Great Western

Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine country, Great Western is a historic village that punches well above its weight for oenophiles and history buffs alike. Famed for its sparkling wines and deep underground cellars, this tiny settlement offers a glimpse into Australia’s winemaking heritage while delivering world-class drops. The landscape is classic Hunter – rolling vine-covered hills, eucalypt forests and a slow, country pace that invites you to linger over a glass of shiraz.

Highlights & What to See

• Seppelt Great Western Winery – Explore the remarkable Drives underground cellars, a network of tunnels hand-dug in the 19th century. The tour is a fascinating lesson in history and winemaking, and the tasting room offers some of the region’s best sparkling and table wines.
• Great Western Historical Museum – Housed in the old railway station, this museum tells the story of the village’s gold-rush and wine-growing past through photographs, artefacts and vintage winemaking equipment.
• Bests Wines – One of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries, Bests is renowned for its elegant, cool-climate shiraz and riesling. The cellar door is a charming, no-fuss experience with views over the vines.
• Grampians Bushwalking & Lookouts – A short drive south, the Grampians National Park offers dramatic sandstone peaks, wildflowers and hiking trails for all abilities. Don’t miss the Boroka Lookout for panoramic valley views.
• Great Western Distillery – For something different, this small-batch distillery produces gin and whisky using local botanicals and grains. Tastings are intimate and the staff are passionate.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three hours is enough to visit a couple of cellar doors and the museum, but wine lovers should plan a half-day to properly explore Seppelt and Bests, including the underground tour. If you intend to hike in the Grampians, set aside a full day. Great Western is best enjoyed as a relaxed stop on a Hunter Valley itinerary – stay overnight in nearby Halls Gap or Ararat to break up the drive.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Halls Gap – The gateway to the Grampians, with accommodation, restaurants and trailheads for hikes like the Pinnacle.
• Ararat – A gold-rush town with a fascinating Chinese history and the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre.
• Stawell – Known for the Stawell Gift footrace and historic buildings; worth a quick look.
• Moyston – A tiny village with a craft brewery and a reputation as the birthplace of Australian Rules football.
• Grampians National Park – For waterfalls, wildlife and Aboriginal rock art sites like Gulgurn Manja.

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