The tour of this site
Small-group eco tour
Reed, Balconies and Boroka
- Length13 hours
- Reed Lookout10 minutes
- Balconies35 minutes
- Boroka10 minutes
Look up your stop
The Balconies in Grampians National Park, and the views around it
Short answer
The Balconies in Grampians National Park are a relatively easy 2 km walk on from the Reed Lookout car park, and misty mornings and sunsets suit them.
Lookout essentials
Look at 44 stops
The Grampians, route by route and pin by pin
Pick a route and tap a pin or a stop: you get its note and a Google Maps link.
From the summit of Reed Lookout the views take in Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range, Lake Wartook and the Mt Difficult Range.
Google MapsFrom the Reed Lookout car park it is a relatively easy 2 km walk on to the Balconies.
Google MapsBoroka Lookout is a short 5-minute stroll to two viewing platforms and suits people with limited mobility.
Google MapsThe Lakeview Loop gives views across the Mount William Range and over Lake Bellfield.
Google MapsSilverband Falls is reached by an easy stroll in the Wonderland Range.
Google MapsBoroka Lookout is 15 km from Halls Gap.
Google Maps
Mount William is the highest point in the Grampians, reached by a steep climb from the Mt William carpark.
Google MapsThe Mount Rosea walk is a strenuous climb with 360-degree views of the Serra and Mount William Ranges.
Google MapsThe Mount Stapylton loop is an adventurous walk through open forest and over rocky outcrops.
Google MapsThe Hollow Mountain climb reaches wind-scoured caverns near the top, with views of Mount Stapylton and the Wimmera Plains.
Google MapsThe Wonderland Loop is a 10 km strenuous walk from Halls Gap.
Google MapsBoroka Lookout is a short 5-minute stroll to two viewing platforms.
Google MapsThe Mackenzie Falls Walk is 2 km return and goes down 260 narrow steps to the base of the falls.
Google Maps
The easiest route to the Pinnacle leaves the Sundial carpark and climbs through Devils Gap.
Google MapsThe climb from the Sundial carpark passes the rock formations of Devil's Gap on its way to the lookout.
Google MapsFrom the Pinnacle lookout you can see Halls Gap far below and Lake Bellfield.
Google MapsThe Wonderland route continues through the Silent Street before rising to the Pinnacle.
Google MapsThe Grand Canyon Loop is a short strenuous scramble through a gorge below towering rock walls.
Google MapsA more challenging route leaves the Wonderland carpark and climbs through the Grand Canyon.
Google MapsPast Venus Baths the rocky track continues to Splitters Falls and then connects to the Wonderland Car Park.
Google MapsThe route from Halls Gap follows a well-formed track to Venus Baths.
Google MapsThe Pinnacle can also be walked from the Halls Gap caravan park, at the base of the mountains.
Google Maps
Parks Victoria calls Mackenzie Falls the most iconic and spectacular waterfall in the Grampians.
Google MapsThe Mackenzie Falls Lookout Walk is 1.9 km return and wheelchair friendly.
Google MapsThe Broken Falls Walk is 500 m, wheelchair friendly, with only a slight gradient.
Google MapsThe Zumsteins to Fish Falls walk is a 1.5 to 2 hour return, Grade 3.
Google MapsZumsteins Picnic Area is on the banks of the Mackenzie River at the site of an historic settlement.
Google MapsClematis Falls is an easy 2.4 km return walk and is best seen after rain.
Google MapsSilverband Falls is reached by an easy stroll in the Wonderland Range.
Google MapsSplitters Falls is seasonal and may dry up over summer.
Google Maps
From Halls Gap town you can walk directly to Venus Baths, the Pinnacle, Boronia Peak, Clematis Falls, Chatauqua Peak, Wonderland and Boroka Lookout.
Google MapsThe Brambuk information centre is 2 km south of Halls Gap.
Google MapsHalls Gap Zoo is Victoria's largest regional zoo, with over 120 native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds.
Google MapsLake Bellfield is 5 km from the main shops in Halls Gap.
Google MapsLake Fyans lies at the foot of the national park, a short drive from Halls Gap.
