Alice Skye Shares Her Insider Guide To The Grampians Music Festival Roadtrip

I was lucky to grow up near the Grampians in a town called Horsham and have done the trip from Melbourne down that way more times than I can count. Here are some of my tips.

1. We don’t usually make any stops until Beaufort. It feels about halfway and it has good coffee, a really good antique shop and more than one good op shop (the good super cheap kind). Also, it has an Egg Gallery (?!).

2. The Beaufort Imperial Egg Gallery. This makes the list because I’ve always thought it was one of a kind and then I googled it to see if it was still open and got two mixed reviews: “the eggs aren’t on display any longer (two stars),” and “most unexpected and definitely worth a stop (four stars)," so… you decide. 

3. If you didn’t stop to eat in Beaufort and you’re still hungry by the time you hit Stawell, Chris 'n' Di’s Pies & Cakes make the best sandwiches and pies (also their signed wall of famous people that have stopped there is fun). 

4. Once you get to Halls Gap there’s plenty to do – you could walk to Venus Baths for something more relaxed and achievable, or you could do The Pinnacle hike if that’s your thing. 

5. If you return from a walk really hungry, I think the bakery is one of the best: everyone in there is always super nice and their salad rolls are really good. OR if you want something fancier the Livefast Cafe is really healthy and vegetarian-friendly – with good coffee! 

6. Lake Bellfield is a nice spot to go swimming just a short drive outside of Halls Gap.

7. It's 100% a good idea to stop in at the Brambuk Cultural Centre: it holds stories local to the area and is in such a beautiful spot. 

8. If you venture as far as Horsham, definitely check out Redrock Books & Gallery, that may or may not be owned by my mum – not sure if I'm meant to say that, but it’s an amazing shop regardless and it’s dog-friendly. 

9. If you stick around in Horsham and you’re after a pub meal there’s the Bull & Mouth if you’re wanting something a little fancy and need vegetarian options. Or if you want your classic pub meal go to the Vic Hotel and make a mountain on your plate from the bain-marie sides.

10. Most importantly I think when travelling to the Grampians, remind yourself that it’s Aboriginal land and its real name is Gariwerd. It is so obviously a beautiful and special place – I think everyone can feel that when you’re there. So remembering and respecting that is definitely an important part of being there.

The Grampians Music Festival kicks off this weekend, check out theGuide below for all the info.