Looking for your next weekend escape? Tucked between the vines and the Grampians, Great Western offers the ideal weekend away. Just three hours from Melbourne, this historic wine village delivers big on flavour, charm, and cool-climate character.
Whether you’re here to sip and swirl, slow down and recharge, or just finally answer that “we should get away” group chat, we’ve got the perfect two-night itinerary to help you settle in and make the most of it.
Clock off early, point the car west and hit the road ready for your grampians weekend escape.. After a breezy three-hour drive, roll into Great Western by late afternoon. Check into your accommodation of choice (more on that below) and let the pace shift.
Seppelt Vine Lodge – Historic, elegant and located right on the Seppelt estate. Heritage charm meets quiet comfort.
Great Western Motel – Clean, simple, and in the centre of town. Perfect for strolling to cellar doors, the pub, and Salingers Café.
Wanderlust Glamping – Luxury bell tents set up on Seppelt grounds, complete with a heater, electric blankets and that camp‑luxury vibe
Kick off the weekend with dinner at Salinger Sessions, the after-dark transformation of Great Western’s favourite café. The menu shifts weekly, crafted by Executive Chef Bryden Buckingham to highlight seasonal produce with creativity and care. It’s relaxed, thoughtful dining in a beautiful setting.
Bookings are essential, so ensure you plan ahead and save your seat.
Start with breakfast at Salingers Café. Think house-baked bread, strong coffee, and brunch plates that wouldn’t be out of place in the city. (Except here, the view is better and the pace slower.)
While you’re there take a peak inside the Great Western General Store for local gifts, preserves and unexpected finds
At 10:40 am, head to Seppelt Great Western for the 11 am guided Underground Cellar Tour. This is the largest hand-dug cellar system in the Southern Hemisphere, and stepping beneath the surface here is part theatre, part time machine. A Sparkling Tasting at the Cellar Door is included in the tour with additional tastings options to explore the Seppelt range.
Seppelt Cellar Door Canteen – Share a platter or one of our light lunch options, paired, of course, with a glass of wine.
Back to Salingers – Yes, again. No judgement. The lunch menu is just as good.
Time to meet a few local legends.
Best’s Wines – Family-owned since 1866. Taste their historic range, tour the original cellar, and maybe discover a new favourite bottle.
Grampians Estate – Known for bold Shiraz and premium Sparkling Shiraz. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, but the wine means business..
Return to the Great Western Hotel for a no-fuss, hearty dinner. With the region’s most extensive local wine list, classic pub dishes and a relaxed vibe, it’s the kind of place that feels instantly familiar.
Morning
Grab one last breakfast at Salingers or DIY something easy at your stay. Then, choose your own adventure.
Head to Halls Gap (30 minutes) and stretch your legs on a short, scenic walk. Try Venus Baths or Silverband Falls — both walks are low in difficulty but high in reward.
Visit J Ward Asylum, a former prison-turned-museum with an eerie charm.
Or explore Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, a beautifully curated look into the gold rush days.
Stop in Halls Gap for lunch at or grab something relaxed in Ararat. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a few last-minute goodies to take home. Stock up on local produce, olive oil, gin, or maybe a few extra bottles of Shiraz for good measure.
Head back to Melbourne full, happy, and already planning your next visit.
Whether it’s the wine, the warm welcome or the winding cellars, there’s something about Great Western that lingers. Come looking for a weekend escape. Leave with plans to return.
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Great Western Enterprises work on the magnificent Gariwerd landscape of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk people, the traditional custodians. We respect their land and their cultures and we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and all Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be here today.
Liquor Licence Number 32800105.
LIQUOR ACT 1982 It is an offence to sell or supply to or to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under age of 18 years. Seppelt Wines encourages a responsible attitude to the consumption of alcohol.
© Great Western Enterprises Pty Ltd 2023
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