The Grampians Grape Escape festival in Halls Gap, Victoria, offers a unique merger of outdoor adventure and gourmet indulgence set against the rugged backdrop of the Grampians National Park. This annual event invites visitors to experience not just the flavors of regional wines and artisanal foods, but a chance to adventure through diverse trails that invigorate body and spirit.

Held in the last weekend of May, the festival provides a practical gateway to combining hiking and culinary discovery. Trails varying from easy strolls to more demanding treks thread through the forested foothills and sweeping valleys. A popular route is the Pinnacle walk — a 4.2-kilometer trek with an elevation gain of about 200 meters. This track challenges walkers with rocky, uneven terrain that pushes through eucalypt woods, alongside cliffs that dare you toward panoramic views of the Grampians' serrated skyline.

Plan for a morning hike to catch the crisp light filtering through eucalyptus leaves, enlivening the scent of ironbark and the faint buzz of native birds urging you forward. Follow this by meandering through the festival grounds, where local winemakers pour shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, and vendors offer fresh olive oils, cheeses, and gourmet preserves. The festival’s open-air market sprawls across the Halls Gap Showgrounds, providing plenty of shade and seating for an easy respite.

Hydration is key; the day can shift from cool to sharply cold as mountain winds cut through, especially when hiking beyond the festival. Good hiking shoes with solid grip and ankle support are essential on uneven ground strewn with loose stones and dirt tracks.

Beyond the festival, tributary creeks beckon with their clear pools, tempting visitors to soak weary feet after a walk. Photography enthusiasts will find morning and late afternoon best for capturing light and shadows as the landscape breathes and changes with the sun. Keep your camera ready to capture crimson rosellas darting among tree branches or the dramatic interplay of rugged cliffs under open sky.

The Grampians Grape Escape isn't just an event; it’s a challenge to engage with the Grampians as a living landscape—one that tests endurance, rewards with fresh flavors, and invites appreciation for a land fiercely itself.