Set within Victoria's Grampians National Park, this mountain village has wild kangaroos roaming its streets, 160km of hiking trails, and ancient Aboriginal rock art dating back 20,000 years.
Halls Gap, a village of no more than 500 residents, lies between the dramatic peaks of Grampians National Park in Victoria. You'll spot kangaroos and emus wandering through the streets, past cafes and shops. Walk to The Pinnacle lookout, swim beneath MacKenzie Falls, or examine 20,000-year-old Aboriginal rock paintings at Bunjil's Shelter. The surrounding mountains contain more than 160 kilometers of walking tracks, from 30-minute circuits to full-day hikes.
Getting to Halls Gap
The town lies 255 kilometers northwest of Melbourne, about a 3-hour drive along the Western Highway. If you're coming by public transport, take a V/Line train to Ararat Station, then connect to a bus service to Halls Gap. The bus journey adds approximately 30 minutes to the trip.
Walking Tracks in the Grampians
Choose from walks ranging from 30-minute circuits to full-day hikes around Halls Gap. The 2.5-hour return walk to The Pinnacle has two main routes: a family-friendly 2.5km path from Sundial Carpark through Devil's Gap, or a steeper 4.2km track from Wonderland Carpark through the Grand Canyon's rock formations.
Aboriginal Culture at Brambuk
At Brambuk, Australia's longest-running Aboriginal cultural centre, the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali peoples share their stories. Learn about cooking methods at ancient earth ovens, see demonstrations of spear-making, and examine artifacts dating back thousands of years. Join guided tours to rock art shelters where original paintings depict creation stories and hunting scenes.
Wildlife Encounters
At Halls Gap Zoo, 7 kilometers from town, walk among 130 species across 52 acres. In town, wild kangaroos gather at dawn and dusk around the sporting oval and Halls Gap Picnic Reserve. During spring (September-November), purple coral-peas and yellow guinea-flowers bloom across the landscape, celebrated at the annual Wildflower & Art Show.
Water Features and Lookouts
Walk the 2km track to the base of MacKenzie Falls, where water cascades 35 meters down granite cliffs. Swim or kayak at Lake Bellfield, south of town. Drive 15 minutes to Boroka Lookout for views across the town center and Lake Bellfield, or continue to Reed Lookout to see Lake Wartook and the Victoria Valley's bushland.
Adventure Activities
Climb the Grampians' sandstone cliffs with local guides who lead sessions for both beginners and experienced climbers. Paddle a canoe across Lake Bellfield, join four-wheel drive tours through the mountains, or explore on horseback. Each May, the Run The Gap event includes 6km, 12km, and 21km routes across Lake Bellfield's wall.
Local Events
During the first weekend of May, more than 100 food producers and winemakers gather for the Grampians Grape Escape. Started in 1992, this festival includes wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music performances, and children's activities.
