Central Grampians

Two hikers walk along a rocky canyon

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Central Grampians

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

The central Grampians is the most popular area of the national park, boasting a variety of short walks, lookouts, waterfalls and picnic areas. Hikers flock to the Wonderland Range, while a memorable car tour from the pretty town of Halls Gap takes in the Balconies, Boroka Lookout, Mackenzie Falls and Zumsteins.

The Grampians between Halls Gap, Mackenzie Falls and Zumsteins is home to many of the most famous sights of this celebrated national park. There are epic landscapes and a mix of easy and challenging trails to explore them. See majestic waterfalls and take a memorable scenic drive over mountains and through valleys.

Traditionally known as Gariwerd, the Grampians and the surrounding region has a fascinating Aboriginal history. Make Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre in Halls Gap your first stop. Here you can explore what Gariwerd-Grampians means to Aboriginal people and find general information about visiting the Grampians National Park.

Grampians is most famous for its spring wildflowers, Aboriginal culture and cascades and waterfalls. Take a short journey to the iconic and enduring Mackenzie Falls. Or venture deeper along trails into the rugged landscape to discover the slither of Silverband, cascades of Fish or Turret Falls.

Bushwalking in the Wonderland from its carpark near Halls Gap is aptly named. A hike to the Pinnacle is very popular despite being a strenuous walk. An easier and no less spectacular view can be had by walking the Lakeview Loop from Sundial Carpark. Venus Baths is a delight for all with its refreshing spa-like rock pools. It is another easy walk from Halls Gap along the Stony Creek.

If you’re an experienced walker you’ll enjoy the unique challenge of the park’s overnight hikes. A section of the iconic Grampians Peaks Trail starts at Halls Gap. Visit the website for further details.

There are lakes here too! Go fishing, canoeing, kayaking or sailing. Lake Wartook, Lake Bellfield and Moora Moora Reservoir all have access.

The Grampians is a special place for nature lovers and there is something to see in all seasons.

Things to do

 
Person watching the sunrise at Boroka Lookout in Grampians National Park

Boroka Lookout

Boroka Lookout provides spectacular views of the Wonderland Range, Mt William Range, Fyans Valley, Lake Bellfield and the plains to the east of the Grampians. The lookout is located 15km from Halls Gap and is easily accessed via sealed roads.
A couple take in the views from Reeds Lookout

Reeds Lookout

Great views overlooking the Victoria Valley. Follow the path around the gate and along the sealed road to the summit of Reeds Lookout. From this magnificent lookout you will receive breathtaking views over Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range,
A young couple cross the stream on rocks in front a the spectacular MacKenzies Falls.

Mackenzie Falls

An easy stroll from the Mackenzie Falls carpark leads to a viewing platform overlooking the picturesque Broken Falls. To reach the base of Mackenzie Falls, follow the signs. Take care as this walk has many steps and is steep, slippery and strenuous in sections.
A couple enjoy a picnic by the MacKenzie river at Zumsteins Historic Area.

Zumsteins Historic Area

Zumsteins Picnic Area is located on the banks of the MacKenzie River and is the site of an historic settlement. It provides a great opportunity to relax in the natural setting of the Grampians, enjoy the wildlife, a barbecue and a short stroll.

Brambuk The National Park and Culture Centre

Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap began with the building of the Brambuk Cultural Centre in 1989 to acknowledge, protect and share the cultures of the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung Peoples.
A young man offers his hand to his walking partner at the summit of The Pinnacle in the Grampians National Park.

The Pinnacle walks

Choose from two different routes up to The Pinnacle lookout – an easy to medium walk from Sundial Carpark and a more challenging walk from Wonderland Carpark.
Two friends walk along the track south of Redmans Bluff with views of the Serra Range in the background on central section 3 of the GPT

Grampians Peaks Trail

The Grampians Peaks Trail (160km) is a world-class 13-day hiking experience from Mt Zero in the north, through Halls Gap and finishing at Dunkeld. It can also be completed in shorter sections.
A tent and fireplace at Boreang Campground in the Grampians National Park

Boreang Campground

There are many locations for camping in the central region of the Grampians National Park including, Smiths Mill Campground, Borough Huts Campground, Boreang Campground and Jimmy Creek.
A family camps at Borough Huts in the Grampians National Park

Borough Huts Campground

Borough Huts Campground is set in a tranquil forested area adjacent to Fyans Creek. It is close to Halls Gap, The Wonderland Range and a starting point for walks to Lake Bellfield and Mt Rosea.
A side view of a green-grey tent set among tall eucalypts at Smiths Mill Campground in the Grampians National Park

Smiths Mill Campground

Smiths Mill Campground is positioned within heath woodland at the site of an old sawmill. It is centrally located a kilometre from Mackenzie Falls, and only a short drive to Boroka Lookout, Reed Lookout and Zumsteins Picnic Area.

