The Grampians is one of the great nature escapes within easy reach of Melbourne featuring attractions such as the Grampians Peak Trail, Grand Canyon, MacKenzie Falls, Silverband Falls, Boroka Lookout, and much more. The tourist village of Halls Gap offers shops, restaurants, and accommodation options.
Here is how to get from Melbourne to Grampians National Park by Car, Bus/Train, & Tour
Melbourne to the Grampians by Car
Via National Highway M8 and A8
Get onto the Western Ring Road and take the exit for the M8/Western Fwy and take that all the way to Ararat where it becomes the C222/Ararat-Halls Gap Road which takes you all the way to the Halls Gap Visitor Centre. From there, you can head on to Halls Gap or in the other direction along Mt Victory Road to explore the sights of the Grampians.
Journey Time: 3 hours
Distance: 258 km
Fun places to stop along the way could include a detour into the historic town of Ballarat, a stop at Lake Burrumbeet Park, visit the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre or take the Aradale Ghost Tour at Ararat.
Melbourne to the Grampians by Train/Bus
From Monday-Friday, you can take the 9:16 am Regional Train to Wendouree from Southern Cross Station getting off at Ballarat Station to change service to the Coach which heads to Stawell Station where you change coach and head to Halls Gap (stopping at the Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre). This journey takes 4 h 29 min and the adult ticket cost is approx $41.
On Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, you can take the 12:16 am Regional Train to Ararat from Southern Cross Station getting off at Ararat then taking the coach to Halls Gap. This journey takes 3 h 33 min and the adult ticket cost is approx $36.20.
All these services can be booked through and please check their website for updated timetables V/Line.
Melbourne to the Grampians by Tour
There are several companies that offer one day tours from Melbourne to the Grampians. You can find services listed on Klook. Tours pick you up in the city via coach taking you to the Grampians and around all the key sights returning in the evening after a full 13 hours or so.