Reed Lookout & The Balconies
A visit to the Grampians National Park would not be complete without stopping at Reeds Lookout and The Balconies, two outstanding viewpoints offering some of the area's best views. They tower over the Victoria Valley and the surrounding Serra and Mount Difford mountain ranges, making them a must-see on the Grampians Tour.
Where is Reeds Lookout & The Balconies in Grampians?
Reeds Lookout and The Balconies are in the central portion of Grampians National Park in Victoria, Australia. Accessible via Mount Victory Road near Halls Gap, the lookouts offer views of Lake Wartook to the north and Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield to the east.
Directions to the Grampians
Reeds Lookout and The Balconies are situated in the Grampians National Park, approximately 250km west of Melbourne, with a three-hour drive to reach the park.
It is possible to take public transport from Melbourne to Halls Gap, but it is a long journey. It is recommended to have your car for convenience.
One can Grampians Tour from Melbourne, with full-day tours typically including stops at Reeds Lookout, The Balconies, waterfalls, and a visit to Halls Gap in the Grampians National Park.
What is visible at Reed Lookout?
From an elevation of approximately 760m, the main lookout area offers a sweeping view over Victoria Valley to the Victoria Range. Walking towards the fire tower provides views in the opposite direction to Lake Wartook, the Serra Range, and the Mount Difficult Range in the Grampians.
The weather conditions at Reed Lookout will determine the visibility of the view. Cloudy skies are familiar, and fog can limit visibility. The area can be icy, especially with strong winds. Being prepared for cooler temperatures is advisable, especially in the mornings and evenings.
The Balconies Walk
The Balconies is another feature of Reed Lookout. The walk from the Reed Lookout Carpark to the Reed Lookout is a 2km round trip along a gently sloping dirt track. The path can be found at the opposite end of the car park from the fire tower. Walking through clouds is a pleasant walk that can be pretty mystical. In spring, the bush along the track is filled with colourful wildflowers.
The bridge provides access across a small stream with scenic views, while along the path, there are seating options made from tree stumps for bird watching or taking in the scenery. Twin viewing platforms at the Balconies offer great views of the valley and unique rock formations.
The Balconies
In some regions, the Balconies, also known as the Jaws of Death, are rocky formations protruding from the hillside. From the lookouts, one can observe a complex network of cracks running vertically and horizontally through the rocks, provided the view is not obscured by fog.
One day, the Balconies may collapse into the valley below due to their fractured state. The rock formations defy gravity and are in danger of falling apart. One viewing area is on a protruding rock plank, which is in better condition than the main structure. There are additional sunset viewing spots, and it is an excellent location to observe clouds moving over distant ranges.
Activities in the vicinity of Reed Lookout
Reed Lookout is conveniently located near some of the top attractions in the Grampians.
- One can easily visit Reed Lookout to Mackenzie Falls in just 10 minutes. These waterfalls are among the most popular in the Grampians, as they flow continuously throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy views of the falls from upper and lower vantage points. Additionally, one can walk from Mackenzie Falls to Fish Falls and Zumsteins Picnic Area.
- The distance from Reed Lookout to Zumsteins Picnic Area is 15 minutes. It is a popular spot for picnics, and the walk to Fish Falls from here offers opportunities to see wildlife.
- The walk from Reed Lookout to Boroka Lookout takes about 11 minutes. Visitors can enjoy views of Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield from two viewing areas near the carpark.
- The trail from Reed Lookout to Wonderland Carpark takes approximately 15 minutes, leading to popular attractions in the Grampians, such as Pinnacle Lookout, the Grand Canyon, and Splitters Falls.
- The hike from Reed Lookout to Sundial Carpark takes about 15 minutes. Sundial Carpark is a pleasant place for a picnic and serves as the starting point for hikes to The Pinnacle, Sundial Peak, and Mount Rosea.
The best time to visit Reeds Lookout & The Balconies
Reeds Lookout in the Grampians offers beautiful views facing west, making it a great spot to watch the sunset. The Balconies are also a fantastic location to catch the sunrise over the Grampians.
Visitors to Reeds Lookout and The Balconies in the Grampians should be prepared for cool and windy weather, especially during sunrise or sunset. It is recommended to pack accordingly for your day trip.
Reeds Lookout and The Balconies are popular attractions in the Grampians due to the easy access to viewing platforms. For a quieter experience, avoiding weekends, school holidays, and the middle of the day is recommended.