Southern Grampians

Two hikers ascend a rocky staircase with big mountains views behind them

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Southern Grampians

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

The southern Grampians takes in the remote Victoria Range and the park's highest point, Mt William. Close to Dunkeld, Mt Sturgeon, the Piccaninny and spectacular Mt Abrupt are waiting to be conquered. This expansive area far from the crowds offers rugged hikes and short walks.

The southern Grampians is often overlooked by visitors who flock to the famous sights around Halls Gap further north. But if you prefer to experience epic landscapes away from the crowds and scenic drives along lonely mountain roads, then this is the place to come.

Dunkeld is the gateway to the southern Grampians and many visitors stay here. The town is close to three fantastic summit walks: Mount Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon and The Piccaninny.

Mt William, the highest point in the Grampians, is a short and scenic drive from Halls Gap - or a longer and even more scenic drive from Dunkeld.

If you’re an experienced walker you’ll enjoy the unique challenge of the southern Grampians' overnight hikes. Tackle the 40km Major Mitchell Plateau hike or the truly remote experience of the Fortress and Mt Thackeray hike.

The Grampians is a special place for nature lovers and the remote campgrounds that offer temporary accommodation to humans are also the permanent homes of native animals. You're pretty much guaranteed to see emus, kangaroos and wallabies if you stay the night. Encounters with wildlife and plants become even more pleasing against the spectacular mountain backdrops.

Some of the most popular places in the Grampians are its waterfalls. In the southern region, Kalymna Falls and Burrong Falls are reached by fairly short walks and are spectacular after rain. Jadawadjali Falls is a pleasant stop on the way up to Billimina Shelter, a massive rock overhang with Aboriginal art.

Traditionally known as Gariwerd, this region is home to the largest number of significant and ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings and shelters in southern Australia. A visit to Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap will help you get the most of your trip to these rock shelters. You will also find general information about visiting the park.

Things to do

 
Mount William, Grampians National Park

Mount William

Mount William or Duwul is the highest peak in the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). This trailhead provides access to the challenging Mount William walk where you can obtain 360 degree views of the mountains and surrounding pastoral lands reward walkers for their efforts.
A picnic table and fireplace in front of tents at Buandik Campround in the Grampians National Park

Buandik Campground

Buandik Campground is located in the Western Grampians at the base of the Victoria Range. The campground is set amongst open woodland beside Cultivation Creek and is close to the start of walks to Billimina and Manja rock art shelters and Buandik Falls.
A red tent, camp chairs and fireplace among tall eucalypts at Strachans Campground at Grampians National Park

Strachans Campground

Strachans Campground is located beside the headwaters of the Glenelg River at the site of a former timber mill. Strachans is perfectly situated to explore the Victoria Range and Victoria Valley, where there are opportunities for bushwalking, four wheel driving and rock climbing.
Two women hike through the Grampians National Park.

First Wannon Hiker Camp

First Wannon Hiker Camp is a small clearing with limited space best positioned for small, single groups or individual walkers undertaking the remote overnight hike across the Major Mitchell Plateau.
Two women unpack camping great from their ute at Jimmy Creek Campground at the Grampians National Park

Jimmy Creek Campground

Jimmy Creek Campground is located in an open forest adjacent to the upper Wannon River. This campground is halfway between Halls Gap and Dunkeld, and is a great base for exploring both the Southern and Eastern Grampians.

How to get there

Southern Grampians

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

When you're there

Download the Grampians National Park visitor guide or start your visit at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap. Here you will find the latest park information, maps and guidebooks.

The Grampians Road and Touring Map covers car touring and is an essential tool to help plan your route. There are two main drives in the southern Grampians. One loop starts in Halls Gap and takes in Mt William, Mirranatwa Gap, The Piccaninny and back to Halls Gap. Another, also starting in Halls Gap, includes some unsealed roads and takes in Paddy Castle, Billimina Shelter and Manja Shelter before returning to Halls Gap. The Grampians Iconic 4WD brochure details a popular easy-medium route.

Need to know

Southern 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.

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

    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.
     

  • Strachans Campground (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)

    Strachans Campground –Temporary Closure – 13 April – 30 July 2026

    Strachans Campground will be closed to visitors between 13 April and 30 July 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).

  • 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.
     

  • Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    Temporary closure of a Glenelg River Road section – 25 May to 17 July 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 17 July 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.

    Mount Victory Road will have an increased amount of heavy trucks and machinery. Drivers are urged to slow down and drive with care, particularly in tight corners.

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

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 03.07.2026

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

    Please observe road closures, warning signs 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.

    Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report 03.07.2026 (1) (230KB)

  • 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 – 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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