Escape the City for a Weekend 4WDing in the Grampians 

Ever get that itch to escape civilisation and go where the people aren’t? Ally travelled off-road to Gariwerd/Grampians National Park to do just that.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Gariwerd/the Grampians is one of Victoria’s most stunning national parks, located about three hours (260km) west of Melbourne.

About the Grampians

The Grampians is one of the most beautiful national parks in Victoria (you can fight me if you disagree). Whether you’re into hiking, rock climbing, 4WDing, or simply love soaking up nature, the Grampians has it all. Plus, the area is rich in Indigenous history, with lots of ancient rock art to check out.

Halls Gap is the main hub and a great base to explore spots like Mackenzie Falls, Reeds Lookout, and the famous Pinnacle Walk.

However, if you want to escape the crowds, the western side of the Grampians is where you want to head.

And, if you’re looking for the best time to visit, mark your adventure down for autumn when the weather’s perfect, or spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Grampians History

Gariwerd has been a sacred place for the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung people for thousands of years. The park is also home to one of the largest collections of Aboriginal rock art in southeastern Australia, with more than 200 sites recorded.

One of the most famous is Bunjil’s Shelter, which features images of Bunjil, the creator spirit, who plays a key role in the beliefs of the local First Nations groups. Another significant site is Billimina Shelter, where you’ll find over 2,000 handprints and symbols, thought to be made during initiation ceremonies and rituals.

These markings are a powerful connection to the rich history and culture of the First Nations people who have cared for this land for thousands of years.

How to Get to the Grampians

The best way to get to the Grampians from Melbourne is by car (4WD ideally!).

Peace out sealed roads!

Driving takes about three hours from Melbourne. Just head along the Western Highway towards Ballarat, then follow the Grampians Road to Halls Gap.

My ride for this trip was the two-door Jeep Wrangler and it made the trip smooth sailing (or driving rather) and so much fun!

Read more: 9 Best 4WD Tracks Victoria

Where to Stay in the Grampians

Strachans Campground

Located on the Sawmill Track, this campground is ideal for tent campers and smaller vehicles. This is where we stayed, and we were the only campers there! There are composting toilets, fire pits, and a couple of picnic tables. Sites here cost $15 a night.

Stretched the legs at the peaceful Strachans camp

Plantation Campground

Located on Mt Zero Road, this free camp spot is just outside of the national park in Mount Difficult State Forest. It’s a pretty popular campground, so if you like being amongst people, this one’s a safe bet. There’s no power or drinking water, but you’ll have fire pits, picnic tables, and drop toilets. Great for tents, RVs, and camper trailers.

Borough Huts Campground

Borough Huts Campground on Grampians Road near Bellfield is perfect if you love hiking and water adventures. It’s got a non-flush toilet and picnic tables. It’s in a pretty central area and if the weather’s good, nearby Lake Bellfield is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or SUPing. You’ll pay $16 a night.

Read more: 6 Free Camping Spots Near Melbourne

Where to Eat Near the Grampians

Halls Gap Hotel Restaurant

If you’re after a relaxed, family-friendly spot, Halls Gap Hotel is a winner. The menu is full of typical pub grub, like steak, fish and chips, burgers, and parmigianas.

Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co

For awesome craft beer and even better food, Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co is the place to go. Their burgers are legendary, and they’ve got plenty of veggie and vegan options too.

Livefast Cafe

Livefast Cafe is perfect for coffee, or an easy breakfast or lunch. They serve up big, homemade meals, using local ingredients, like eggs benedict, bircher oats, french toast, and sweet potato burgers.

Read more: Best Places To Eat In And Around Gariwerd/Grampians National Park

Essential Gear for 4WDing the Grampians

Apart from a Jeep Wrangler (hehe, I’m biased), here’s what else you’ll need for your Grampians adventure:

• 4WD recovery gear
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Camp stove
• Cooking utensils
• Camp chairs
• Esky
• First aid kit
• Water bottles
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Warm clothing (even in warmer months, nights can get cold)
• Rain jacket (just in case!)
• Rubbish bags
• Firestarter
• Multi-tool
• Toiletries
• Portable phone charger or power bank
• Map or GPS device (especially in remote areas)

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Get prepped for roads like these!

4WD Tracks in the Grampians

The best way to explore the Grampians is by 4WD. Most of the roads within the park are unsealed, and while many 2WDs could manage in dry weather, a 4WD is definitely the safer (and more fun) way to get around the Grampians.

I loved having a Jeep Wrangler for this adventure as they’re basically designed to 4WD themselves, so even a 4WD novice can have an epic time.

