Grade 5
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.
Traversing an exposed montane landscape and the highest mountains in the park, the very difficult Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day hike is an overall grade 5 track, suitable only for very fit and experienced hikers. All itineraries require a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, see the GPT Licensed Tour Operators page for shuttle service options or contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for more information.
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.
Itinerary highlights
This itinerary has the greatest elevation of the trail and most challenging terrain, climbing to the Seven Dials, Redman Buff and Mount William (Duwul), the highest mountain in western Victoria. Experience a steep and rough descent into Boundary Gap and then a steep climb to Major Mitchell Plateau with some of the most spectacular views that are only accessible on foot. Refer to sections C3-C5 on GPT topographic map.
Day one: (C3) Redman Road to Duwul Hike-in Campground (13.1 kilometres)
This section of the walk has the greatest elevation change on the entire trail crossing Barney Creek at 320 metres and Redman Bluff at 1,017 metres with spectacular views of the Serra Range to the west. From Seven Dials, climb through rocky outlooks onto the ridgeline to the summit of Redman Bluff and continue from the summit downhill to the Duwul Hike-in Campground.
Day two: (C4) Duwul Hike-in Campground to Durd Durd Hike-in Campground (14.5 kilometres)
Climb to Mount William (Duwul) with 360 degree views across Gariwerd. Descend into Boundary Gap and then roam across the exposed Major Mitchell Plateau with fantastic views of the Serra Range and eastern side of the park, before going down the Plateau to camp at the Durd Durd Hike-in Campground.
Day three: (C5) Durd Durd Hike-in Campground to Jimmy Creek Road (5.7 kilometres)
Begin the long descent to Jimmy Creek Road, with views of the Mount William Range and Serra Range. This section is fantastic for wildflowers. Keep an eye out for the red “spider flowers” of Flame Grevillia (Grevillia dimorpha) which are typically in bloom between April and November.
Bookings and itinerary information
This 3-day hike connects with Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike to the north and the Yarram and Wannon 3-day hike in the south. There is also a walking track junction to Kalymna Campground. The trailhead for this itinerary is Redman Road (see map location below). Find out more about the central Grampians walks in the official map 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 campgrounds: first night at Duwul Hike-in Campground and second night at Durd Durd 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 cost is $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
Campgrounds have a mix of 3.5m x 3.5m timber tent platforms and granite sand pads 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 good at both campgrounds and on higher elevations with line of sight to Halls Gap and Pomonal communication towers. 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.
How to get there
Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day Hike
From Halls Gap (11.5km, 11mins): Drive south on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) for 10.4km. Turn left onto Redman Road and drive 1km to the trailhead.
From Dunkeld (55km, 40mins): 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 51.5km towards Halls Gap. Turn right onto Redman Road and drive 1km to the trailhead.
From Melbourne (265km, 3hrs 15mins): 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. Drive south from Halls Gap on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) for 10.4km. Turn left onto Redman Road and drive 1km to the trailhead.
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
Duwul and Durd Durd 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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Mackenzie Falls Day Visitor Area (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) – Closed for major construction works – 9 February 2026 to midyear 2026
Construction work at Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is underway and the carpark and precinct is closed to visitors.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 are closed. We anticipate that construction work will finish in the second half of the year.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 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.Access to the base of Mackenzie Falls via the Mackenzie River Walk will remain open until 26 April 2026. After this date until works are complete, the base of Mackenzie Falls will be inaccessible. Fish Falls will still be accessible from Zumsteins Picnic Area.Zumsteins Picnic Area ParkingDuring construction parking at the popular Zumstein picnic area will be limited. It is not recommended for large passenger coaches and long caravans to visit during construction. Similarly, they should not travel between Mackenzie Falls and Zumsteins due to the narrow winding road.A small amount of parking for campervans, small motorhomes and cars with trailers is available opposite the Zumsteins Picnic Area car park, however, may not be available on busy weekends and public holidays.For further information on the Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) project visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/mackenzie-falls-revitalisationPopular 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. -
Strachans Campground (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Strachans Campground – Temporary Closure – 13 April – 22 May 2026
Strachans Campground will be closed to visitors for major upgrade works from 13 April to 22 May 2026.For further information contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap (Ph 8427 2058). -
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Autumn 2026 Planned Burns – Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) has scheduled 3 planned burns within the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park throughout Autumn 2026.During these burning operations, there may be temporary closures to visitor sites, campgrounds, walking tracks and roads within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park to allow for on ground burn operations and the safe movement of vehicles, heavy machinery and aircraft.Closures will remain in place temporarily, for the duration of ignition, the following 12-24 hours, or until the whole burn unit is declared ‘safe’- this period of time could be one day or multiple days.The re-opening of roads, walking tracks and visitor sites will be communicated by FFMVic once burn areas have been assessed and declared ‘safe’. Until then visitors are urged to follow the advice of on ground signage and remain clear of burning operations.
