This Australian Village Wrapped In Cliffs, Wildlife, And Waterfalls Is A Haven For Hikers And Slow-Paced Getaways

How often is it that you find a destination that combines the thrills of adventure with the bliss of a slow vacation into one perfect package suitable for any kind of traveler? The village of Halls Gap is one of these rare, wonderful places, situated in the heart of the impressive Grampian mountains of Victoria, Australia, offering a range of activities to suit both a fun and thrilling adventure or a slow-paced getaway. The easiest and most convenient way to reach Halls Gap is to fly into Melbourne, rent a car, and drive 160 miles, which takes approximately three hours. Tours that showcase the beauty of Grampian National Park and include visits to Halls Gap are also available for those uninterested in driving.

One of the features that makes this village worth a visit is the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls, which, like Australia's stunning Blue Mountains, attract hikers who are looking for something different. The hikes have interesting and unique names like Wonderland, Mount Rosea, and Boroka Lookout, and offer a wide range of difficulty. The wildlife in the region is another alluring feature, with exotic birds and fascinating animals in the local zoo, while plant enthusiasts will find wildflowers and other interesting species, depending on the season. A must-visit when you're in Halls Gap is Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre, an informative destination for those wanting to learn more about the Aboriginal residents of the land, especially the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung people, and the architecture and landscape of the area.

Australia is home to some incredible waterfalls, like those around the storybook town of Leura or in the coastal gem of Broome, and Halls Gap is no exception. Begin your exploration with a visit to MacKenzie Falls, the most iconic waterfall of all the Grampians and the only one that flows year-round. It allows you to choose the level of difficulty you want, ranging from simply glancing at it from a platform deck to strenuous hiking to the base of the falls — just remember that swimming is absolutely not permitted. For something more serene, you'll want to check out the Silverband Falls, only a 20-minute drive away, where you can take a leisurely stroll through the forest to reach the base of the waterfall, flowing gently from the mountain — and make sure to keep an eye out for the wild plants around you!

Again, you don't need to stray far to continue your waterfall hopping. Fish Falls is only a five-minute drive from MacKenzie Falls and is easily accessible from Zumsteins Picnic Area. Fish Falls offers two options to two different kinds of travelers: Either rest and take in its jaw-dropping beauty, or test your skills with a climb to its crest. Hop into the Beehive Falls next, best visited during spring to get a view of the beautiful wildflowers around it. If you're still not tired of waterfalls at this point, rest at ease; the area around Halls Gap will supply you with enough to keep you thrilled for days. Check out Splitter Falls, Wannon Falls, Nigretta Falls, and the Lower Waterfalls of Gar to keep the splashy adventure going and get the most out of the beautiful region.

Pinnacle Lookout is a must-do if you're in Halls Gap and have the energy for a five-hour hike. While it is not the easiest to do from the village itself, there are other options for those looking for something easier and less time-consuming. Nevertheless, no matter the route you take, the views of the Grampians and their peaks awaiting you at the top are gorgeous and well worth the effort. Another option for hikers wanting something lighter is the Venus Baths Loop, spanning only 1.5 miles long and leading to the Halls Gap Botanical Gardens for even more plant exploration. It is an easy hike suitable for all ages and levels of experience, and it passes by pools and serene picnic spots. But, just like with waterfalls, Halls Gap offers enough hiking routes to keep you spellbound and in action for ages. Take it easy with The Balconies Lookout and The Piccaninny, challenge yourself with Mount Sturgeon and the Boronia Peak Trail, or take it to the next level with the Grampians Peaks Trail, an epic 13-day, 12-night trail through the entire region.

If you're traveling to wind down rather than to hike up, however, and are looking for a calming experience instead of the thrills of summiting mountains, Halls Gap will cater to your needs as well. For ultimate comfort, you'll want to check out Heath House, an accommodation featuring three bedrooms with a capacity to host up to eight people, fully equipped with a barbecue, an open fireplace, and gorgeous sunset views. Another great option in Halls Gap is Hemley House, another three-bedroom house with modern amenities and even a spa, large enough to host a family or big group.