Surf Cat

Bounded by epic mountain ranges, and boasting waterfalls, wildlife, and stunning lookouts, it’s easy to see why the Grampians has long been a favourite with bushwalkers and nature-lovers.

These days, nature isn’t the only draw. Road-trippers who make the journey three hours north west of Melbourne will discover a budding food region, with boutique wineries, fine dining and luxury stays. When the mercury rises, there are cooling lake swims, music festivals and eye-popping art trails to explore, making for a near-perfect summer escape.

1. Tick off the ultimate hike

When it’s completed in 2020, the Grampians Peaks Trail will be one of Australia’s best long-distance walks – a 13-day trek through grandiose beauty and ancient rocky landscapes. Hike part of it now on a three-day loop out of Halls Gap, a 33-kilometre trail that takes in the Wonderland Ranges, the Pinnacle and summit of Mt Rosea, with panoramic views across the Serra and Mt William ranges. There’s no need to rough it, either – with campsite huts and luxury options available through the Grampians Peaks Walking Company.

2. Get your groove on

Now in its third year, the Grampians Music Festival is attracting lots of buzz for its intimate size and picturesque location in Halls Gap, surrounded by mountains, kangaroos and birdlife. The annual three-day festival will this year headline Zambia singer-songwriter Sampa the Great and her colourful RnB rap, along with DJs and up-and-coming indie artists like Wafia and Sunscreen. There is boutique beer, wine and food, plus the option to camp among the gum trees. Dates 15-17 February.

3. Follow the Silo Art Trail

Winding through the wheat belt of Victoria is Australia’s largest outdoor art gallery — towering grain silos splashed with mural portraits, painted by local and international artists. Start in Rupanyup, one of six stops on the trail, where a silvery sporting duo stare out across the golden fields, and onto Sheeps Hill, and an indigenous mural set to a starry backdrop. Brim is where Canberra artist Guido van Helten first turned four concrete grain silos into haunting photo realistic art. Silo to silo, the 200-kilometre trail takes about two hours to complete.

4. Prepare to laze lakeside

No visit to the Grampians is complete without a trip to one of its many picturesque lakes, some of the largest and prettiest in the state. Visitors to Halls Gap can cool off in the shimmering waters of Lake Bellfield – or explore its breadth in a canoe or kayak. Within striking distance is Lake Wartook, an angler’s delight brimming with redfin and brown trout, and the golden shores of Lake Fyans, popular for swimming, wakeboarding and waterskiing fun.

5. Sink into comfort

It might have started life as a country pub, but these days the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld is the epitome of comfort and designer rustic chic. At the southern entrance to the Grampians National Park, rooms are luxuriously appointed and feature a king-size bed, heated floors and balcony with mountain or garden views. Book ahead for the hotel’s cellar tour and tasting – a 29,000-strong collection that includes the southern hemisphere’s largest stockpile of bordeaux and burgundy wines. At the other end of the Grampians, is the eco-friendly charm of DULC Cabins. Nestled in private bushland minutes from Halls Gap, each of the designer log cabins is decked out with concrete floors, leather lounges and floor to ceiling glass that lets the bush in.

6. Feast local

Paddock to table dining puts its best foot forward in the Grampians. At fine dining hotspot Wickens, within the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, the five and eight course daily menu is inspired by what’s in the kitchen garden. Expect dishes that are as arresting as the views of Mount Sturgeon.  Around the corner, Dunkeld Old Bakery is the go-to for good coffee, flaky croissants and gourmet sausage rolls. In Halls Gap in the north, Harvest Halls Gap puts the spotlight on local produce – with regular meet the grower sessions, a café and provedore stocked with regional goodies. Locals flock to Live Fast Café as much for its sustainable practices as its menu of local produce and bounty of vegan options – try the super grain salad. Wine-lovers can enjoy a tipple at a handful of regional cellar doors, including Best’s Wines, Seppelt and Grampians Estate.

For more information visit visitgrampians.com.au.