Grampians National Park Tours can be a photographer’s dream. This amazing region has endless opportunities for amazing shots – from panoramic views of mountains and rocky outcrops to waterfalls and wildflowers. Whether you’re a pro or just want to get a shot for social media, the Grampians is the ultimate canvas. In this guide, we’ll show you the best spots, techniques and tips for landscape photography in the Grampians, with insights into the most photogenic locations, best times to shoot and advice from top photographers.
Best Photography Spots in the Grampians
The Grampians National Park has many popular photography spots, each with its own unique perspective and views.
MacKenzie Falls
- Why It’s Photogenic: One of Victoria’s most famous waterfalls and a photographer’s favourite. The multi-tiered cascade creates a great focal point among the rocks, which is good for landscape and detail shots.
- Best Time to Shoot: Shoot mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh shadows and get nice side light.
Boroka Lookout
- Why It’s Photogenic: Panoramic views of the Grampians National Park. From here, you can see Lake Bellfield, valleys and mountain ranges. Good for landscape shots.
- Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise is for soft natural light and warm tones in the valley and mountains.
Reed Lookout and The Balconies
- Why It’s Photogenic: Reed Lookout has some of the best views in the Grampians, The Balconies has the iconic rocky outcrop. The layers of rock and forested valley below make for great shots especially at sunset.
- Best Time to Shoot: Sunset for warm light on the landscape.
Hollow Mountain
- Why It’s Photogenic: Rugged mountain with unique rock formations and caves. Good for landscape photography that highlights texture, depth and form. Good for detail shots.
- Best Time to Shoot: Late afternoon for soft natural light on the crevices and shapes.
Mount William and Mount Abrupt
- Why They’re Photogenic: Both mountains have great views. Hiking to the top gives you unobstructed views – good for astro shots or wide angle shots.
- Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon for rugged light and shadows.
Tips for the Grampians Landscape
Photographers can use certain techniques to make the most of the Grampian’s environment and light.
Use a Wide Angle
For the sweeping views and big scenery of popular spots like Pinnacle Lookout, Reed Lookout and Mount Buffalo a wide angle is a must. This will help you capture the size of the mountains and valleys and is one of the best lenses for landscape photographers wanting to show depth and perspective.
Make the Most of Natural Light
Natural light is the key to getting great shots in the Grampians tour. Golden hour (around sunrise and sunset) is the best. It’s soft and beautiful and adds warmth to the landscape. Late afternoon light at places like MacKenzie Falls and Lake Bellfield can create dramatic shadows and highlights and turn ordinary landscapes into something special.
Consider Timing and Weather
When planning your photo shoots consider the weather and daylight saving. In low light you’ll find great conditions for wildlife and landscape photography with soft diffused light. Misty mornings in the Grampians are beautiful, especially around popular spots like Boroka Lookout and Hollow Mountain. Clear evenings are perfect for astro shots without light pollution, a rare treat for photographers in country towns like Halls Gap.
Try Astro Photography
The Grampians has very low light pollution around Halls Gap so it’s a must visit for night time photographers. Pack a tripod and try longer exposures to capture the stars, especially in open spaces like Reed Lookout or Boroka Lookout.
Natural Wonders
The Grampians Tours have different scenery every season, so it’s a photographer’s paradise.
- Spring: Wildflowers are in bloom so you have a vibrant foreground for your landscape shots. The ark of wildflowers against the rocky outcrops make award winning images with pops of colour and texture.
- Summer: Clear blue skies for high-contrast shots. Early morning and late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
- Autumn: Cool climate wines and golden autumn foliage make for beautiful scenes especially around Lake Bellfield and Halls Gap.
- Winter: Misty mornings and higher waterfalls make winter add an otherworldly quality to your shots, especially at MacKenzie Falls and Toorongo Falls.
Grampians Workshops and Tours
Want to improve your photography? Join a landscape photography Grampians National Park day tour or a special workshop with Autopia Tours. These sessions are led by award-winning Australian photographers like Mitch Green and Gib Wettenhall, who will share their knowledge on technique, timing and location. They cover everything from framing at the Grampians’ best photo spots to landscape photography at Nigretta Falls and Freycinet National Park. Some workshops even go beyond the Grampians to other iconic locations like Cradle Mountain, Lake Eyre and Lake Tyrrell to help you broaden your photography skills.
Nearby Photography Hotspots for the Brave
While the Southern Grampians have plenty of photo opportunities, there are more nearby.
- Mount Langi Ghiran and Mount Macedon: These places are famous for their cool climate wines and views, perfect for landscape photography.
- Toorongo Falls and Nigretta Falls: Just a short drive away, these waterfalls offer beautiful scenes of water cascading through the forest.
- Mount Buffalo and Cradle Mountain: If you’re venturing beyond Victoria, these mountains offer alpine landscapes perfect for wide-angle and atmospheric photography.
FAQ
What gear should I bring for landscape photography in the Grampians?
DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses, tripod and polarising filters.
Where are the best panoramic views in the Grampians?
Boroka Lookout, Reed Lookout, Mount William, and The Pinnacle are the top spots for panoramic views of valleys, Lake Bellfield and surrounding mountains.
Are there workshops in the Grampians?
Yes, workshops and Landscape Photography Tours are available, led by award winning photographers who will teach you from basic camera settings to advanced composition and light management.
When is the best time to shoot MacKenzie Falls?
Mid morning or late afternoon is the best time to shoot MacKenzie Falls with side lighting that highlights the waterfall and rocks.
What are the settings for astro shots in the Grampians?
Wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider), longer exposure (15-30 seconds), high ISO to capture stars. Halls Gap and Reed Lookout are good spots as they have low light pollution.
