Looking for the best things to do in Halls Gap during your stay? At Silverband Lodge, you’re perfectly positioned to experience the very best of the Grampians / Gariwerd National Park—from iconic bushwalks to family-friendly attractions and local favourites.

Even better, many highlights are just moments away, with several of the region’s most popular walks accessible directly from the lodge—no need to drive.

Whilst we know there is so much to keep you entertained onsite at Silverband Lodge, venturing out into the surrounding region is also a fantastic way to make the most of your Grampians experience.

Whether you’re visiting as a school group, family, or group of friends, here are five must-do experiences to enhance your stay:

1. Walk Straight into the Grampians from Your Door

One of the biggest advantages of staying at Silverband Lodge in Halls Gap is direct access to some of the Grampians’ most iconic walking tracks. Simply step outside and start exploring.

• Venus Baths Loop (from Silverband Lodge)
  A gentle and scenic walk following Stony Creek to a series of natural rock pools.
  • Distance: approx. 3–3.5 km return
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Perfect for: Families, school groups, and relaxed walks

• Pinnacle Walk (via Venus Baths, from Silverband Lodge)
  One of the most popular Grampians hikes, leading to breathtaking views over Halls Gap.
  • Distance: approx. 4.5–5.5 km return
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Highlights: Stunning lookout, unique rock formations
  • Things to note: Includes rock steps and some steeper sections, requiring moderate fitness

• Boronia Peak Track (from Silverband Lodge)
  A quieter alternative for those seeking a more immersive nature experience.
  • Distance: approx. 7–8 km return
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Highlights: Quieter trails, seasonal wildflowers, sweeping mountain views

These walks offer an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of the Grampians, right from your doorstep.

2. Visit Halls Gap Zoo

A must-do attraction in Halls Gap, the Halls Gap Zoo is Victoria’s largest regional zoo and a favourite for visitors of all ages.

Enjoy hand-feeding kangaroos and getting up close to a wide range of animals from around the world. It’s a fantastic outing for families, school groups, and group travellers.

3. Play at Halls Gap Adventure Golf

For something fun and relaxed, head to Halls Gap Adventure Golf.

Set in a natural environment, this is a great way to enjoy some friendly competition while taking in the fresh mountain air. Perfect for groups looking to connect and unwind together.

4. Discover WAMA – National Centre for Environmental Art

Located just a short drive from Halls Gap, WAMA offers a unique experience blending art, nature, and culture.

Wander through thoughtfully curated exhibitions and outdoor installations in a serene and inspiring setting. It’s an ideal activity for guests looking to slow down and experience something a little different.

5. Enjoy Ice Cream in the Heart of Halls Gap

No visit to Halls Gap is complete without a stop at Coolas Ice Creamery.

Choose from a wide range of delicious flavours and enjoy a relaxed stroll through the village—it’s the perfect treat after a day exploring the Grampians National Park.

Make the most of your Grampians Stay

At Silverband Lodge, we specialise in group accommodation in Halls Gap, creating memorable experiences for school camps, families, and group stays.

From shared meals to outdoor adventures, our setting is designed to bring people together and foster connection.

We can also help make your stay seamless—our team is happy to assist with booking local activities and experiences, particularly for school groups and group bookings. Simply ask us about options when making your reservation.

With so much to see and do right on your doorstep, the Grampians isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to learn, connect and be inspired.

The post 5 Unmissable Experiences in Halls Gap When You Stay at Silverband Lodge appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

Natural hollows can take over 100 years to form, yet they were lost in a single fire event. Across Australia, around 17% of bird species, 42% of mammals and 28% of reptiles rely on hollows for nesting, roosting and shelter, making them vital to survival.

With so many hollow‑bearing trees destroyed, wildlife searching for safe places to live now face a critical shortage.

A community-led boost for local wildlife

To help fill this gap, last year the Mt Cole–Pyrenees Nature Group organised a community workshop where volunteers came together to assemble nesting boxes. Some of the finished boxes were then generously donated to us to support hollow‑dependent wildlife as the forest regenerates.

These nesting boxes are especially suited to gliders and phascogales—small arboreal mammals that depend heavily on hollows for denning and breeding. La Trobe University notes that species such as sugar gliders, feathertail gliders and brush‑tailed phascogales are among the most frequent users of nesting boxes because they rely so strongly on hollow shelter.

We have installed a number of these boxes on and around our site, creating much‑needed refuges for animals returning to the recovering forest.

Small Structures, Big Impact

Although simple, nesting boxes can make a powerful difference after fire. They help by:

• Providing immediate places to roost and nest
• Supporting the return of gliders, phascogales, possums, microbats and hollow‑nesting birds
• Helping stabilise wildlife populations as habitat slowly reforms
• Bridging the decades‑long gap before new hollows naturally develop

We are incredibly grateful to the Mt Cole–Pyrenees Nature Group for their initiative, generosity and commitment to supporting local wildlife.

As the Mt Cole State Forest continues to recover, these nesting boxes will give wildlife a safe head start during the crucial early years of regrowth. Over time, monitoring will help us understand which species adopt them and how they contribute to the wider ecosystem.

It’s a wonderful example of community‑driven conservation—restoring forest resilience one nesting box at a time. Keep an eye out around camp and see if you can spot one on your next visit!

The post Nesting Boxes Helping Wildlife Recover in the Mt Cole State Forest appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.