How to get there

Central Grampians

Grampians National Park is located in Western Victoria, a three-hour (260km) drive from Melbourne and a five-hour (460km) drive from Adelaide. The central Grampians is easily accessed from the villages of Halls Gap and Wartook and is a scenic day trip from the regional towns of Hamilton, Horsham, Stawell and Ararat. It is also a key destination on the internationally renowned Great Southern Touring Route.
Central Grampians

When you're there

The Central Grampians Day Trip enters the park via Halls Gap before visiting Boroka and Reed Lookouts, the dramatic Balconies rock formations, Mackenzie Falls and historic Zumsteins Picnic Ground. The Grampians Road and Touring Map covers car touring and is an essential tool to help plan your route. The Grampians Iconic 4WD brochure details a popular easy-medium route. Download the Grampians National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.

Need to know

Central Grampians

Accessibility

A Trailrider all-terrain wheelchair and Sherpa Volunteers are now available for park visitors with limited mobility to explore the natural beauty of Grampians National Park. The Grampians has two TrailRiders available for visitors and both of these chairs are fitted with electric motors to assist operators on steeper sections of track. Passengers must wear a helmet.

The TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair and Volunteer Sherpa service is free of charge however please book a week in advance. To book the TrailRider please contact Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre on (03) 8427 2058. To book a Volunteer Sherpa please contact the Volunteer Sherpa Coordinator on (03) 8427 3541 or volunteersherpa@parks.vic.gov.au

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Mackenzie Falls Day Visitor Area (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)

    Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) - Upcoming closure for major construction works – 9 February 2026 to the end of 2026

    This update is to provide information for the planned construction work at Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, and closures while the works happen.
     
    The works at Mackenzie Falls precinct includes the construction of a new viewing platform at the base of the falls, upgrades to the carpark and the Bluff Lookout Walk and other important safety improvements to stabilise rock and improve walking tracks.

    The Mackenzie Falls carpark and all walking tracks in the precinct including Broken Falls Walk, Mackenzie Falls Walk to the base (from the carpark), the Bluff Lookout Walk, and parts of Mackenzie Falls River Walk will close when construction starts on Monday, 9 February, 2026, and we anticipate that construction work will finish by the end of 2026.
     
    The carpark will be a construction site throughout the works period with large machinery operating and materials being stored on site.  There will be no access for all vehicles or visitors at Mackenzie Falls Precinct during construction.  
     
    Zumsteins Picnic Area
    When construction works start at Mackenzie Falls precinct, parking at the popular Zumstein picnic area will be limited, especially for large vehicles (buses and caravans) during weekends and holiday periods.
     
    Zumsteins to Fish Falls – This popular walk to the beautiful Fish Falls is a 1.5 to 2 hour return walk (Grade 3) – walkers should have a reasonable fitness level, carry water and wear sturdy walking shoes as the track can be rocky with uneven surfaces and some steep sections.
     
    Mackenzie River Walk
    From May 2026 until works are complete, the base of Mackenzie Falls will not be accessible via the Mackenzie River Walk from Zumsteins Picnic Area.

    For further information on the Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) project visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/mackenzie-falls-revitalisation

    Popular day visitor sites such as Reeds Lookout, the Balconies, Boroka Lookout, Silverband Falls and various walks with large bus carparking will still be available. For further information on the Mackenzie Falls River Walk contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap (Ph 8427 2058).
     
    Please keep up to date with closures through the Change of Conditions page for Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
     

  • The Fortress Walk (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Victoria Range Remote and Natural Area)

    The Fortress Walk and Hike-in Campground – Temporary closure

    The Fortress Walk and The Fortress Hike-in Camp remain closed to visitors due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.

    For more information on alternate walks in the western section of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058.

  • The Chimney Pots Walk (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Victoria Range Remote and Natural Area)

    The Chimney Pots Walk – Temporary closure

    The Chimney Pots Walk remains closed to visitors due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.

    For more information on alternate walks in the western section of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058.

