Northern Grampians Shire Council

Great Western is a quaint and charming township located on the Western Highway between Melbourne and Adelaide and part of the Grampians and Great Grape Road touring routes. First settled in the 1840’s by sheep graziers, Great Western rapidly developed through the discovery of gold and then the planting of grape vines and today remains the focal point of one of

Australia’s internationally renowned wine growing regions and one of the State’s most attractive wine villages.

Great Western is a fascinating blend of history and modern technology. History nestles in the age-old vines and rustic cellar doors of Seppelts and Bests wineries whilst modern day Great Western has developed into a wine industry centre with supporting tourism industry including cottage, bed and breakfast and motel accommodation.

Seppelts and Bests wineries continue to make Great Western famous for its premium wines, winning international accolades and attracting around 60,000 visitors per year. Tours of the Seppelt Winery’s underground "drives" are one of the region’s most popular activities, while the slab hut of Bests Vineyard is one of the area’s historic highlights.

Great Western plays host to many events throughout the year including the Great Western Vintage Racing Carnival, "Grampians Four" Vintage Harvest Exhibition and the Great Western Rodeo.

Things to do:

Seppelt Great Western Winery underground tours - Western Highway

Bests Wines - Off Western Highway

Garden Gully Winery - Western Highway

Old Toll Gate - Western Highway

Historic walking tour

Major events:

Great Western Champagne Races - Australia Day, January

Rodeo - Easter

Bush racing carnival - November

Accommodation:

Hotel/motel, Bed & Breakfast