Hadyn’s Top Picks when visiting the Grampians
Where to Stay
If you’re after a proper secluded getaway, our own Tiny House at Hounds Run Vineyard is hard to beat. Perched high on a hill in the vineyard, it delivers sweeping 360° views across the Grampians, the Black Range, Mount Langi and One Tree Hill. It’s completely off-grid, blissfully quiet and the stargazing is next level.
If you’d rather be closer to the action in Halls Gap, DULC is stunning, and for romantics, you can’t go past Mr and Mrs Hemley — think fireplaces, bearskin rugs, luxurious linens and deep bathtubs.
For families or larger groups, the newly built villas at Pomonal Estate are a fantastic option — and one is fully accessible, which is wonderful to see in the region. Pep and Adam are incredible hosts. Lucy and I got married there, so it holds a pretty special place in our hearts. A cabin at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park is always a solid choice too.
Breakfast
You’ll find me at Livefast Café in Halls Gap. Will makes what I genuinely think is some of the best coffee in the Grampians. Pair it with eggs benny and house-made hollandaise and any lingering effects from too much local wine the night before will disappear. Great vegan and vegetarian options too.
Lunch
Paper Scissors Rock Brewery is my go-to every time. Fantastic beers, local wines (including ours), and seriously good burgers. The haloumi chips and chicken burger are hard to go past — and don’t forget the buffalo sauce.
Dinner
The Kookaburra Hotel delivers that classic country pub energy. Friendly staff, craft beers, local wines and a solid game of pool if you’re feeling competitive. The kangaroo with port sauce is a standout.
Barney’s Bar & Bistro in Pomonal is a must. Hearty bistro fare and generous, locally inspired dishes. With a wide-open beer garden, cosy indoor spaces and a strong line-up of local wines — and our Black & Ginger Wine Shed next door — you can make a whole evening of it.
Local Wine Discoveries
Pop into Grampians Wine Cellar and have a chat with Simon. His tiny shop is packed floor to ceiling with local wines. He knows his stuff.
And of course, come and see us at the Black & Ginger Wine Shed. Yes, you can enjoy a tasting and pick up a few bottles, but you can also grab a glass of wine, challenge your mates to a boardgame, sip a cocktail or local beer, or kick back in a recliner with a book. We want you to feel like you’re in our home.
Things To Do
Wander through Halls Gap Zoo where you can feed deer, kangaroos and wallabies. Explore the landscape itself — more hikes than you can point a stick at, waterfalls, rivers and lakes to cool off in, and kangaroos, wallabies and emus everywhere.
If you’re visiting in early May, don’t miss Grampians Grape Escape — a weekend celebrating wine, food and music, and everything that makes this region what it is.
