Northern Grampians Shire Council

In 1841, four years after Major Thomas Mitchell first climbed and named Mt William, Charles Browing Hall became the first European to locate a gap through the mountain range and discover the lovely valley now named after him. However, the ramparts of the Wonderland and Mt William Ranges that rise 700 metres each side of this little tourist village have existed since ancient times.

Cattle rustlers were the first to make use of the valley, but were soon removed and the whole valley was taken-up by station owners, including new arrivals from

Scotland,

Ireland,

Wales and

Britain.

The discovery of gold in Stoney Creek brought many fossickers in 1887, but there was more success on Mt William where the Mafeking Goldfields thrived for several years from 1900. Around this time, guesthouses were being built to house the many tourists, botanists and naturalists who were discovering the beauty of the area.

Centred around the town is the Wonderland Forest Park, which is one of the most popular sections of the Grampians with its interesting rock formations, canyons and viewpoints.

A network of roads from the town lead to other scenic drives and a wealth of walking trails. Lakes Bellfield, Lonsdale, Fyans, Wartook and Moora Moora are all within a short drive of the town.

Visitors should orientate themselves at the National Parks Visitors Centre where they can also experience local aboriginal culture at the award winning Brambuk Living Cultural Centre. Halls Gap features a wide variety of accommodation styles and offers fine dining both in the town and its immediate surrounds.