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 MackKenzie 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.

  • Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    Grampians Peaks Trail – Central Section - Helicopter Operations – Wednesday Nov 8, 2025

    Helicopter Air-Lift Operations are scheduled for closed areas within the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT) Central Section on Nov 8, 2025, to assist with recovery works at GPT Hike-in Campgrounds.

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

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – What’s Open What’s Closed Update 24.10.2025

    During the summer of 2024/2025 the southern and western areas of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and the central section of Grampians Peaks Trail were impacted by multiple bushfires. Since then, a staged re-opening has commenced and many popular visitor areas have re-opened in the Northern, Wonderland and Southern areas of the park. However, some visitor sites and roads remain closed in the Sundial, Mount William, Victoria Range, Victoria Valley and Wallaby Rocks areas.

    Roads in fire impacted areas

    Many of the roads within the National Park due for reopening to the public by late July were impacted by weather events. There will be longer term closures required for some roads, where significant damage has occurred and further essential works are required. For up-to-date information please refer to the road report on the change of conditions listings.

    For more detail on “What’s Open What’s Closed”  

    Please refer to the attached “What’s Open What’s Closed” September 19 Park Update. It provides a park wide compilation of the staged fire recovery reopening’s in 2025.

    For further information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, call Parks Victoria on 131963 or go to parks.vic.gov.au

    Attachments: GNP Park Update 19 September 2025 - What's Open What's Closed V2 (748KB)

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 31.10.2025

    The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has roads temporarily closed.

    Please be aware the movement of visitors in parts of the National Park is restricted.

    Seasonal roads are due to open this weekend, however, please be aware that many have remained closed due to fire impacts.

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

    Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report - 31.10.2025 (211KB)

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    MacKenzie Falls (Migunang Wirab) - Upcoming closures for major construction works – Late January through to midyear 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 in late January 2026, and we anticipate that work will run through to midyear 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.

    Access to Fish Falls and the base of MacKenzie Falls will remain possible from the Zumsteins Picnic Area up to and including the Autumn School Holidays. However, there will need to be a full closure of Zumsteins and MacKenzie Falls for one week after the Summer School Holidays (prior to Autumn School Holidays) due to helicopter operations. From May until works are complete, the base of MacKenzie Falls will be inaccessible. Fish Falls will still be accessible from Zumsteins Picnic Area.

    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 – This is a 2 to 3 hour return walk (grade 3). Start at Zumsteins Picnic Area and follow the track to Fish Falls and then to the base of MacKenzie Falls. Walkers require a reasonable fitness level, need to wear sturdy walking shoes as the track can be rocky with uneven surfaces including steep sections and steps. Please ensure you carry plenty of water and be aware mobile phone service is limited. Access to the steps at the base of MacKenzie Falls to the MacKenzie Falls carpark will be closed to walkers, return by the same route to 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.

    Mt Zero Car Park - Closed for Construction from 10th November 2025

    Mount Zero Picnic Area – Upcoming closure for construction works – 10th November to February 2026
     
    Mount Zero Picnic Area, car park and facilities will be CLOSED from Monday 10th November as Parks Victoria commences construction works to upgrade the Mount Zero Picnic Area / Grampians Peaks Trail - Mura Mura Trailhead. 
    It is expected that the major works requiring closure will be completed before Christmas, with ongoing minor works occurring post-Christmas. Parks Victoria will re -open the car park as soon as it is safe to do so. 
    These works are part of upgrades to trailheads along the Grampians Peaks Trail which will improve trail access, carparking, visitor and picnic facilities, signage and landscaping.
     
    During construction:
    • There will be no parking at Mount Zero Picnic Area / Trailhead.
    • Day and Overnight Hikers can access the Grampians Peaks Trail at Mount Zero Picnic Area / Trailhead via drop off / pick up only.
    • Toilets are available at Hollow Mountain Car Park and Stapylton Campground.
    Day walkers wishing to complete the Stapylton Loop Walk can access via the trailhead at Stapylton Campground. Please note there will be limited car parking along Olive Plantation Road, north of the campground entry. Toilets are available at Hollow Mountain Car Park and/or Stapylton Campground.
     
    We apologise for any inconvenience.
     
    For further information on the closure please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au 
    For more information on the GPT Trailhead upgrades, please click here.

    Trail Running Event – GPT 100 (6-9 November 2025)

    Parks Victoria advises that the GPT 100 (gpt100.com.au/), a long-distance trail running event will be held in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park from Thursday the 6th of November to Sunday the 9th of November 2025. The event route follows the Grampians Peaks Trail, from Mt Zero (Mura Mura) Trailhead in the north, to Dunkeld township in the south and has a range of running events scheduled across the four days.  

    Please note this event utilises the Grampians Peaks Trail, several trailheads, other visitor sites and campgrounds at various stages throughout the event period. There may be additional event staff and spectator activity, limited parking, and increased traffic during these times.

    If you are visiting the area on these dates and require more detailed information, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at 277 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap. Open 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively, please contact Brambuk at (03) 8427 2258 or brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au

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

    Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Closures during 2025

    Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Closures during 2025

    ·      Cultural tours, activities and venue hire currently unavailable.
    ·      Park information centre and gift shop remain open.

    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.

    The reimagining project aims to renew Traditional Owner management arrangements of the Brambuk precinct and includes careful consideration of the tourism and visitor experiences, commercial opportunities, cultural education and training programs that may be available in the future. As part of this project, there are also building upgrades and refurbishments that require the Cultural Centre to be closed during 2024-25. However, the park information centre, gift shop and self-guided walks remain available.
     
    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

    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

    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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