VICTORIA
The pinnacle of
ADVENTURE
MEG LAW
From sliding down natural rockpools to tasting craft beers at the local brewery, MEG LAW and her family discover the best things to do during a stay at NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park in The Grampians
Shrieks of laughter echo through our cabin as the kids come running into our room, and a collision of tiny limbs appear in a tangled web at the foot of our bed. It’s our first morning waking up at NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park, and to say they are excited to be here is an understatement. As I peek through the bedroom window and catch a glimpse of the dramatic sandstone mountain peaks in the distance — whilst smelling the welcome aroma of fresh coffee from the on-site coffee van — my soul feels awakened.
Opening image: Boroka Lookout
Image above: Family friendly hike to Mackenzie Falls
Images: The three bedroom executive cabin, Daisy happy to have first choice of the bunks, The Pinnacle Lookout in The Grampians National Park © Visit Victoria-Robert Blackburn
NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park
The town of Halls Gap lies in a valley in the heart of The Grampians National Park, which is known for its rugged landscapes, giant granite boulders, wildflowers, birdlife and wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, echidnas and wallabies. Walking distance from the main street, NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park provides the perfect base to explore the area’s natural wonders. When we stay, it’s packed to the rafters with young families sleeping in a mix of retro caravans, swags, tents and cabins, with some grey nomads along for the ride in their motorhomes and campervans. This holiday park is an adventurer’s playground, with two large pools, a pump track, sauna, games room, camp kitchen, communal firepit and tennis court. It’s also located near four lakes, which are great for activities such as canoeing, fishing and swimming.
Hiking to The Pinnacle Lookout
First up, we decide to make the most of the kids’ morning energy, don the hiking shoes and take a walk up to The Pinnacle Lookout — a craggy rock formation that is one of the the Grampians’ highlights. With two young children in tow, we opt for the easy 4.2-kilometre return climb from the Sundial Car Park via Devil's Gap. It is moderately steep at times and includes some rock-hopping, so sturdy shoes are essential. The reward is well worth the climb, as we are greeted with stunning views of Halls Gap and the Grampians' many peaks.
Live music and good vibes
Upon our return to the holiday park, we are greeted with a sea of children and adults dancing on the grass to live music being performed by the pool. The summer vibes are high as groups mingle and share tales of their day’s exploits, including the Bear Grylls Survival Academy experience the park offers. Kids squeal as they double bounce each other on the jumping pillow, while others splash around in the pool or enjoy a free barbecue put on by the campground owners, which has a line bigger than Bunnings! We quickly dump our hiking gear in our cabin and throw on our bathers, grab our camping mugs and join in the fun. At sunset, showered and fed, the kids head to the recreation room to watch a movie with other happy young campers, whilst we sit on the deck of our cabin with a glass of wine from nearby Pomonal Estate.
Images: Jasper enjoying a hike through the Grampians National Park, Dad cooking up a storm on the cabin barbecue, Daisy enjoying a swim in one of the two pools at Halls Gap Holiday Park
Images: Daisy enjoying a dip at Lake Fyans, Matt and Jasper enjoying a dip at Venus Baths
Waterfalls and rock pools
The following days are a blur of high-spirited adventures, including another climb down to the towering MacKenzie Falls, which is one of the biggest waterfalls in Victoria and the only waterfall in the Grampians to flow year-round. It’s followed by a round of competitive mini golf at Grampians Adventure Golf, a swim at Lake Fyans, and a ride along the bike trail. A highlight for big and little kids alike is the walk to Venus Baths, where Stoney Creek flows over a beautiful sandstone shelf, creating gorgeous rockpools of flowing water and natural slides for the kids to whiz down.
Eating and drinking in The Grampians
In between the holiday park fun and nature-based adventures, we indulge in the local produce at Livefast Café, sink a few craft ales at Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co. and dine in the beer garden at Halls Gap Hotel. Oh, and we also consume too many gelatos to count.
"At the end of each day, we sit down on our sun-drenched deck waving to other campers rolling by on their bikes, cook dinner on the barbecue and reminisce about our own childhood summers, when travel was slow and simple"
Activities galore
When not out and about exploring, we lounge around the pool watching the kids live their best life playing under the water fountains with their new mates, tackle the pump park on their roller skates and scooter, play volleyball, go for a spin on the Go Karts or have a hit of tennis with Dad. At the end of each day, we sit down on our sun-drenched deck waving to other campers rolling by on their bikes, cook dinner on the barbecue and reminisce about our own childhood summers, when travel was slow and simple. Staying at a holiday park camping has a way of bringing back memories of those trips that helped shape us. It’s about being present, having a laugh and making new friends, with no rush to be anywhere and no devices, calendars or planners to be seen. Whether you are sleeping in an A-frame canvas tent, a shiny caravan or a cabin, life in a holiday park provides that sense of pure freedom and escapism.
In partnership with NRMA Parks and Resorts
Images: Jasper enjoying time on the park pump track, Mum and Dad enjoying a drink at Halls Gap Hotel, Go Kart time at the Holiday Park, One of many gelatos had at Halls Gap
Getting there
- Halls Gap is around three hours’ drive north-west of Melbourne.
