7 reasons to visit the Grampians in winter

It's perfect hiking and biking weather

Image: Tourism Australia

If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors and love a bit of crisp mountain air – fantastic news, Gariwerd/the Grampians is for you, and it only gets better in winter! Whether you're getting your heart rate up with a bracing bushwalk or pursuing some pedal pumping cycling or mountain biking, the chill in the air is a non-issue, and unike summer when you might end up roasting in the sun or getting dehydrated from a long day's exercise, winter in this verdant pocket of Victoria is more or less ideal for physical activity. 

With the plethora of hiking and biking routes for all fitness levels in the Grampians, there's always be something for to keep the blood pumping and the endorphins rushing. Speak to the friendly folks at YHA Grampians Eco for all the need-to-know information on the best trails.

You'll have it all to yourself

Image: Tourism Australia

If you're planning to experience what this beautiful region has to offer, why not do it when there’s less tourists around? Visitor numbers to the Grampians drop significantly in winter, but one person's loss is another person's gain, and the fact that most people aren't in the know about the joys of off-season travel is a huge boon for those that like a chilled out adventure.

You’ll most likely have the hiking trails to yourself, you won’t have other tourists in your photos of Mackenzie Falls or in the background of your selfie at Boroka Lookout; and you’ll have the best spot next to the fireplace at YHA Grampians Eco! Speaking of…

Cosy evenings by the fire

One of the best parts of winter is curling up by the fireplace and indulging with a glass of wine or a hot chocolate after a day out in nature. Australia is rightfully known as a warm country, so this kind of cosy ritual can be a rare treat for those used to the sweltering humidity of other parts of the country.

Snacking on some marshmallows or other wintery bites, grab a book and unwind or sit around chatting for hours on end with your friends. YHA Grampians Eco has an nifty woodfire heater in their lounge room so you’ll be warm, toasty and super relaxed come night time (when you'll probabably sleep like a log). 

The animals are out to play

Image: Visit Victoria

Once of the greatest things about the Grampians is the unique animal experiences you can have. Spot emus while walking down the road, listen to kookaburras in full voice as you wake up in the morning, and enjoy the close proximity of the kangaroos that call much of the region (including the lawns of YHA Grampians Eco) their home.

Great news – all these iconic Australian critters are plenty active in winter, so you can get your wildlife fix whenever you're in the Grampians. Just remember to keep your distance, both for your own safety and theirs.

See waterfalls at their best

Winter is the best time to see the gushing waterfalls and rivers which criss-cross throughout Grampians National Park. Victoria tends to experience a healthy amount of rainfall in winter, filling the rivers, creeks and lakes to the brim, and resulting in cascading waterways and even more lush greenery than usual.

If you're a photographer, there's no better time of year to capture some of the area's iconic falls, and as long as you don't mind the occasional puddle, it's an absolutely gorgeous backdrop to plan your hiking around. 

The views get even more beautiful

The Grampians has some absolutely stunning vistas on offer from its viewpoints and clifftops, and the cold, wintery days throughout June-August, only amplify the experience.

Visit look outs blanketed in a thick layer of atmospheric fog, which when it rolls away reveals stunning views of the National Park, often with snow-capped mountains. Sunrise is later in winter, too, so if you can brave the morning frost, witnessing the sky splitting with dawn's first light from one of these lofty vantage points is an experience not to be missed.

Save on accommodation

Remember how we mentioned that the Grampians empties out during the winter? That’s a plus for you, because a quieter town generally means more affordable rates on accommodation! A bed in a co-living room at YHA Grampians Eco will set you back shockingly little, and with all the money you save on your accommodation, you can extend your stay for longer to experience this amazing region to the fullest.

Ready to go? Book your stay at YHA Grampians Eco today and have your ultimate Grampians winter adventure on a budget!