Grade 4
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.
Hike across the Southern Grampians skyline, with scenic ridgeline and steep mountain terrain along the way to Dunkeld. See sections S2-S4 on GPT topographic map.
Itinerary highlights
These new sections of trail pass through stunted eucalypt forest, the rocky mountain summits of Signal Peak and Mt Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug) hiking through old growth forested saddles and outstanding views west to the Victoria Range, climbing steeply to the summits of Signal Peak and Mt Abrupt (Mud-dadjug) and crossing Bainggug (The Piccaninny) and Mt Sturgeon (Wurgarri) before crossing the Wannon River and walking into Dunkeld.
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.
Day one: (S2) Griffin Trailhead to Djardi-djawara Hike-in Campground (10.7km)
Starts at the Griffin Trailhead and climbs through stunted vegetation onto the Serra Range, with outstanding views west to the Victoria Range. Finish the day camping at Djardi-djawara Hike-in Campground below rocky outcrops.
Day two: (S3) Djardi-djawara Hike-in Campground to Mud-Dadjug Hike-in Campground (8.1km)
This day's hike alternates between rock steps and jumbles of boulders passing small cliffs and ledges that provide excellent vantage points. Hikers climb steeply to the summits of Signal Peak through a series of small heathy and forested saddles to Mt Abrupt, finishing with your camp at Mud-Dadjug high above the landscape.
Day three: (S4) Mud-Dadjug Hike-in Campground to Dunkeld (14.8km)
This day crosses Bainggug (The Piccaninny) and Mt Sturgeon, before meandering through red gums, crossing the Wannon River and strolling into Dunkeld. Descend down one last rocky slope towards the farmland below, taking in stunning views out over volcanic plains and the impressive peaks of the southern Grampians from Mt Sturgeon (Wurgarri). To the north are the sedimentary sandstones of Gariwerd; to the south, basalt lava flows from volcanic plains.
Complete your journey through open old-growth Red Gum woodland to arrive at Dunkeld for a hot shower, great meal and comfortable bed.
Bookings and campground information
This 3-day hiking itinerary is the final section of the Grampians Peaks Trail, however you can book itineraries before it, as well as other connecting tracks to allow you to step on and off from various points throughout Gariwerd. The Griffin Trailhead is the starting point for this itinerary. You can find its location in the official maps for Grampians Peaks Trail. 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 hike-in campgrounds. You will stay your first night at Djardi-djawara Hike-in Campground and second night at Mud-dadjug 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. If you are planning on staying longer to do more sections of the walk, you can add other itineraries to your booking. We recommend booking your two nights of camping prior to embarking on the walk to ensure there is tent pad availability at each campground.
The 3-day itinerary cost is $100.80 for up to two people on a 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
Campgrounds either have timber tent platforms or granite sand pads. Tent platforms have steel chains that can be used to secure your tent. Additional guy rope may be needed for tent vestibules or tunnel style tents. Standard timber platforms and granite sand pads are 3.5m x 3.5m. 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. The use of fuel stoves in all hiker camps is permitted but open campfires are not allowed and please take your rubbish with you.
How to get there
Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike
From Melbourne (250km, 3hrs 30mins): Drive west on the Western Highway (M8) to Ballarat. From Ballarat take the Glenelg Highway (B160) west to Dunkeld. Turn north onto Victoria Valley Road (C216). Drive 2.6km and turn right on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) to Halls Gap. Drive 16.2km then turn right into Griffin Picnic Area.
From Dunkeld (19km, 15mins): Leave Dunkeld village to the east on the Glenelg Highway (B160). Drive 200m and turn north onto Victoria Valley Road (C216). Drive 2.6km and turn right on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) to Halls Gap. Drive 16.2km then turn right into Griffin Picnic Area.
From Halls Gap (45.7km, 30mins): Drive south on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) towards Dunkeld. After 45.7km turn left into Griffin Picnic Area.
When you're there
Make Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap your first stop. Here you can explore what Gariwerd means to Aboriginal people and find information about visiting Grampians National Park.
Safety is your responsibility
- At lookouts, never climb over barriers. Your safety is more important than a social media post.
- There are steep cliffs in the park. Keep to the track, mind your footing and supervise children.
- Many walking tracks involve rock steps, uneven and slippery track surfaces, water crossings and rock hopping.
