Places to stop between Melbourne and The Grampians
Scenic Route To The Grampians
The road trip between Melbourne and The Grampians is coloured with so many great diversions. From cafes and dining options to historic towns and landmarks as well as plenty of amazing scenery as you go. Here are Best’s team members’ top spots to stop along the way from Melbourne to The Grampians. The journey from Melbourne’s CBD to Halls Gap is just over 250km by car, and takes under 3 hours.
Bacchus Marsh
As you drive along the Western Freeway, you’ll skirt around Bacchus Marsh and the city of Ballarat. Take the scenic route into Bacchus Marsh. The main road into town is The Avenue of Honour, which is lined with hundreds of elm, oak and plane trees. It’s a glorious sight. The trees were planted to honour those who served during World War I. Follow the tree-arch into town where you’ll find modern and historic buildings. From the original Court House and Tudor-style Border Inn, to the Blacksmith’s Cottage and churches dating back to the 1800s. This town was named after Captain William Henry Bacchus, who saw the value in this town’s location between two rivers, the Lerderderg and the Werribee. Traditionally the area was a market garden district. Producing a large portion of the area’s fruit and vegetables.
Ballarat
As you continue on, you will arrive in Ballarat where you’ll need at least a few hours to explore Victoria’s third largest city. Ballarat’s tale centres on its rich and prosperous history of the Gold Rush, which began in 1851. When news got out that this area was the world’s richest alluvial goldfield, its population exploded overnight with people seeking to make their fortune. Its wealth can be seen in the construction of public and private buildings, funded by the earnings of the diggers. There is so much history to experience here. The city holds much of its Gold Rush heritage in the form of opulent buildings, fountains and tourist attractions.
Don’t miss Ballarat’s Town Hall (built in the 1870s), Her Majesty’s Theatre (1875) and Craig’s Hotel (built in stages between 1853 and 1891) – drop in here for lunch or try the well-loved high tea.
Ballarat’s own Avenue of Honour represents the first of its kind, built between 1917 and 1919. A total of 3771 trees were planted – one for each soldier, sailor and nurse from the district who served in World War I. It remains the longest Avenue of Honour in the Southern Hemisphere at 22km. This Avenue was constructed with an egalitarian approach to the commemoration of service personnel, where service rank was not a consideration.
Eat in Ballarat
However, back to Ballarat and its gourmet offerings. You may need a coffee after your trip from Melbourne, so wander down Lydiard or Sturt Street. L’Espresso on Sturt Street. Its food runs the full gamut of Italian classics, from creamy risotto to shaved fennel and blood orange salad. Fancy lunch? Best’s Wine club manager, Nicole Thomson, recommends a meal at Mr Jones on Main Road.
Best’s matriarch Chris Thomson, believes The Art Gallery of Ballarat is a must on your list. It’s the oldest and largest regional art gallery in Australia. Built in 1884 as the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery. Both the building and part of its collection are heritage listed and claimed by the National Trust of Victoria. Step back in time and view The Eureka Flag, ( now housed at the Eureka Centre ) as well as major collections in the history of Australian art from the early colonial period to present day.
Beaufort Village
OK, now it’s time to keep moving. Jump back in your car and drive another 40 minutes or so along the Western Freeway. This becomes the Western Highway, stop at Beaufort village, a quaint town with cafes and craft shops. This area is a rich pastoral zone known for its merino wool production. Need another coffee? Fly Wheel Bar and Cafe is a favourite stop for our National Sales Manager Graeme. The coffee is great and they do a mean sandwich. Or drop into The Pyrenees Pantry, also on Neill Street, for a slice of Coffee & Walnut Cake. It also serves delicious homemade salads, pastries and muffins and is great for diners with food intolerances. Finally take the time to stop at the Vegemite Museum and learn more about Cyril Callister – the man who invented Vegemite. The museum celebrates the life and history of a man who changed the way Australian’s ate. Open from Wednesday to Saturday. Read more about the museum here.
Ararat
Now, it’s time to hit the road for your final charge into Halls Gap. Drive a further 40km until you reach Ararat. A former gold-mining town sitting on rich pastoral, fruit and wine growing land. There are some interesting places to explore in Ararat such as Gum San Chinese Museum and JWard. Continue along the Western Highway towards Adelaide, approx 15km’s past Ararat you’ll drive through our hometown of Great Western, check out Exploring Best’s Home Town of Great Western for all you need to know about our tiny town. Continue along the Western Highway for another 15km’s to Stawell and follow the signs to Halls Gap. Once you’ve settled into your accommodation you can explore all The Grampians has to offer, including a visit to Best’s cellar door.
Dadswells Bridge
The Giant Koala is located in the western Victorian town of Dadswells Bridge, 20km south-east of Horsham. Made in 1989 by Dutch sculptor Ben Van Zetten, it is composed of bronze and fibreglass supported by a steel frame. At 14 by eight metres, this massive structure is more a building than sculpture. Indeed, the interior, accessible through the Koala’s front forearms, houses a souvenir and gift shop.
Halls Gap
Arrive in Halls Gap and eat at Paper Scissors Rock brewery Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co is an award winning Craft Brewery situated in the picturesque Grampians town of Halls Gap, with fresh beer, great food, and regular live music. Their menu is always fresh and offers gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options plus a kids menu for families.
After lunch head to the centre of Halls Gap for an Ice Cream. The Gelato Guys a relative new comer which produces some incredible flavours using native ingredients, dairy free options and more. Coolas Ice Creamery is a Halls Gap institution and generally has a line stretching down the street!
Looking for more information? Read our latest blogs revealing our Best Kept Secrets about the Top Activities in The Grampians and Best Grampians Accommodation.