Google MapsThe Venus Baths loop is a 2.3 km flat track starting in the centre of Halls Gap.
Google MapsWine tours run every Wednesday to Sunday with departures from Halls Gap and Pomonal.
Google Maps
Parks Victoria says to make Brambuk your first stop to learn what Gariwerd-Grampians means to Aboriginal people.
Google MapsBunjil Shelter holds the only known rock art painting of Bunjil, and is a 25-minute drive from Halls Gap.
Google MapsGulgurn Manja has rock art that tells the story of the Jarwadjali people and the landscape they call Gariwerd.
Google MapsThe paintings at Ngamadjidj are unusual because only white clay was used.
Google MapsManja Shelter has some of the best Aboriginal hand stencils in Victoria.
Google MapsBillimina Walk and Rock Art Shelter remain closed because of track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.
Google MapsJadawadjali Falls is a stop on the way up to Billimina Shelter.
Google Maps
Map data from © OpenStreetMap contributors
Reed Lookout, the Balconies and Boroka Lookout sit on sealed roads above Halls Gap. This guide covers the walks, the light at each, and which tours stop there.
Editorial team, grampianstour.top · Updated November 7, 2026 · 6 min reading time
Basics
- The BalconiesA relatively easy 2 km walk on from the Reed Lookout car park.1
- Reed LookoutThe path is well maintained and fully accessible by wheelchair.2
- Boroka LookoutA 5-minute stroll to two platforms, 15 km from Halls Gap.3,4
- Good lightMisty mornings and sunsets at the Balconies; sunrise at Boroka.5,6
- Our day tourIt gives the Balconies 35 minutes, plus 10 minutes each at Reed and Boroka.
Reed Lookout and the Balconies from one car park
Reed Lookout's summit looks over Victoria Valley and Victoria Range, then the Serra Range, Lake Wartook and, far off, the Mt Difficult Range.7 The way up runs past a gate and follows the sealed road to the summit.8 Visit Grampians says that path is well maintained and fully accessible by wheelchair.2
From the same car park a relatively easy 2 km walk leads on to the Balconies.1 Parks Victoria calls it a gentle walk for all abilities that ends at viewing platforms on the lip of overhanging cliffs.9 Unusual rock shapes jut out of the mountain here, which Visit Grampians says make it unique.10 The Balconies in Grampians National Park suit a family with a camera as well as a keen walker.
The outlook from the platforms runs over Victoria Valley and the Victoria Range.11 Light matters here. Parks Victoria says misty mornings and sunsets make for optimal photos.5 Reed Lookout's platform draws people at sunset, when the sky turns pink and purple over the mountains.12 Pack a jacket if you plan to stay for the evening colours.
Lookout by lookout
The lookouts side by side
| Lookout | How you reach it | Light to chase | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reed Lookout | Path along the sealed road | Sunset over the mountains12 | Wheelchair path2 |
| The Balconies | 2 km on from the Reed car park1 | Misty mornings and sunset5 | All abilities9 |
| Boroka Lookout | 5-minute stroll, 15 km from town3,4 | Sunrise13 | Limited mobility suited3 |
| Lakeview Loop | Loop from Sundial carpark | Spring wildflowers20 | Easier than the Pinnacle21 |
| Silverband Falls | Easy stroll | Fern-laden trail15 | Easy walk |
Times and distances come from Parks Victoria and Visit Grampians; check current conditions before you drive up.
Boroka Lookout, the easy sunrise stop
Boroka Lookout is 15 km from Halls Gap and reached by sealed roads.4,16 Visit Grampians describes a short 5-minute stroll to two viewing platforms that suits people with limited mobility.3 That makes Boroka Lookout in Grampians National Park a stop for anyone short of time or energy.
Parks Victoria suggests rising early: the sunrise lights the rugged landscape in gold, crimson and bronze.13 Visit Grampians adds that the outlook toward Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield is amazing, framed by the Wonderland and Mt William ranges.6 The farmland plains to the east come into view too, from the platforms.17
Accessible facilities sit next to the car park, but the way to the toilets is an unsealed path with a short, steep gradient.18 Visit Grampians lists Boroka Lookout and Reeds Lookout among the accessible lookouts in the Halls Gap area.19 Check the day's fire danger before you drive up for sunrise, and leave time for the drive back down.