- Mobile phone service is unavailable in many areas of the park. Seek higher elevations for service.
- Plan your timing, return from walking well before dusk.
Emergency markers
In the event of an emergency, call Triple Zero 000 or 112 to access police and emergency services. Be aware that you may travel out of mobile phone range. Many of our parks feature emergency markers, which are special green signs with a unique code on them so emergency responders can pinpoint your exact location.
Need to know
Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike
Walking track grades
Hikes along the Grampians Peaks Trail have been graded using the Australian walking track grading system, which is a primary means of informing people about the features of walking tracks, so they can gauge their suitability for a particular track. Under the system, walking trails are graded on a difficulty scale from grades one to five.
Grade 1: No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for assisted wheelchair users.
Grade 2: No bushwalking experience required. A hardened or compacted surface which may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps.
Grade 3: Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Tracks may have short steep sections, a rough surface and many steps.
Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Grade 5: Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.
Hiking tips for Grampians Peaks Trail
- An Official Grampians Peaks Trail topographic map (for North/Central/South) available from Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, Halls Gap and other visitor outlets in nearby towns (and compass)
- Waterproof jacket and pants, thermal layers, breathable-fabric layers, beanie, sun hat and sunscreen.
- Hiking boots or shoes with a good tread and support.
- Water and food for all meals and snacks, plus extra for an emergency. Fuel stove for cooking.
- Drinking water treatment equipment for untreated water tanks at campground.
- 3-season tent, 3-season sleeping bag, mat and cord/thin rope to attach your tent to timber tent platforms.
- Lightweight gas or liquid fuel stove, matches/lighter, cooking pot and utensils.
- Head torch with spare batteries. Useful when moving around a campground at night.
- Good quality first aid kit with snake bite bandage.
- Mobile phone with USB cable – you can recharge at campgrounds along the trail. We also recommend taking a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for extra safety and a small radio to listen to weather or bushfire updates.
- Toilet paper, trowel and a bag to carry your rubbish.
- Waterproof pack liner to keep everything in your hiking backpack dry.
Be bushfire aware
The warmer months are the perfect time to experience regional Victoria. However, Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world. During summer in Victoria, the weather can be very hot and dry and the risk of summer lightning storms can increase the chance of bushfires.
Follow these bushfire safety tips to ensure that your experience is safe and enjoyable.
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.
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Grampians National Park
Mt Zero Road Closure – Mud Hut Creek bridge replacement – 7th May to July 2024
Mt Zero Road will be closed between Roses Gap Road and north of Heatherlie Quarry between 7th May and July 2024 while the Department of Environment Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) undertakes critical bridge replacement works approximately 100m south of Roses Gap Road.Visitors wishing to travel between Halls Gap, Roses Gap and the Northern Grampians area (Hollow Mountain, Mt Zero and Mt Stapylton) will need to follow a detour via Ledcourt and Lake Lonsdale areas. See attached map.Plantation Campground and Heatherlie Quarry are still accessible from Mt Zero Road south (Halls Gap) or Pines Road.For further information on national park access please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre phone 8427 2058Attachments: Mud Hut Creek - Bridge Works 2024 (584KB)
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Bushfire Closures Update - April 26, 2024
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park was impacted by the Bellfield and Stapylton bushfires from 13th February 2024. There are temporary closures still in place in the vicinity of the fires. Visitors are asked to adhere to road and park closures as we work to assess and re-open these areas.Northern Grampians (Mt Stapylton Fire) Closures remaining April 26, 2024:Road/track closures east of Mt Zero RoadGolton trackCrutes track/Crutes roadNo off-track walking within the burnt areaMt William Range (Bellfield Fire) - Closures remaining April 26, 2024Tunnel Walking TrackMt Cassell TrackPomonal FirelineBirdrock RdNo off-track walking within the burnt areaAll other areas of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park previously closed due to the fires have been re-opened.For further information about the closures, please visit Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre, or call (03) 8427 2258. For National Park Information visit www.parks.vic.gov.au, or for booking refunds email info@parks.vic.gov.auPlease visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au for emergency updates, or free call 1800 226 226. Monitor the Emergency Vic app for alerts and warnings or listen to your local ABC radio stations for emergency broadcasts.Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusion
Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusionSignificant Aboriginal cultural values have recently been rediscovered at the Mountain Lion designated rock-climbing and bouldering area.While Parks Victoria and Gariwerd Traditional Owners determine a longer-term management response, and out of respect for this significant cultural landscape, visitors are requested to not access this area.The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 protects Aboriginal cultural heritage and significant financial penalties apply for harm caused by individuals or corporate bodies.For more information please visit the FAQ Update at the Rock Climbing in Gariwerd link below.Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 17.05.2024
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has several roads temporarily closed for repair works, upgrades, and recent fire impacts. Please be aware the movement of visitors in these parts of the National Park is restricted
Planned Burn – Temporary Road ClosuresCassidy Gap Rd from Cassidy Gap GPT Trailhead to Sierra Fireline (MVO)Geerack TrackOslers Track between Red Gum Lease and Pines Rd
Road ClosuresMt Zero Rd (Pines Rd-Roses Gap Rd) is closed for bridge replacement works between Roses Gap Rd and north of Heatherlie Quarry from May 7 until the end of July 2024.
