WAMA in Halls Gap: where art, gardens and the Grampians meet
Just outside Halls Gap, there’s a place where art, gardens and the natural landscape come together in a way that feels both thoughtful and relaxed.
Welcome to the WAMA – National Centre for Environmental Art — a 16-hectare cultural precinct at the foothills of the Grampians National Park. Part gallery, part botanic garden and part café stop, it’s a destination in its own right and an easy addition to any Grampians itinerary.
Whether you’re passing through for the day or staying in the region for a few nights, WAMA offers a gentle way to experience art inspired by the natural world — with time to wander gardens, enjoy a coffee and take in the views.
WAMA: a gallery dedicated to environmental art
At the heart of WAMA is the National Centre for Environmental Art, a purpose-built gallery showcasing contemporary art that explores our relationship with nature.
One of the gallery highlights is the WAMA Art Prize, a biennial exhibition celebrating artists whose work reflects environmental themes.
The 2025 Major Acquisitive Prize was awarded to Victorian artist Kate Gorringe-Smith for her work White Faced Heron at Twilight, selected from 54 finalist works. The exhibition featured a fascinating mix of pieces created on or with paper — including drawing, printmaking, collage and experimental works that push the boundaries of the medium.
Even if you’re not an art expert, the gallery is easy to enjoy. The works are thoughtful, often surprising, and deeply connected to the landscapes and ecosystems that surround the gallery.
Gardens that celebrate the Grampians landscape
Step outside the gallery and the experience continues.
WAMA’s grounds include wetlands, walking paths and botanic garden spaces designed to reflect the unique plant life of the region. The Gariwerd/Grampians Endemic Botanic Garden showcases species native to the surrounding mountains, while the nearby Jallukar Native Grasslands highlights the importance of native grass ecosystems.
The gardens are easy to explore at your own pace, with plenty of spots to stop, take photos or simply enjoy the views of the Grampians ranges rising in the distance.
For many visitors, this combination of art indoors and nature outdoors is what makes WAMA special.
Chris’ review
“It’s a beautiful place”.. “We love Halls Gap”.. were typical responses from friends when we mentioned our upcoming weekend away to the heart of the Grampians.
The nearly 3 hour road trip from Melbourne was worth it. Nestled in a picturesque valley protected by the rugged Mt William Ranges, Halls Gap lived up to our expectations.
Waking to the scent of eucalypts, cockatoos screeching, kookaburras laughing, kangaroos grazing on the motel lawn we watched walkers prepare to challenge the renowned hiking trails and well, we did walk, but to enjoy breakfast at one of the many cafes in this quaint tourism hamlet… but this trip for us was going to be centred around a day at the WAMA Foundation.
WAMA, 7 km from Halls Gap, set on sixteen hectares of native gardens, wetlands and bushland is Australia’s first precinct dedicated to Art, Science and Nature.
The gardens are home for some rare specimens of endangered plants but visitors are welcome to carefully explore, pause and reflect.
A modern centre with galleries, workrooms (and a café) encourages seeing the natural world through artist’s eyes. This day, we were fortunate enough to participate in a 3 hour botanical art workshop led by artist Dolores Skowronski-Malloni. The experience was inspiring, not only for improving (or birthing) drawing skills but has made me look at the natural world, leaves in particular, in an entirely new and almost spiritual way.
Another highlight of our WAMA day was the Gallery, the National Centre for Environmental Art, which showcased the works entered for the 2025 WAMA Art Prize. These were amazing, such detail and creativity from artists deeply engaged with the natural world.
If you’re planning a trip to Western Victoria, I reckon it’s worth looking up what is on at WAMA and including a visit on your itinerary.
Coffee, wine and a café with art on the walls
After a wander through the gallery and gardens, the WAMA Café is the perfect place to pause.
The café has quickly become a favourite stop for visitors exploring the Grampians. Alongside coffee and tea, you’ll find wines from local producers including Best’s Wines, Seppelt Wines, Black & Ginger and Pomonal Estate.
The menu focuses on simple regional flavours, with a “build your own platter” option featuring cheeses, pâté and other locally sourced treats.
While you’re enjoying a drink or bite to eat, take a moment to look up. Two walls of the café are covered by a large-scale digital collage titled The Remaking of Things (Second Telling) by artists Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison.
The artwork depicts a restored eucalyptus forest habitat for the grey-headed flying fox, drawing on imagery from the National Gallery of Victoria collection. It’s colourful, intricate and full of details that reveal themselves the longer you look.
Workshops and Events Throughout the Year
WAMA isn’t just about looking at art — sometimes you can try making it too.
Throughout the year, the WAMA gallery hosts creative workshops and events inspired by nature. One example is the botanical illustration workshops led by artist Dolores Skowronski-Malloni, where participants learn to draw plants and natural forms using watercolour pencil techniques.
These sessions are designed for beginners and provide a relaxed way to slow down, observe the natural world and develop new skills. Materials are supplied and groups are kept small so participants receive individual guidance.
Events and workshops vary through the year, so it’s worth checking the WAMA website before your visit to see what’s coming up.
Visiting WAMA
WAMA is located about seven minutes from Halls Gap, making it an easy stop when exploring the Grampians region.
From Melbourne, the drive takes around three hours, while visitors from Ballarat can reach the gallery in roughly 90 minutes.
The gallery, gardens and café are open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, and for a limited time, entry is just $2 (normally $12), with children under 12 free.
Whether you’re stopping in for a coffee and a wander, exploring the exhibition, or making a day of it in the gardens, WAMA offers a refreshing change of pace — a place where creativity, conservation and the beauty of the Grampians landscape come together.
Terrie’s review
Just a few minutes from Halls Gap, we turned off to see for ourselves this place called WAMA.
Upon entering the driveway, the magnificent new building opens up in front of you. A huge car park, and then you see the beautiful native gardens and bushland. My husband and I were there to attend an Illustration workshop, learning the techniques for capturing gum leaves. I’m not a particularly good artist, but I absolutely enjoyed trying something new and loved, loved the class.
We drew gum leaves, then coloured them in using watercolour pencils. I picked a really simple-shaped leaf, and our artist teacher, Dolores Skowronski-Malloni, led us step by step, so it was not overwhelming but lots of fun.
There were 11 people in the class, a mix of ages, all very friendly. Tea and coffee provided and lots of chatter amongst strangers. The 3-hour lesson felt like minutes.
We were excited to learn all about WAMA, where art meets nature. This precinct is a huge community-led initiative opened in July 2025. The Art Gallery features wildlife or environmental pieces of art, which are so amazing. I loved every piece.
There is a cafe which provides coffee and light lunches, features magnificent murals on the walls and also includes 2 huge walls of glass so you have a great view of the gardens.
Activities for kids, e.g., scavenger hunt, are provided. Very spacious interior, making it very accessible.
We were given a tour of the native garden. Our guide, Kat, was so passionate and knowledgeable about the native plants and all the plans they have to protect threatened species. We were so delighted, inspired and impressed all at the same time. So many volunteers are involved in this and dedicated to connecting art with the surrounding nature. The $12 fee for adults and children under 12 free, I think that was no problem, as I felt I wanted to contribute to this amazing vision and community-involved project.
Current Exhibition
ENTANGLEMENTS WITH FUNGI EXHIBITION
Dates: 21 March 2026 – 1 June 2026
TIckets: $5 (under 16 free)
Location: National Centre for Environmental Art, WAMA
4000 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Halls Gap VIC 3381
Hours: Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
WAMA Foundation
4000 Ararat-Halls Gap Rd, Halls Gap VIC 3381
(03) 9996 9810
Open Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
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