On the day tour
Minutes at each stop
- Silverband Falls30
- Grand Canyon30
- The Balconies35
- Reed Lookout10
- Boroka Lookout10
The record lists 30 minutes each at Silverband Falls and the Grand Canyon, 35 at the Balconies and 10 each at Reed and Boroka.
Lakeview Lookout and Silverband Falls
The Lakeview Loop from Sundial Carpark gives wide views over the Mount William Range and across Lake Bellfield.14 Parks Victoria calls it an easier and no less spectacular view than the Pinnacle.21 In spring a large variety of wildflowers is scattered through the landscape along the loop.20
Silverband Falls is an easy stroll in the Wonderland Range along a fern-laden trail.15 Look for colourful birds, from the cheeky yellow robin to Wedge-tailed Eagles circling overhead.22 The falls make a calm counterweight to the big views.
While Mackenzie Falls is under construction, Parks Victoria says day visitor sites including Reeds Lookout, the Balconies, Boroka Lookout and Silverband Falls stay open, along with walks that have large bus car parks.23 That notice matters for planning: the lookouts in this guide stay open while the busiest waterfall precinct is closed, so a lookout day is a sound plan for the rest of the year.
Pick your lookout
Which view is for you?
Pick the line that matches your legs and your hour of the day.
If I want a wheelchair-friendly view
Reed Lookout
The path is well maintained and fully accessible by wheelchair.2
If I have minutes, not hours
Boroka Lookout
It is a short 5-minute stroll to two viewing platforms.3
If I want the dramatic rock edges
The Balconies
Viewing platforms perch on the edge of overhanging cliffs.9
If I want sunrise
Boroka Lookout
The sunrise there is especially stunning, with Lake Bellfield in view.6
If I want sunset
Reed Lookout
The platform draws people at sunset.12
If I want an easier view than the Pinnacle
Lakeview Loop
Parks Victoria calls it an easier and no less spectacular view.21
Tours that stop here
Three day tours and their lookout stops
Comparison tour
Small-group bushwalk day
Names all three, plus the falls
- Length12.5 hours
- Reeds LookoutStop named
- BalconiesStop named
- BorokaStop named
Comparison tour
Kangaroos guided tour
Boroka and Reeds, longer stops
- Length12.5 hours
- Reeds Lookout20 minutes
- BalconiesNot itemised
- Boroka20 minutes
A sealed-road circuit of the central Grampians
Visit Grampians groups the easier walks together: popular walks on sealed roads between Halls Gap and Wartook run to Lakeview Lookout, Venus Baths, Boroka Lookout, Reed Lookout and the Balconies.68 All of them can be strung into a day from a base in town without a four-wheel drive.
Parks Victoria describes a memorable car tour from the town of Halls Gap that visits the Balconies and Boroka Lookout before Mackenzie Falls and Zumsteins.69 Parks Victoria has closed the Mackenzie Falls carpark and walks for construction from 9 February 2026, and the circuit in 2026 stops at the lookouts and Zumsteins.63
The Pinnacle lookout in Grampians National Park needs a separate walk and sits in the half-day class: the visitor guide places the Pinnacle, Mt Rosea and Mackenzie Falls among the more challenging half-day walks.70 Keep the Balconies and Boroka for a lighter morning and the Pinnacle for a day of its own.
A light-led day
The lookouts in the order the light favours
Sunrise
Boroka Lookout
Rise early for gold, crimson and bronze across the valley.13
Morning
The Balconies
Misty mornings make for optimal photos on the platforms.5
Midday
Lakeview Loop
The loop looks across the Mount William Range and over Lake Bellfield.14
Afternoon
Silverband Falls
An easy fern-lined stroll in the Wonderland Range.15
Sunset
Reed Lookout
A popular place to see the sun set behind the mountains.12
Which light for which lookout
Match the stop to the hour. Boroka Lookout is the sunrise stop, with gold, crimson and bronze light across the valley.13 The Balconies are the misty-morning stop, where Parks Victoria says the fresh air and low cloud make for optimal photos.5 Reed Lookout keeps the sunset, when the sky shifts to pink and purple.12
A day tour cannot follow that clock. The itinerary of the 13-hour small-group tour sold on this site allows 10 minutes at Reed Lookout, 35 minutes at The Balconies and 10 minutes at Boroka Lookout, among other stops. Those are daytime visits, so expect clear views but not the sunrise colour or the evening glow.