  • Red Gum Walk (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)

    Red Gum Walk – Temporary closure

    The Red Gum Walk remains closed to visitors due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.

    For more information on alternate walks in the western section of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058.
     

  • Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 17.07.2026

    The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has roads temporarily closed due to bushfire and weather impacts.

    Please observe road closures, hazard signage and always drive to conditions.

    Seasonal Road Closures are now in place from the 9 June 2026 to 29 October 2026.

    Please refer to the attached up-to-date road report below.

    Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report 17.07.2026 (230KB)

    Aerial pest animal control program in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – 27 to 31 July 2026

    Parks Victoria is conducting a conservation program to improve the health of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, following the devastating 2024-25 summer bushfires, which impacted approximately 80% of the park.

    Action is being taken to reduce predators (foxes and feral cats) and introduced herbivores (deer and feral goats), threatening the survival and recovery of vulnerable native plants and animals.

    Weather permitting, an aerial control operation will be conducted from Monday 27 July to Friday 31 July 2026 to support ongoing conservation programs.

    To ensure visitor safety, warning signs will be placed at temporary closures and road access points to restrict access to the operational areas. Parks Victoria rangers will also be on the ground at key closures. Visitors are encouraged to follow instructions from staff and information on temporary signage.

    No additional closures of visitor sites or campgrounds are being implemented. This includes the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT) and GPT Hike-in campgrounds. The GPT will be buffered out of the operations area.

    Please see attached Fact Sheet for further details of the Aerial pest animal control operation.
     
    For further information please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre on 03 8427 2058.

    Attachments: Gariwerd Aerial Pest Animal Control Program July 2026 Fact Sheet (519KB)

    Temporary closure of Stony Creek Road – 31 July to 4 August 2026

    Stony Creek Road will be closed for culvert repairs between 8am – 4pm on Friday 31 July, Monday 3 August and Tuesday 4 August 2026. 

    The road will be closed in sections during the works to allow access via either Silverband Rd or Glenelg River Rd to Stony Creek Group Campground and Rosea Track.

    Please observe closure and roadworks signage and drive with caution.

    For further information, please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre on (03) 8427 2058.

    Temporary closure of a Glenelg River Road section – 25 May to 7 August 2026

    The section of Glenelg River Road from the Stony Creek Road intersection to the Boreang Campground turn off will be closed from Monday 25 May 2026 to Friday 7 August 2026 for roadworks.

    The southern end of the closure can be accessed via Rose Creek Road. Paddy Castle Walk and Boreang Campground remain open, as does Glenelg River Road, south of Lodge Road.

    For further information please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre Phone 8427 2058. 

    Trail Running Event – Peaks & Trails – Southern Grampians - Aug 8 & 9, 2026

     
    We advise that a weekend trail running event being held in the southern area of the park on Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August 2026.

    This event includes sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail and may involve temporary delays on some walking tracks and roads.

    Please be aware of Event Marshalls and runners at road crossings and observe all event ahead and speed advisory signage.

    If you require more detailed information visit https://peaksandtrails.com.au/ or contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre on (03) 8427 2258.

  • Other issues

    Strachans Campground –Temporary Closure – 13 April to 24 September 2026

     
    Strachans Campground will be closed to visitors between 13 April and 24 September 2026 while major upgrade works are completed. 

    Alternative campgrounds can be booked at https://bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/book

    For further information contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap (Ph 8427 2058).

  • Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre Park)

    Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Building Upgrades in 2026

    The Cultural Centre is closed for refurbishment.
     
    Parks Victoria is working with a strategic partnership committee of Gariwerd Traditional Owners from Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to ‘reimagine’ the future of Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre.
     
    Building upgrades are essential to ensure the centre meets current services requirements, accessibility, and compliance to current building regulation. New visitor experiences and activation opportunities including Aboriginal arts, community events and cultural exhibitions are being explored as Brambuk moves towards operation by a Gariwerd Traditional Owner entity.
     
    The National Park Information Centre and gift shop remain open.
     
    For up-to-date national park information, brochures, maps, permits and access advice contact information staff at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre info@parks.vic.gov.au or phone 8427 2058

    For Junior Ranger School holiday programs visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/junior-rangers

    For a list of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Licensed Tour Operators Visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/lto

    Further details on the Brambuk Reimagining project can be found on the Parks Victoria website https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/brambuk-cultural-centre-upgrade

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