A Peaceful Weekend in the Northern Grampians: Where to Stay, Explore, and Meet Mini Donkeys

Image for A Peaceful Weekend in the Northern Grampians: Where to Stay, Explore, and Meet Mini Donkeys
Published on Friday 25 July 2025 by Pamela Pratt

If you’re dreaming of a weekend that feels like a deep breath, the kind where you leave the noise behind and trade it for mountain views, animal cuddles, and golden paddocks, then come spend a few days on our side of the Grampians.

This guide is like what I’d share with a friend who rings up and says, “Pam, we need a weekend away. What should we do?”

Well, let me tell you…

Friday: Arrive, Unwind, and Breathe

Stop at Grampians Olive Co.

Just off the Western Hwy in Laharum. Their olive oil is delicious, and the views are the perfect welcome to the area.

Check in nearby

Whether you’re staying at Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort for a relaxed vibe or one of the Tiny Away Escape eco cabins tucked amongst the trees, you’ll feel the stress start to melt away.

Then it’s early dinner, warm socks, and a slow start to the weekend.

Saturday: Farm Friends & Mountain Walks

11am Rosehaven Farms Tour

That’s us! Come meet the mini donkeys, goats, alpacas, sheep and our cheeky farm dog Ella. The tour is relaxed and personal, just small groups, and there’s plenty of time to ask questions, take photos, and soak in the views.

After the tour, people often say it was their favourite part of the weekend, not just because of the animals, but because it felt like being welcomed into someone’s home. (Which it is, really.)

Afternoon Adventure: Walk to Mt Zero or Gulgurn Manja Shelter

Both are short drives from the farm. Mt Zero has rocky trails and stunning views if you’re up for a climb, or you can take the gentle track to Gulgurn Manja Shelter to see incredible Aboriginal rock art and peaceful bushland.

Back to your accommodation in time to watch the sunset behind the ranges. Bliss.

Sunday: One Last Stroll or a Women’s Nature Walk

A morning walk with Wellness Walking

They offer guided nature walks for women that are calm, restorative, and perfect for reconnecting with yourself before the drive home.

Visit wellnesswalking.com.au

Or visit Ngamadjidj Shelter

A quiet, easy walk near Stapylton campground that takes you through peaceful bushland to a beautiful Aboriginal rock shelter.

Then grab a snack, take one last look at the mountains, and carry that calm country feeling with you all the way home.

Plan Your Visit

Location: Laharum, Victoria – 45 mins from Halls Gap

Tour time: 11am (bookings essential)

Book now: https://rosehavenfarms.com.au/farm-tours

We’d love to meet you.

Pam
Rosehaven Farms
Where muddy boots, mini donkeys, and warm cuppas remind you to slow down.

Join Our Mailing List

Join our newsletter family and think of it as a little note from home—filled with farm updates, exciting news, first access to fresh products, and the occasional special surprise just for you.

We’d love to hear from you, too! Our community means the world to us, and staying in touch makes it feel like home. Simply pop your email address below, and we’ll keep you in the loop!

Sign Up