If the light is your priority, base yourself in Halls Gap and take the lookouts on separate mornings and evenings. Wildlife is common along roadsides at dawn and dusk, so drive carefully on the way up and down.67 Mobile phone coverage is unavailable in many areas, so tell someone where you are headed.66
Video
Exploring Grampians National Park: Mackenzie Falls and Reed and Boroka lookouts
Lauren and Scott on YouTube · Video data is requested only when you tap play.
Suitable for walkers of all abilities to viewing platforms perched on the edge of overhanging cliffs
Before you go
Lookout checklist
Plan the visit3
What the day tours give each lookout
Itineraries differ more than their names suggest. The record for From Melbourne: Grampians National Park Small Group Tour names Beaufort for 20 minutes, Halls Gap for 30 minutes, Reeds Lookout, Boroka Lookout, The Balconies, MacKenzie Falls and Ararat. That listing names the Balconies and the falls together.
The Kangaroos Guided Tour record gives 20 minutes each at Boroka Lookout and Reeds Lookout, with 45 minutes at the Brambuk centre and 1 hour at MacKenzie Falls. The near-identical GetYourGuide listing of the eco day gives Reed Lookout 10 minutes and Boroka Lookout 10 minutes, with no Balconies stop.
With the falls closed to visitors in 2026, a listing that names MacKenzie Falls may swap that stop for another; ask the operator before you book.63 Parks Victoria says the Mackenzie Falls carpark and walks close for the construction works until the end of 2026.71,72
Photographing the edges safely
The platforms at the Balconies and the Boroka viewing points stand at real drops, and the visitor guide gives a blunt rule for them. At a lookout, never climb a barrier.73 The visitor guide puts it plainly: safety matters more than a social media post, and a good frame is usually the one taken from the platform itself with a steady hand and a wide lens.
Drones are a different matter. Drone use requires a permit as aircraft affect wildlife, other visitors and park operations.74 A phone or compact camera does the job for the views described here. Bring a lens cloth for the misty mornings, since low cloud leaves a film of moisture on glass, and keep your bag zipped on the rocky ledges where a dropped lens cap is gone for good.
Give other people room at the rail. The lookouts are short stops, and a tripod on a busy platform blocks the view for everyone. If you want a long exposure at sunset, arrive early for a spot and offer to swap places with the next group afterwards. A courteous few minutes at the rail costs nothing and keeps the lookouts pleasant for the whole evening.
FAQ
The short answers to your questions.
How long is the walk to the Balconies?
About 2 km on from the car park.
From the same car park as Reed Lookout, Visit Grampians describes a relatively easy 2 km walk on to the Balconies.1
Is the Balconies walk suitable for all abilities?
Yes, Parks Victoria says so.
Parks Victoria describes a gentle walk suitable for walkers of all abilities, to platforms on the edge of overhanging cliffs.9
Can I reach Boroka Lookout with limited mobility?
Yes, it is a 5-minute stroll.
Visit Grampians describes a short 5-minute stroll to two viewing platforms that suits people with limited mobility.3
When is the best light at the Balconies?
Misty mornings and sunsets.
Parks Victoria says misty mornings and sunsets make for optimal photos at the Balconies.5
Where do I watch the sunrise?
Boroka Lookout.
Visit Grampians calls the sunrise at Boroka Lookout especially stunning, with Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield in view.6
Is Reed Lookout wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the path is accessible.
The path to Reed Lookout is well maintained and fully accessible by wheelchair, according to Visit Grampians.2
Does the small-group day tour stop at the Balconies?
Yes, for 35 minutes.
The itinerary lists 35 minutes at The Balconies, 10 minutes at Reed Lookout and 10 minutes at Boroka Lookout.
