Local’s guide: Warrnambool

Nudging up against the craggy Wonderland Range, Halls Gap is a sleepy little town. With stunning mountain, bush views and wildlife using the town as their own private garden - Halls Gap is the perfect base to immerse yourself in the natural Grampians experience.

With its multitude of accommodation, eateries and shopping, Halls Gap is the perfect place to stay when exploring the ancient mountain ranges, natural flora and fauna, waterways and waterfalls and stunning views of Victoria’s Grampian region.

Where to eat

As the name suggests, Rough Diamond is a jewel in Warrnambool’s coffee crown, delivering premium speciality coffee and refined, yet simple fare. In the heart of the major dairy farming region, Allansford Cheese World brings together a museum, free cheese tastings, a licensed restaurant, and a wide selection of local and regional wines. Combining exquisite food, with world-class views of the Southern Ocean and friendly service, Pippies by the Bay is the complete dining experience. Enjoy an evening drink on the balcony or warm up on the couch in front of the fireplace.

What to do

While it’s littered with historical buildings and landmarks dating back to the 1850s, Warrnambool also provides all the conveniences you’d find in a contemporary city, with a thriving arts and culture scene amongst venues like the Warrnambool Art Gallery and Lighthouse Theatre. If you’re more of a nature enthusiast, Warrnambool is also home to plenty of parks, gardens, rivers and reserves – but visits to both the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Hopkins Falls are must-sees. With attractions like the Thunder point Reserve with its beautiful coastal wetlands and rocky ocean scenery and Moyjil – a site of great Indigenous significance with human occupation estimated to date back at least 35,000 years, there is endless coastline to explore throughout the region.

Where to stay

Located amid majestic mountain ranges, rolling farmlands and native bushland – NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park is the perfect base to explore the Grampians National Park, or simply sit back and soak up the serenity of the spectacular rugged scenery. Boasting an extensive range of accommodation types to choose from including, self-contained one, two and three-bedroom apartment and cabin options, each with spectacular mountain views. If you’re camping or caravanning, the park has a range of grass and concreate options available from deluxe ensuite, to ensuite, powered and unpowered sites. Guests have access to a range of facilities in park including a heated swimming pool, bouncing pillow, tennis and beach volleyball court, recreation room and kiosk. Plus, during peak season period’s guests can enjoy additional activities such as an outdoor cinema and abseiling.