlife on display in this part of the Grampians.
Kangaroos and wallabies graze nearby, even in the middle of town, and stunning, colourful parrots, rosellas, kookaburras, and cockatoos swoop past throughout the day, adding to the scenic atmosphere.
Rock Climbing
Climbing is very popular in the Grampians, and a number of companies and adventure tours offer climbing in Halls Gap, like Absolute Outdoors or Hangin Out.
Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Halls Gap, including rental houses, campgrounds, and cabins.
We stayed at the Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. which was a truly special experience. The small campground is well set up for families, with powered sites and cabins, a heated outdoor swimming pool, kiosk (coffee!) and a large playground.
Waking up to kangaroos only meters away, and parrots and cockatoos adds a special touch. The Lakeside Campground is only a 2 minute drive from the main shops.
Paper Scissors Rock Brewery
Paper Scissors Rock is located in the middle of Halls Gap. This small brewery has delicious food and drinks with a lively atmosphere suitable for families and groups. Well worth a visit for dinner or a quick drink.
Hikes
There are so many beautiful hikes in the area. One of many to choose from is the Venus Baths Loop Trail. A short (km) hike from the centre of town, this hike is suitable for groups looking for an easy walk to see some lovely rock pools.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, try the Pinnacle Lookout or the Mount Abrupt walks.
Halls Gap Zoo
The Halls Gap Zoo is the perfect place to see native animals as well as imported giraffes, bison and even a white rhino.
When we visited at the end of winter in August, the zoo was not too busy, and the weather was sunny and mild.
Kids under 3 are free, and you can book additional feeding experiences with some of the animals, including the meercats or rhinos for an extra fee.
Lake Bellfield
Lake Bellfield is situated right next to Lakeside Tourist Park.
The lake is perfect for swimming in summer and fishing and canoeing year round.
The water is clean and the quiet and beautiful surroundings make it a great spot to visit, especially in the warmer months.
Wineries
There are plenty of wineries to choose from in the Grampians. Some of the popular wineries to visit near Halls Gap are Fallen Giants, and Grampians Wine Cellar.
This region is particularly popular for quality sparkling wines and shiraz.
I loved our visit to Halls Gap. The area really has a special quality and never felt too busy, or too isolated. The huge rock mountains jutting out of the earth create spectacular views and the wildlife encounters really are so beautiful.
