Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike

time 3 days
distance 24.5 kilometres
type One way
Grade

Grade 4

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Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park


Grampians National Park is part of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

Barengi Gadjin Land Council   Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation   Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation


Travelling south from Halls Gap, the Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day hike takes in some of the most iconic natural attractions in the central Grampians such as Venus Baths, Grand Canyon, The Pinnacle, Sundial Peak and Mount Rosea. The track is an overall Grade 4 walk, suitable for most experienced hikers. Alternatively this area can be reached from the Tunnel Walk Trailhead via the Tunnel walk, Lake Bellfield track and connecting at Borough Huts Campground. All itineraries require a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for other pick-up or walk options.

Itinerary highlights

Ramble past boulders along the edge of Stony Creek then climb up through the Grand Canyon. Witness spectacular, panoramic views along the Mount William Range, Fyans Valley and dramatic cliff faces of Mount Rosea. Walk through wet sclerophyll forest, scramble over boulders and rocky outcrops. See heritage-protected, raised water fluming held up by dry stone pillars.

Water safety

For your safety, having enough water along the Grampians Peaks Trail for hydration and cooking is so important. Our water information and availability page includes the locations (with latitude and longitude references) of serviced water tanks. All water tanks along the trail are untreated. So you need a safe way to treat water for drinking.

When planning this incredible hike, read the important Grampians Peaks Trail Plan and Prepare Guide.

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Day one: (C1) Halls Gap to Bugiga Hike-in Campground (8.9km)

Start your journey from either your Halls Gap accommodation or Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre. This section of the walk (C1 on GPT topographic map) involves stone staircases and footbridge crossings, following along Stony Creek towards the summit of The Pinnacle. There are impressive views from the Pinnacle all the way to Lake View Lookout. 

Day two: (C2) Bugiga Hike-in Campground to Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground (14.7km)

Leaving Bugiga Hike-in Campground, you will start the steady climb through tall forest towards Mount Rosea, the most northern peak in the Serra Range. The cliffs on Mount Rosea are some of the highest on the trail.  With a long descent that features a series of steep and windy steps to Borough Huts before reaching the Barri Yalug Hike-In Campground destination.

Day three: (C3) Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground to Barney Creek and Redman Road (800m)

Leave Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground and make your way down stone steps to cross Barney Creek and finish your walk at Redman Road Trailhead where you can meet a vehicle transfer back to Halls Gap. Ensure you organise this before your walk. The Grampians Peaks Trail then continues from here with the Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day hike to Seven Dials, Redman Bluff, Mount William (Duwul) and Durd Durd. If you are planning on staying longer to do more sections of the walk, you can add other itineraries to your booking. 

Bookings and itinerary information

This 3-day hike connects with other day walks and tracks to allow you to step on and off from various points throughout Gariwerd such as returning to Halls Gap, or adding an additional night at Borough Huts Campground. The trailhead for this itinerary is Halls Gap and access to the trail is signposted. Find out more about the central Grampians walks in the official map for Grampians Peaks Trail. You can find out how to get to Halls Gap via the map above.  All itineraries require a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for other pick-up or walk options.

Camping fees

The trail itself is free to hikers but camping fees apply to stay overnight. This itinerary includes two nights at two different, dedicated campgrounds: first night at Bugiga Hike-in Campground and second night at Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground. These are booked as an all-inclusive itinerary - all you need to do is choose the date of your first night to book. We recommend booking your 3-day hike well in advance of your planned departure to ensure there is tent pad availability at each campground.

The 3-day itinerary costs are:
$100.80 for up to two people on a 3.5m x 3.5m standard tent pad

These hike-in campgrounds are in very remote locations, you're not near a busy road or carpark, so you feel the reward of being deep inside the national park. They have been built with a good level of amenity that is well designed, sympathetic to the landscape and sustainable. As such, they are priced higher for the value they provide. The price for a standard tent pad for a 3-day/2-night hike is roughly $50 per night ($25 p/person if sharing) in camping fees for these unique, well-equipped hike-in campgrounds. These fees contribute towards the operation and maintenance of this unique hiking experience and helps to protect the enviornmental values of this heritage-listed national park.

Campground information

Both campgrounds have 3.5m x 3.5m timber tent platforms with steel chains that can be used to secure your tent. Additional guy rope may be needed for tent vestibules or tunnel style tents. Each campground has been individually designed the fit within the surrounding landscape. They feature an unpowered communal area for meal preparation, basic toilet facilities and water collection points. Mobile phone service is not available at Bugiga Hike-in Campground and along some sections of the walk. There is good service at Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground. The use of fuel stoves in all hiker camps is permitted but open campfires are not allowed. Please take your rubbish with you on the entire journey and dispose of it when you get home.


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How to get there

Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike

From Melbourne (253km, 3hrs): Drive west on the Western Highway (A8) to Ararat. From Ararat take the Ararat-Halls Gap Road (C222) for 48km through Moyston, Pomonal and onto Halls Gap.

From Dunkeld (65km, 45mins): Leave Dunkeld village to the east on the Glenelg Highway (B160). Drive 200m and turn north onto Victoria Valley Road (C216). Drive 2.6km turn right on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) and follow for 62km to Halls Gap.

 

Need to know

Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike

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

    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.
     

  • 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)

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

    Manja Walk – Temporary closure for Helicopter Operations – 07.07.2026

    The Manja Walk to the Manja Shelter Aboriginal Rock Art Site will be closed to visitors for a two-hour period on Tuesday 7 July 2026. This is to allow for helicopter operations to assist with recovery works at the site.

    As the operation is weather dependent, visitors should follow signage on site to be informed of exact closure periods and remain clear of closed areas during the operation.

    Should the operation be suspended, contingency days from Wednesday 8 July – Friday 10 July 2026 are available for helicopter air-lift operations.

    For more information visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058.

  • 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

Add more Grampians Peaks Trail hikes to your itinerary

 
A man passes a cup of tea to his partner at their tent set up below the communal shelter at Djardji-Djawara Hiker camp on southern section 2 of the GPT

Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike

Scenic ridgeline and mountain walking all the way to Dunkeld, as you wander across the Southern Grampians skyline.
A man sets up his tent at Duwal hiker camp at the end of central section 3 on the GPT

Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day Hike

Climbing through the Central Peaks, this tough walk traverses an exposed montane landscape and the highest mountains in the Grampians National Park.
A group of walkers head along the trail in front of Gar on norther section 2 of the GPT

Gar and Werdug 3-day Hike

A rugged, rocky adventure with steep climbs and panoramic views in the Northern Peaks of the Grampians.
The view of the Serra Range which is traversed on Southern Section 2 of the Grampians Peaks Trail

Yarram and Wannon 3-day Hike

This secluded walk in the Southern Peaks of the Grampians explores previously untracked terrain on the southern reaches of the Mt William Range.
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