Every road trip through Victoria wouldn’t be complete without a caffeine break, and Cafes & Bakeries In The Grampians are the perfect spot to let your taste buds feel at home. When I first rolled into Halls Gap after a long hike up the Grampians Peaks Trail, my first stop wasn’t the lookout – it was a coffee, a much-needed latte after all those hours of walking. From locally roasted coffee to the kinds of baked goods you’d only find at a handcrafted bakery, to grabbing a bite to eat with a view from an alfresco dining spot, this part of the world really knows how to bring some warmth & comfort to your day.
You’ll find a bit of everything here – mountain view cafes where you can grab a brunch, back road bakeries famous for their pies, and espresso bars where locals gather to discuss the footy results over a flat white.
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There’s something pretty quintessentially Aussie about sipping a morning flat white & watching the fog clear off the mountains. Around Halls Gap, Stawell and Dunkeld, you’ll find that cafés aren’t just places to grab a coffee, they’re also local hubs, art spaces & rest stops for the hungry hikers.
In Halls Gap alone, you’ll find roasters using beans from Melbourne’s up-and-coming coffee scene alongside country cafes that bake bread before the sun’s even up . Whether you’re fueling up for a hike up to Boronia Peak or unwinding after the Mackenzie Falls trail, there’s always a cafe just around the corner ready to top you up.
Where To Get Your Coffee Fix
Coffee in the Grampians isn’t just something that gets added to the menu after a thought; it’s taken very seriously. Most cafes take their coffee very seriously indeed, and a few even roast their own beans on the premises. After all the years I’ve spent travelling, I’m pretty sure you can tell a lot about a town by the crema on your coffee.
Here are some cafés that are worth planning your day around:
| Café | Location | Coffee Style | Extra Perks |
| Harvest Halls Gap | Halls Gap | Locally roasted coffee | Outdoor dining with views of Fyans Valley |
| Silo Coffee + Bar | Stawell | Strong espresso & breakfast menu | Pet-friendly with outdoor seating |
| Pomonal Estate Café | Pomonal | Espresso & wine pairing | Vineyard views and locally made cheese |
| Grampians Store Café | Dunkeld | Boutique blends | Near Royal Mail Hotel; try their artisan toast |
| Murtoa’s Orchard Café | Murtoa | Smooth blends & specialty teas | Fresh local produce and gluten-free options |
If you’re a true coffee fiend, ask about single-origin specials — a few spots quietly rotate beans from Ethiopian or PNG growers.
Iconic Bakeries — Sweet And Savoury Goodness
The Grampians’ bakeries are as much a part of the landscape as its jagged peaks. Step inside any country bakehouse and you’ll smell the unmistakable scent of bread, croissants, and pies warming in the oven.
My personal favourite? The legendary Dunkeld Old Bakery — one of Australia’s oldest still operating, with a wood-fired scotch oven that’s been baking since 1887. The sourdough is unreal, and the vanilla slice could hold its own against any city café.
Other Worthy Mentions:
- Halls Gap Bakery – Home to pies and sweet vanilla slices.
- Beaufort Bakery – Road trip staple with big serves and great service.
- Waack’s Bakery (Stawell) – Famous for handmade bakery goodies and gluten-free treats.
- Willaura Bakery – Grab an almond croissant and coffee before heading to the Southern Grampians.
Sweet Treats And Desserts — Treat Yourself
Just finished a summit or wandered through the MOCO Gallery? You’ve earned something sweet. Coolas Ice Creamery in Halls Gap is a local institution — with Barney’s Gelato Bar serving small batch gelato nearby for those hot summer days.
In Dunkeld, the Dunkeld Old Bakery serves up rustic tarts and buttery shortbread baked in that old oven. And in Pomonal, Five Ducks Farm has house-made jams and chutneys to go with artisan bread.
For something fancy, Salingers Café in Great Western is worth a detour. Housed in a historic building with exposed brick walls, they serve specialty teas, local sweets and some of the best hot chocolates in the region.
Vegan, Vegetarian And Gluten-Free Options
No more chips as the only vegan option. Cafes across the Grampians now proudly serve gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian meals using local ingredients.
Try These Spots:
- Harvest Halls Gap – Gluten-free banana bread and vegan wraps made daily.
- Pomonal Estate Café – Seasonal plant-based dishes and vegan platters.
