Immerse yourself in the heart of the majestic Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park with a stay at the Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort, a true sanctuary for nature lovers and families. Perfectly located in the serene Wartook Valley on the park’s quieter western side, this resort offers an authentic Australian bush experience, complete with breathtaking mountain views and daily visits from friendly native wildlife. Kangaroos, emus, and a stunning array of birdlife are your neighbours here, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of tranquility and connection with nature. It’s the ideal base for exploring the rugged beauty of the Northern Grampians, away from the main tourist crowds.
The Happy Wanderer is designed to provide both adventure and relaxation for all ages. The park boasts an impressive range of facilities, including both an outdoor and a heated indoor pool, ensuring swimming is a year-round activity. Kids will be thrilled with the adventure playground, giant jumping pillow, and games room. The park offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit every traveller, from spacious, shady powered and unpowered sites for caravans and tents, to a range of cosy, self-contained cabins and cottages. A standout feature is the park’s embrace of the classic camping experience, with campfires permitted in designated pits, allowing for magical evenings spent under the brilliant starry skies.
From the resort, the wonders of the Grampians are at your doorstep. You are perfectly positioned to explore stunning attractions like MacKenzie Falls, Fish Falls, and the magnificent views from The Balconies and Boroka Lookout. The area is a hub for outdoor activities, offering world-class hiking trails, rock climbing, and fishing in nearby lakes and reservoirs. After a day of exploring, return to the peace of the park, enjoy a BBQ, and share stories around a crackling campfire as kangaroos graze peacefully nearby. For a holiday that combines family fun, incredible wildlife encounters, and direct access to natural wonders, the Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort is a truly special destination.
Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort – VIC Location Map
Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort
- Address: 2493 Northern Grampians Rd, Wartook VIC 3401
- Website: www.happywandererresort.com.au
- GPS Coordinates: -37.02487, 142.34408
Site Details
- Location: Nestled in the Wartook Valley on the western side of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents. A wide range of cabins and cottages is also available.
- Road Access: Sealed road access suitable for all vehicles.
- Site Surface: Spacious grass and gravel sites, with plenty of shade.
Facilities
- Indoor Heated Pool & Outdoor Pool
- Giant Jumping Pillow & Adventure Playground
- Games Room
- Camp Kitchen & Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
- Undercover BBQ Areas
- Onsite Public Toilets & Showers
- Guest Laundry
- Onsite Dump Point
- Potable Water, Rubbish Bins & Kiosk
- Good Mobile Phone Reception (Telstra is essential)
- TV reception can be variable; satellite systems recommended.
Activities & Essentials
- Essentials to Bring: Hiking boots, camera for wildlife, bathers, and warm clothing for the cool mountain evenings.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on sites by prior arrangement (not in peak periods or long weekends) and are not permitted in cabins.
- Open Fires: Yes, campfires are permitted in the provided fire pits outside of total fire ban periods.
- Generator Use: Generators are not permitted, to preserve the tranquil bush atmosphere.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing for trout and redfin in nearby reservoirs like Lake Wartook and Lake Lonsdale.
- Short Walks: Direct access to bushwalking tracks leading into the Grampians National Park from the park.
Local Amenities
Pubs
- Halls Gap Hotel (Halls Gap): Approximately 28 km
- Horsham Hotel (Horsham): Approximately 35 km
- The Victoria on the Park (Horsham): Approximately 35 km
Places to Eat
- Wander Inn (Onsite seasonal cafe/bistro)
- Grampians Olive Co. (Cafe & products): Approximately 15 km
- Numerous cafes and restaurants in Halls Gap: Approximately 28 km
Local Attractions
- MacKenzie Falls: Approximately 15 km
- Fish Falls: Approximately 15 km (part of MacKenzie River walk)
- Zumsteins Picnic Area & Historic Site: Approximately 12 km
- Boroka Lookout: Approximately 23 km
- Lake Wartook: Approximately 5 km
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park: Approximately 25 km
- Wimmera Lakes Caravan Resort (Horsham): Approximately 28 km
Nearest Free Camps
- Stapylton Campground (Grampians NP – fees apply): Approximately 30 km
- Troopers Creek Campground (Grampians NP – fees apply): Approximately 25 km (Note: True free camping is not permitted within the National Park).
Nearest Dump Points
- Onsite at Park
- Halls Gap Public Dump Point: Approximately 28 km
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Dadswells Bridge General Store: Approximately 20 km
- Multiple major stations in Halls Gap: Approximately 28 km
Drinking Water Resupply
- Onsite at Park
- Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre: Approximately 28 km
Nearest Public Toilets
- Onsite at Park
- Zumsteins Picnic Area: Approximately 12 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Wartook / Northern Grampians
- Summer (December – February): Warm to hot days with cool evenings. Ideal for early morning hikes and afternoon swims. Average maximums are around 27-29°C.
- Autumn (March – May): Typically clear, calm, and mild weather. Considered the best season for hiking and enjoying the stable conditions and autumn colours.
- Winter (June – August): Cold, with average maximums around 12-13°C. Frosts are common, and the waterfalls are at their most powerful. Perfect for evenings by a campfire.
- Spring (September – November): Cool to mild. The national park comes alive with a world-renowned display of native wildflowers.