In terms of actual 4WD tracks, you’ve got a lot of options. We spent most of our trip driving along the Sawmill Track (beginner), Victoria Range Road (also easy – it’s one of the main roads in the park), and the Henham Track (intermediate).

Track lengths in the Grampians range from less than 2km to over 30km. Overall, the tracks are beginner-friendly, but there are a few intermediate tracks, and a handful that are very difficult. The difficulty level also depends on the weather – they all become a lot more challenging if it’s been raining.

4WDing in the Grampians is very much a choose-your-own-adventure, and many of the tracks intersect with the main roads, so you can jump off a track early if you need to.

I highly recommend downloading the Newtracs app for offline 4WD maps to help you figure out where the heck you are, as reception is super limited in the Grampians.

While lots of tracks were closed the weekend we were there, here are some recommended spots from other 4WDers that are worth checking out:

• Goat Track – This track is rated medium, and goes for about 11km along the western side of the Grampians. Beginners should be able to handle this track if the weather’s been dry. You can start this track from Buandik Campground, which is also near the Billimina Shelter
• Moora Moora Track – This is a good track if you want to ease your way into it and then test your 4WDing skills as the track becomes a bit more challenging. Overall it’s an intermediate difficult
• Ingleton Track – If you’re starting this track from Wannon Crossing Campground, the first 8km or so are pretty easy. But as you travel further along, there are some tricky and steep sections you’ll need some experience to navigate
• Wallaby Rocks Track – This is an all-round intermediate track, and roughly 10km long. If you want to test your 4WD skills, veer off this track and try the Launders Track for 2km (very difficult), before ending up on the Hines Track (easy)
• Henham Track – Good fun for beginners. Most of the track is beginner-friendly, with a few more challenging sections dotted along the way
• Victoria Valley Road – One of the major roads in the park, nice and scenic and fairly straightforward to drive in dry weather

Read more: How to 4WD for Beginners

Keep in mind that a lot of these tracks may be closed periodically due to weather conditions. Always check the Grampians National Park Road Report (just search it to find the most up to date version) before heading out and be prepared with the right gear and off-road experience.

4WDing takes some planning, but you’re rewarded with incredible views, diverse landscapes, and access to some of the park’s best hidden gems!

What It’s Like to Visit the Grampians

The first thing that hits me as I close in on the Grampians is the sheer beauty of the rugged mountain ranges.

See expansive mountain views (even in misty weather)

As I leave Halls Gap and drive deeper into the park, I quickly find myself off-road, surrounded by wildflowers like bright pink heath, orchids, and banksias. Kangaroos and wallabies are everywhere, darting across the tracks, and if you’re lucky (unlike me), you might even spot a couple of rogue emus like we did.

What makes the Grampians so special is how completely removed I feel from the rest of the world – especially when exploring the Western side. It’s just me, the mountains, and wildlife, and it’s impossible not to feel at one with Mama Earth.

Apart from 4WDing, the Grampians is incredible for hiking. The 13-day Grampians Peak Trail is a big one, but there are also shorter options like the Mount Stapylton Loop or the Pinnacle Summit (which we hiked). It honestly feels like walking through Jurassic Park with those massive rock formations!

Read more: The Ultimate Explorer’s Guide to The Grampians

Tips for 4WDing the Grampians

• Check for road closures before heading out
• Pack good hiking gear, sunscreen, and start early to avoid the heat
• Watch for wildlife around dawn or dusk when they’re most active
• Respect Indigenous sites by staying on marked paths
• Be prepared for changing weather, even in summer
• Take your rubbish with you to keep the park beautiful for all

FAQs for 4WDing the Grampians

Are there 4WD tracks suitable for beginners?

The Moora Moora Track, Henham Track, Victoria Valley Road are all good options for those starting to dip their wheels into 4WDing. Make sure to check if tracks are open ahead of time, as they can be closed due to weather.

What is the best time of year to 4WD in the Grampians?

It would be easiest to 4WD in the Grampians during the drier months.

According to the Gariwerd weather calendar on BoM, the seasons of Ballambar (early summer, Nov-Jan) and Gwangal moronn (autumn, March-May) seem like the best time to take the rig out, since the weather is more stable and there’s less chance of bushfire or floods.

But with the ever-changing world, always check weather reports for your intended destination ahead of time!

Read more: How To Explore Safely In Bushfire Season

Are there any petrol stations around the Grampians?

There aren’t any inside the national park itself, but the closest one would be the Ampol at Halls Gap. You’ll also find servos in the towns of Stawell, Aratat, and Wartook.