Mitchell Rd between Redman Rd and Mt William Picnic Ground Rd.
Seasonal Closures
Launders and Sanders Tracks are closed.Moora Moora Track is partially closed in the southern section, from Homestead Track intersection to Glenelg River Road.
Grampians Peaks Trail – Trailhead Access
Road access (Griffin Track) to the Griffin Trailhead for the Grampians Peaks Trail is open to 4WD vehicles only. Walkers can access the GPT on foot via the Griffin Track from the Grampians Tourist Road.
Please see the latest road report attachment for full road and track details at the bottom of this page.Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report - 17.05.2024 (280KB)
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Grampians National Park – Planned Burns Program
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) have now completed the Autumn Planned Burns Program in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and surrounding reserves. Patrols and some road closure remain in place.Two additional planned burns have been scheduled for Winter (June/July 2024).These planned burns have been nominated and approved as part of the FFMVic three-year Joint Fuel Management Program for the Wimmera Fire District. Each burn has been designated to a year and season, though this may change depending on burn objectives and seasonal conditions. You can view the three-year plan at https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/bushfire-fuel-and-risk-management/joint-fuel-management-programThe map attached, outlines the burns programmed for this year. Detailing the exact date and time of ignition can be difficult and the final decision to proceed may only be made on the day of the burn - once resources, weather conditions and local fuel moisture levels are deemed suitable. Once a burn is scheduled for ignition, FFMVIC will send out regular notifications.Some of the planned burns may involve the temporary closure of visitor sites, roads and campgrounds within Grampians Gariwerd National Park and other reserves. This may include detours or closures of hike in campgrounds along the Grampians Peaks Trail, and other vehicle-based campgrounds.· Closures will be enforced for the duration of ignition and may remain in place for some days. Visitor sites will re-open once the burn is declared safe.· We recommend that you seek information and stay informed about the status of the planned burns scheduled near you.Stay informed about FFMVic’s planned burns schedule:Visit & Sign Up:Sign up to Planned Burns Victoria to set up automated notifications about upcoming planned burns on public land near you. There is no charge to sign up to receive text messages.
Sign up via Planned Burns Victoria at www.vic.gov.au/plannedburnsDownload: the VicEmergency AppSet up a watch zone and choose to be notified about planned burns in the ‘alerts’ settingsCall: the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and request an interpreter or assistance for hearing difficulties via the National Relay ServiceEmail: For specialist advice about planned burns in the Wimmera District you can contact Horsham FFMVic Office at wimmera.fuelmanagement@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone the office on (03) 8508 1222.For Information about park closures and campground bookings within Grampians National Park:Visit the Parks Victoria website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park#change-of-conditionsVisit: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058or for bookings and cancellations advice contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.auAttachments: Grampians Year 1 JFMP Map (17,972KB)
Millstream Creek - Planned Burn
FFMVic have completed the following planned burn.
Millstream Creek (GR-WIM-HGP-0081)This burn is located 6km west of Halls Gap.The following visitor areas have now reopened, however, please adhere to “Don’t walk off the track” signage.