Sources
- Visit Grampians · Reed Lookout and The Balconies ↩
- Visit Grampians · Reed Lookout and The Balconies ↩
- Visit Grampians · Boroka Lookout ↩
- Visit Grampians · Boroka Lookout ↩
- Parks Victoria · The Balconies Walk ↩
- Visit Grampians · Boroka Lookout ↩
- Visit Grampians · Reed Lookout and The Balconies ↩
- Parks Victoria · Central Grampians ↩
- Parks Victoria · The Balconies Walk ↩
- Visit Grampians · Reed Lookout and The Balconies ↩
- Parks Victoria · The Balconies Walk ↩
- Visit Grampians · Reed Lookout and The Balconies ↩
- Parks Victoria · Boroka Lookout ↩
- Parks Victoria · Lakeview Loop Walk ↩
- Parks Victoria · Silverband Falls Walk ↩
- Parks Victoria · Central Grampians ↩
- Parks Victoria · Boroka Lookout ↩
- Visit Grampians · Boroka Lookout ↩
- Visit Grampians · Halls Gap ↩
- Parks Victoria · Lakeview Loop Walk ↩
- Parks Victoria · Central Grampians ↩
- Parks Victoria · Silverband Falls Walk ↩
- Parks Victoria · The Pinnacle Walk ↩
- Parks Victoria · The Pinnacle walks
- Parks Victoria · Sundial Trail head to The Pinnacle Walk
- Parks Victoria · The Pinnacle walks
- Parks Victoria · The Pinnacle walks
- Parks Victoria · Grand Canyon Loop Walk
- Parks Victoria · The Pinnacle walks
- Visit Grampians · The Pinnacle Walk and Lookout
- Visit Grampians · The Pinnacle Walk and Lookout
- Parks Victoria · The Pinnacle walks
- Parks Victoria · Mackenzie Falls
- Parks Victoria · Mackenzie Falls
- Parks Victoria · Mackenzie Falls
- Parks Victoria · The Pinnacle Walk
- Parks Victoria · Mackenzie Falls
- Visit Grampians · Clematis Falls
- Parks Victoria · Silverband Falls Walk
- Visit Grampians · Splitters Falls
- Visit Grampians · Halls Gap
- Parks Victoria · Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Visitor Guide (PDF, June 2026)
- Visit Grampians · Halls Gap Zoo
- Visit Grampians · Halls Gap
- Visit Grampians · Halls Gap
- Visit Grampians · Venus Baths Loop Walk
- Visit Grampians · Wine Experiences and Tours
- Parks Victoria · Central Grampians
- Visit Grampians · Bunjil Shelter - Stawell
- Visit Grampians · Halls Gap
- Parks Victoria · Gulgurn Manja Aboriginal Rock Art Site
- Visit Grampians · Ngamadjidj Shelter - Wartook Valley
- Parks Victoria · Manja Walk
- Parks Victoria · The Pinnacle Walk
- Parks Victoria · Southern Grampians
- Parks Victoria · Mt William (Duwul) Summit Walk
- Parks Victoria · Mount Rosea Walk
- Parks Victoria · Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
- Parks Victoria · Hollow Mountain (Wudjub-guyan) Walk
- Parks Victoria · Wonderland Loop Walk
- Parks Victoria · Mackenzie Falls
- Parks Victoria · Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Visitor Guide (PDF, June 2026) ↩
- Parks Victoria · The Pinnacle Walk ↩
- Parks Victoria · Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Visitor Guide (PDF, June 2026) ↩
- Parks Victoria · Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Visitor Guide (PDF, June 2026) ↩
- Parks Victoria · Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Visitor Guide (PDF, June 2026) ↩
- Parks Victoria · Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Visitor Guide (PDF, June 2026) ↩
- Parks Victoria · Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Visitor Guide (PDF, June 2026) ↩
- Parks Victoria · Central Grampians ↩
- Parks Victoria · Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Visitor Guide (PDF, June 2026) ↩
- Parks Victoria · The Pinnacle Walk ↩
- Parks Victoria · The Pinnacle Walk ↩
- Parks Victoria · Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Visitor Guide (PDF, June 2026) ↩
- Parks Victoria · Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Visitor Guide (PDF, June 2026) ↩
Further reading