- Green Leaf Café & Bar (Halls Gap) – Vegan burgers, smoothies and almond milk lattes.
- Vines Café (Pomonal) – Healthy bowls, specialty teas and sustainable coffee beans.
Most have Disabled access, a car park and NFC mobile payments or real-time reservations so you can brunch without a hassle.
Brunch With A View — Scenic And Tasty
Brunch in the Grampians is a full-on experience — fresh mountain air, lake reflections and kangaroos grazing nearby.
If you’re around Halls Gap, the Adventure Café Bar and Grampians Adventure Golf Café have outdoor dining with views to die for. Head to Alexandra Gardens in Ararat, where Gardens Lake Café serves breakfast overlooking the water — a perfect pit stop before exploring rock art sites or the Great Western Hotel.
Down south, The Parker Street Project at Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld, nails modern dining with local produce, all with views of Mount Sturgeon.
Brunch Highlights:
- Brambuk Café, inside the National Park’s cultural centre — Indigenous-inspired dishes with native herbs.
- Izzy’s Café Mount William Station – Country-style breakfast menu near Mount William.
- Barney’s Bar & Bistro, Pomonal – Relaxed alfresco dining with hearty meals and a glass of craft beer.
Indoor And Outdoor Seating — Comfort For All Seasons
The Grampians can be four seasons in a day, so flexible seating is key. Many cafes mix cosy indoor corners with alfresco dining for sunny days.
Best For Winter Warmth:
- Flame Brothers Restaurant & Bar – Indoor fireplace and hot chocolates to linger over.
- Harvest Halls Gap – Cozy nook with mountain views and friendly customer service.
Best For Summer Air:
- Pomonal Estate Café – Vineyard views and outdoor dining with a breeze.
- Coolas Ice Creamery – Shaded deck for a cooling scoop of gelato.
All major venues have car parks and coach parking, especially near Halls Gap and Dunkeld, making it perfect for group travel.
Bakeries With Savoury Pies — A Local Delight
Let’s be honest — no Aussie road trip is complete without a proper pie stop. In the Grampians, bakeries take their pastry seriously, and the competition is fierce for the best in the park.
Here are a few legends worth detouring for:
- Halls Gap Bakery Café: Beef mince or chicken curry — simple, hot and good.
- Stawell Bakery: Chunky steak and mushroom. Best in the park.
- Dunkeld Old Bakery: Gourmet options like lamb and rosemary, made fresh daily.
Pair your pie with a ginger beer and you’re practically local.
Local Ingredients And Sustainable Practices
What makes the Grampians’ food scene tick is its connection to the land. Many cafes source produce within 100km — honey from Pomonal, olive oil from Horsham, and herbs grown in Dunkeld gardens.
A few even compost, recycle coffee grounds and use eco-packaging to reduce waste. You’ll see it in small details — like stainless steel straws or oat milk from local dairies.
If sustainability matters to you (and it should), ask your barista where the beans or bread come from. You’ll often get a passionate yarn about local suppliers.
Whether you’re joining a Grampian tour or exploring solo, this corner of Victoria has a knack for turning coffee breaks into cultural experiences.
Eat, Sip, And Stay Awhile
So next time you’re on a road trip through Halls Gap, take the scenic route, drop a few map pins for the cafes mentioned here and treat yourself to a day of good food, specialty coffee and genuine hospitality.
For more travel ideas and inspiration you can explore our latest Grampians itineraries and local food experiences at Grampians one day tour where we share updated guides, seasonal tips and cafe recommendations straight from the road.
FAQ
Are there gluten-free cafes in the Grampians?
Yes. Harvest Halls Gap, Pomonal Estate Café and Salingers Café all serve gluten-free meals, cakes and pastries.
Do cafes in the Grampians have outdoor dining?
Yes — many have alfresco dining options like Pomonal Estate, Adventure Café Bar and Coolas Ice Creamery.
Where can I find the best savoury pies?
The Dunkeld Old Bakery, Halls Gap Bakery and Waack’s Bakery are known for their hearty savoury pies and artisan bread.
Are there parking and disabled access at local cafes?
Yes. Most major cafes and bakeries have car parks, coach parking and Disabled access for easy entry.
Which cafes use local ingredients?
Nearly all of them! Harvest Halls Gap, Pomonal Estate, Bakehouse On The Grampians, and Pachamama Café pride themselves on local produce and sustainable practices.
