The best things to do in the Grampians with kids

One of Victoria’s most popular family-friendly holiday destinations, the Grampians offers an array of activities to suit adventures for any age.

Take the family hiking through wildflower walking trails or visit Victoria’s largest regional zoo. Have a round of mini-golf set in a leafy wonderland or experience country life on a working farm. And don’t miss taking a family snap with the Giant Koala, one of Australia’s iconic ‘Big Things’.

At its heart is the beautiful Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park a stunning mountain range. Mount William is the highest point with stunning 360-degree breathtaking views across the valley. The Grampians also boasts Victoria’s largest waterfall, MacKenzie Falls, and is filled with easy walks for the family to enjoy.

But there’s more on offer beyond the region’s natural beauty. We’ve rounded up the best activities in the Grampians with kids of all ages.

Animal encounters in Victoria’s largest regional zoo

Get up close and personal with the local wildlife with intimate animal encounters.

Halls Gap Zoo is home to 160 native animals and exotic mammals set across 52 lush acres of land. Kids can make new friends with cheeky cheetahs, giant giraffes and red pandas. Or muck around with the meerkats who have a knack of climbing onto your lap to say hello. There’s the chance to visit the dingoes or hold a reptile for a close-up encounter. Check the website for age requirements for each experience, they range from four to 13.

There’s the chance to visit the dingoes or hold a reptile for a close-up encounter. And be sure to say G’day to the kangaroos, Tassie devils, wombats, crocodiles and snakes.

A scenic two-and-a-half-kilometre pathway around the zoo is pram friendly and is a leisurely way to explore the grounds. There is a picnic area and barbecue facilities and a playground the enjoy in between all the animal amusement.

Take a family portrait at the Giant Koala

Midway between Stawell and Horsham is Dadswells Bridge on the Western Highway. It’s a scenic stop where you can enjoy the majestic mountains of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park as a backdrop. And to visit its star attraction, the Giant Koala. Standing 14 metres tall, made of bronze and weighing in at 12 tons, it will surely impress the kids. Inside is a cafe that sells snacks like sandwiches, ice cream and hot and cold drinks plus souvenirs. Take a family photo before heading to the petting zoo. Here kids can feed the animals including rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens.

Fun for the ‘hole’ family

If your family is a fan of putt-putt, then a round at the Grampians Adventure Golf must be on your to-do list. This 18-hole course is set over two acres of leafy grounds zigzagging around ponds and waterfalls. Post game, grab a seat under a tree canopy and refuel at the Adventure Cafe Bar for a well-earnt meal. They have a nutritious selection of hearty brunch and lunch dishes. From smashed avo and breakfast burgers to meatballs in Napoli sauce. With a kid’s menu of fish and chips, toasties and crispy chicken.

Experience country life at Rosehaven Farms

Experience a working farm firsthand at Rosehaven Farms. They offer tours and sensory experiences for all ages where kids can get up close and personal with the amiable farm animals as part of Country Life Experiences. Cuddle, brush and pet the donkeys, and feed the alpacas and sheep. Or take your time to simply stroll the farm to meet the animals at your leisure. Come dressed for the occasion and don’t forget your camera to capture the moment.

Outdoor adventures in the Grampians

Being a national park, the Grampians naturally is a place for outdoor activities and fun for nature lovers. For the water enthusiasts, take to the lakes. Lake Bellfield is ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Lake Fyans for water sports or take a kayak to Lake Wartook.

For the adventurous, Absolute Outdoors and Hangin’ Out in the Grampians run climbing and abseiling activities suitable for all from young families to older kids, plus Absolute Outdoors also offers mountain biking activities.

Or simply take a guided easy walk through the stunning trails that offer amazing views of the Grampians National Park. Absolute Outdoors craft experiences in half, full or multi-day packages.

Where to stay in the Grampians

Farm stays, caravan parks to cosy cabins, the Grampians has plenty of accommodation to suit all family styles.

For a camping experience, Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park has plenty of powered camping areas. Plus ‘retro glampers’ to safari tents and luxurious modern cabins. Bring your swimming gear, as they also boast an outdoor wood-fire heated pool, so it’s suitable to swim in year round. The Park’s Grampians Rangers program offers ideas for families on what to see and do when in the Grampians. The program gets young kids involved in the holiday preparation with puzzles and games at home and Treasure Hunts in the Grampians at Heatherlie Quarry, Halls Gap Zoo and the Botanical Gardens.

Or cosy up by the open log fire at one of the family cabins at the Grampians Pioneer Cottages. Built using reclaimed timber and 100-year-old red bricks set on 60 acres of bushland and featuring modern kitchens and BBQ facilities. The Shearer’s Quarters at Mount William Station has eight modern bedrooms in a heritage building ideal for a large group. Mount William Station is a working sheep and cattle farm; first built in 1869, it is only a 15-minute drive to the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, making it a great base to explore the whole Grampians region.

How to get to the Grampians

A three-hour drive from Melbourne and only two and a half hours from the Great Ocean Road, visiting the Grampians region is easily accessible by car.

This article was produced in partnership with Visit Grampians and is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter here.

Victorian family accommodation