· Boroka Lookout· Reeds Lookout· Lake Wartook Lookout· Mackenzie Falls precinct· Boroka Walking Track· Lake Wartook· Mackenzie River Walk (includes Fish Falls)· Smiths Mill CampgroundThe following roads have now reopened:· Old Mill Rd· Rose Creek Rd (north between Mt Victory Rd and Old Mill Rd)Visit & Sign Up: Sign up to Planned Burns Victoria www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns Set up automated notifications about upcoming planned burns on public land near you. There is no charge to sign up to receive text messages.Download: The Vic Emergency App. Set up a watch zone and choose to be notified about planned burns in the ‘alerts’ settings
Call: The Vic Emergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and request an interpreter or assistance for hearing difficulties via the National Relay Service. IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 000Email: For specialist advice about planned burns in the Wimmera District you can contact Horsham FFMVic Office at wimmera.fuelmanagement@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone the office on (03) 8508 1222.For Information about park closures and campground bookings within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park:Visit the Parks Victoria website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park#change-of-conditionsVisit: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058 or for bookings and cancellations advice contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.auJimmy Creek - Planned Burn Update
FFMVic have completed the following planned burn and are now monitoring the area.Jimmy Creek Road (GR-WIM-HG-0103)This burn is located, this burn is located in the south-east area of Grampians National Park, 8km E of Mirranatwa, 37km north of Dunkeld.The following visitor areas have now reopened, however, please adhere to “Don’t walk off the track” signage.- Grampians
Peaks Trail (C5/S1) between Yarram Gap Rd and Jimmy Creek Rd
- Yarram
Hike-in campground
- Yarram
Park Rd
- Jimmy
Creek Rd
Stay informed about this Autumns planned burns schedule:Visit & Sign Up: Sign up to Planned Burns Victoria www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns Set up automated notifications about upcoming planned burns on public land near you. There is no charge to sign up to receive text messages.
Download: The Vic Emergency App. Set up a watch zone and choose to be notified about planned burns in the ‘alerts’ settings
Call: The Vic Emergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and request an interpreter or assistance for hearing difficulties via the National Relay Service. IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 000Email: For specialist advice about planned burns in the Wimmera District you can contact Horsham FFMVic Office at wimmera.fuelmanagement@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone the office on (03) 8508 1222.For Information about park closures and campground bookings within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park:Visit the Parks Victoria website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park#change-of-conditionsVisit: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058 or for bookings and cancellations advice contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.au
Cassidy Gap - Planned Burn Update
FMVIC have now completed the following Planned Burn within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.Cassidy Gap (GR-WIM-CAV-00071)This burn is located 3km north of Dunkeld and includes section S3 of the Grampians Peaks Trail.The following visitor areas are now reopened, however, please adhere to “Don’t walk off the track” signage.· Grampians Peaks Trail (Section S3) north and south bound hiking between Cassidy Gap Rd Trailhead, over Signal Peak to Dunkeld Reservoir Road.· Mud-Dadjug Hike-in Campground.· Mt Abrupt carpark· Signal Peak walking trackThe following roads remain closed, please follow directions, and do not enter:· Serra Range Fireline is closed at the intersection of Vic Valley Road and Cassidy Gap Road· Cassidy Gap Road from closed from its intersection with Serra Range Fireline to its intersection with Grampians Rd.Stay informed about this Autumns planned burns schedule:Visit & Sign Up: Sign up to Planned Burns Victoria www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns Set up automated notifications about upcoming planned burns on public land near you. There is no charge to sign up to receive text messages.Download: The Vic Emergency App. Set up a watch zone and choose to be notified about planned burns in the ‘alerts’ settings
Call: The Vic Emergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and request an interpreter or assistance for hearing difficulties via the National Relay Service. IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 000Email: For specialist advice about planned burns in the Wimmera District you can contact Horsham FFMVic Office at wimmera.fuelmanagement@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone the office on (03) 8508 1222.For Information about park closures and campground bookings within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park:Visit the Parks Victoria website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park#change-of-conditionsVisit: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058 or for bookings and cancellations advice contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.auYou may see or smell smoke in the vicinity of the burn. For advice on how this may impact your health, visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/smokeYou may see or smell smoke in the vicinity of the burn. For advice on how this may impact your health, visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/smoke - Grampians
Peaks Trail (C5/S1) between Yarram Gap Rd and Jimmy Creek Rd