Planned Burns within the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – Autumn 2026Please refer to the attached Autumn 2026 Planned Burns map.Dunkeld – Cooks Rd4km NW of Dunkeld, 216 haObjective - To develop a fuel reduced area to the North-west of Dunkeld.This burn will see a temporary disruption during ignition to Mount Sturgeon summit (from Victoria Valley road and the park boundary south of the summit) including the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT section S4). A detour will be in place to allow walkers access between Victoria Valley Trailhead, Mount Sturgeon car park and Dunkeld, via the Dunkeld loop walk.Grampians NP - Pomonal Fireline2km NW of Pomonal, 230 haObjective - To develop a fuel reduced area to the North-west of Pomonal.Boronia Peak Trail, Tunnel Walling Track and Pomonal Fireline will be closed during burning operations.The Fyans Creek Loop walk will remain open between Delleys Bridge and Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, as will the Terraces Fireline to Lake Bellfield and Barri-Yalug Hike in Campground.Grampians NP - Mt Zero Rd - South3km N of Halls Gap, 130 haObjective - To develop a fuel reduced area to the North of Halls Gap.Mt Difficult Fireline (North of the Watchtower area), and Mt Zero Rd (between Pines Rd to Red Gum Lease Track) will be closed but will have detours in place.The Grampians Peaks Trail from Mt Difficult Road (south of Werdug) to Halls Gap may have a detour in place via Mt Difficult Road, Boroka Lookout to Halls Gap.The Watchtower Climbing Area will be temporarily closed.Planned burning is a carefully planned and controlled process where fire is used to reduce dry vegetation such as leaves and branches that can build up over time and make forests more flammable. Without planned burning and other bushfire risk management works, bushfires will be bigger and harder for our firefighters to control.Autumn typically provides FFMV more opportunities to conduct planned burns, as the weather is more stable, and fire behaviour tends to be manageable and predictable. As soon as favourable weather and forest conditions arrive, we’ll make sure all available resources are delivering planned burning. Visit the Planned Burns Victoria website before you travel to make sure your trip isn’t affected.Stay informed about the Autumn 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’ settingsCall: 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 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/smokeAttachments: Autumn 2026 GNP Planned Burns (1,920KB)
Intersection of Lodge Rd and Red Rock Road – Temporary Closure – 27 April 2026
Roadworks are scheduled for Lodge Road on Monday 27 April 2026. This will involve an all-day closure at the intersection of Lodge Road and Red Rock Road. Asses Ears Road, Brimpaen Road and Glenisla Crossing Road will remain open and provide alternative routes to the Northern Grampians Road, Henty Highway and central/western areas of the Grampians National Park.For more information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at 277 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap. Open 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Contact Brambuk at (03) 8427 2258 or brambuk@parks.vic.gov.auGrampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 24.04.2026
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has some roads temporarily closed due to bushfire and flood impacts.Please be aware the movement of visitors in some areas of the National Park is restricted.Please refer to the attached up-to-date road report below.Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report - 24.04.2026 (221KB)
Invasive pest animal control program underway
Parks Victoria is conducting a conservation program to improve the health of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and reduce the impact of pest predators and herbivores on recovering vulnerable flora and fauna.The most effective method for controlling introduced pest animals is shooting. Pest animal control programs are carried out under strict conditions designed to ensure safe, effective, and humane practices are implemented. Contractors are expert marksmen and experienced shooters who have been through an assessment process prior to selection for operations.Pest control activities take place from 6pm to 5am each night, commencing 6pm on the 26th of April and concluding at 5am on the 2nd of May 2026.All sites will remain open, please keep to walking tracks or roads.You may hear firearms at night. -
Chatauqua Peak Loop Walk (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Chatauqua Peak Loop - Partial closure and detour
The Chatauqua Peak Loop south-eastern section (including Bullaces Glen) will be partially closed for track upgrades from Tuesday 21 April to Friday 5 June 2026.Track upgrades include stabilisation and drainage works.Chatauqua Peak and Clematis Falls will remain accessible for day walkers and GPT hikers via the Halls Gap Recreation Reserve.Please see the map below.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Grampians Peaks Trail – Hike-in Campground Reopenings (sections C3-C5 & S1-S2)
Five hike-in campgrounds along the Central and Southern sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail reopened to hikers on 2 March 2026.(GPT central section C3-C5) Barri Yalug, Duwul and Durd Durd hike-in campgrounds(GPT south section S1-S2) Yarram and Wannon hike-in CampgroundsThis means the full 164km Grampians Peaks Trail experience (from Mt Zero (Mura Mura) Trailhead in the north to Dunkeld township in the south) will be available for hiking and overnight camping. Redman Road Trailhead is also open for vehicle access.These hike-in campgrounds were damaged by the 2024/25 bushfires and have required significant repair and replacement works to reopen.Please remember, the Grampians landscape was recently impacted by bushfire and is recovering. Stay on formed tracks and be mindful that walking track and surrounding forest conditions have changed· Before attempting the Grampians Peaks Trail, please see the Plan and Prepare Guide for detailed information on how to plan and prepare for the hikePlease note:· Drinking water is untreated and is only available at serviced water tanks located at selected trailheads, road crossings, access points and some hike-in campgroundsTo stay up-to-date with what's open and closed in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park see our Change of ConditionsIf you are visiting the area and require more detailed local information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at 277 Grampians Rd Halls Gap, open 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can call (03) 8427 2258 or email 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 – 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 2058For Junior Ranger School holiday programs visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/junior-rangersFor a list of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Licensed Tour Operators Visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/ltoFurther 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
Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike
Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike
Gar and Werdug 3-day Hike
