The Grampians is an ancient, awe-inspiring expanse of rugged peaks and dense Australian bush. Located a three-hour drive west of Melbourne, Grampians National Park offers many walks—both short and long—and an abundance of photography opportunities. Put simply, it’s home some of the most stunning views in Victoria.
To fully experience all that the region has to offer, I’d recommend staying for at least three days. There’s plenty to explore, with each location uniquely lit at sunrise and sunset (more on that below). The village of Halls Gap offers is nestled at the entrance to the National Park, offering cafes, shops, and accommodation.
From the lofty peak of Mt Abrupt to the sweeping views on offer from The Balconies, The Grampians is a landscape photographer’s paradise. Here’s how to make the most of it!
View from The Balconies
Gear
Before considering the best lens to bring, first you’ll need sturdy hiking shoes, a full bottle of water, and a quality backpack that offers good support. Many of the best vantage points are a decent hike over tree roots and up steep rocks—solid shoes are a must. Also, some of the less popular (but just as scenic) walks are lightly marked in places, so consider downloading a GPS map app before trekking out to follow the trail on your phone.
When it comes to photography gear, a classic wide-angle 16-35mm lens is a must to help capture the (many) sweeping vistas and emphasise the bold rock formations in the foreground. Likewise, many of the walks trace open ridgelines, offering great views of the distant peaks—here a 70-200mm telephoto lens (or longer) will be worth the extra weight in your bag, allowing you to capture unique, intimate landscape scenes.
If you’re shooting at sunrise and sunset (or even astrophotography at night), a tripod is a must to help in low-light. But if you’re going for a day walk, leave the tripod in the car and save yourself the weight.
Reed Lookout after a storm passed through on sunset
Conditions
The exposed peaks of The Grampians are known for their changing, unpredictable weather. Be sure to read the weather forecast ahead of time and pack jackets and rainwear as needed.
In terms of photography, these volatile conditions often make for dramatic images. This image taken near Reed Lookout was captured on sunset after a cold front had just passed through the area. Here’s my recollection at the time:
Last week I ventured out to the Grampians, chasing the lure of a cold front set to roll through on dusk. I arrived an hour before sunset with strong winds sending the clouds streaming overhead. After scoping the scene for a composition, I set my camera and tripod in position ready to go. Time to watch and wait.
As the light fell, the front passed through on time—bringing with it the rain and the cold. Exposed on the cliff top, I flung a jacket over my gear and then used myself as a shield to guard against the rain blowing in from the west. After a healthy drenching, the clouds began to lift.
The camera survived—to my great relief—and I fired off a few frames before the setting sun dipped below the horizon. A magical moment within one of Australia’s great National Parks.
On the other end of the spectrum, clear skies are perfect for astrophotography. While the town of Halls Gap bleeds out some light pollution, I’ve made the walk out to The Pinnacle at night and was rewarded with a sky full of stars as the Milky Way stretched across overhead. Do some research on the weather and browse Google Maps before you go. Aim to scout out the location during the day to plan a composition before you arrive in pitch black. The Photopills app is great for this, allowing you to simulate the night sky over a daytime composition, helping you to plan the best angle and the time that the Milky Way core will be most visible in the sky.
Top Landscape Photography Locations
Mt Abrupt
My favourite walk in Grampians National Park is the Mt Abrupt summit. It’s not for the faint of heart, with steep uneven stretches, but rewards hikers with a spectacular view from the top. Allow 90 minutes for the hike to the summit. However, the views from 60 minutes in are just as special, with Mt Signal to the north jutting up above the horizon (as opposed to looking down on Mt Signal from the very summit).
And for those feeling particularly adventurous, make the hike before sunrise. With golden rays shining in from the east, I can share from personal experience that it’s a view that’ll stay with you for life.
The Balconies
This is where I’d talk up the striking rock ledges protruding out of the cliff, and then encourage you to set your camera up on a timer to get a shot of yourself on the ledge overlooking the stunning view. But don’t. Access to the ledges is heavily fenced off, not only to protect your safety on the unstable ground, but also to allow others to enjoy the sight without tourists flooding over the rocks. Play it safe, and leave this Instagram cliche well alone.
Instead, use a telephoto lens to isolate the ridges and formations to the south of the lookout. I’ve only visited The Balconies on sunset, with the golden light striking the slopes, but it would also be quite special on a summer sunrise with the sun rising to the south-east behind the serrated peaks.
Reed Lookout
Just west of the iconic Balconies, is Reed Lookout—a great, easy-access sunset location. Explore the surrounding area for rocks and trees that might help to frame your image, and be mindful of the sheer cliff falling off. This particular vantage point is best viewed on sunset, however late in the day the wind often rushes up the slopes so be sure your tripod is securely placed to avoid any camera movement between shots.
Boroka Lookout in golden afternoon light
Boroka Lookout
Like Reed Lookout, this is a great, easy-access location. While a wide-angle lens may be the go-to for sweeping vistas, consider a telephoto to capture a unique perspective by focusing on a particular summit or rock formation. And because it’s easy-access, look to experience the scene as the light changes throughout the day. This image was taken in the mid-afternoon about two hours before sunset.
The Pinnacle
Another rewarding hike, The Pinnacle Walk takes you over striking rock formations and down through narrow canyons, presenting you with grand easterly views overlooking Halls Gap and beyond. Park at Sundial Carpark and allow yourself 60 minutes to rest and steadily make the hike up.
While the sunrise view from the main lookout is great, it’s the rock formations just before the Pinnacle lookout that continues to catch my eye as a photographer. It’s a cracking plateau to explore for astrophotography under the stars. Arrive early to scope around the rocks and consider how a wide-angle lens could help to frame the scene and emphasise the formations.
Final Thoughts
When exploring any new location to photograph, Google Maps is your best friend. Be sure to examine the satellite overview, and explore street-view/360-degree photos to scope out the lay of the land and start to plan compositions and angles before you arrive.
And if you’re visiting in the winter months, keep an eye on the weather conditions—it’s been known to snow in the higher reaches on occasion. I’ve yet to capture The Grampians under a blanket of snow, but from some snapshots that I’ve seen, it would be a very special moment indeed.
The sheer vastness of the region makes The Grampians a pure playground for photographers to explore and capture our unique take on the striking scenes. Go on, get out there!
Want to sharpen your skills and take stunning landscape shots? Check out my 8 essential guides and lessons, packed with insightful theory and practical tips.