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.
Gar and Werdug 3-day/2-night hiking itinerary
This section of the Grampians Peaks Trail has not been affected by recent bushfires in the national park.
Along this hiking itinerary in the northern section of the Grampians Peaks Trail, you'll witness seasonal waterfalls, climb mountain summits and enjoy clifftop camping.
The track is an overall Grade 4 walk with steep and uneven terrain, suitable for fit and experienced hikers.
Gar (meaning ‘big mountain’) is the highest on the western side of the range, an optional side trip on day two will reward you with spectacular 360-degree views. On day three you’ll reach Lake Wartook Lookout (829m) which is one of the highest points on the eastern side of the Mount Difficult Range with sweeping 360-degree views of Gariwerd.
This section of the Grampians Peaks Trail is particularly spectacular in winter, spring, and after rain, when clifftop rockpools and seasonal waterfalls are at their best.
Distance: 34km
Duration: 3 days
Elevation: 1526m
Grade: 4
Northern Grampians Peaks Trail map – Gar and Werdug
Hike options
- Self-guided: the trail is free to self-guided hikers, but camping fees apply to stay overnight. Book campgrounds.
- Fully-facilitated: book a Northern Peaks Experience through a Licensed Tour Operator. Find out more.
Getting there
This section of the trail begins from Gar Trailhead on Roses Gap Road.
From Melbourne, it’s around 3.5 hours' drive.
From Halls Gap, drive north on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) for 1.2km. Turn left onto Mt Zero Road (unsealed) and drive for 21km to Roses Gap Road. Turn left onto Roses Gap Road and drive for 3.8km to Gar Trailhead.
This itinerary requires a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for pick-up/shuttle options.
Gar and Werdug 3-day itinerary highlights
Day 1 – Gar trailhead (Roses Gap Road) to Gar Hike-in Campground
Distance: 7km
Duration: 4 hours
Elevation: 544m
Begin your hike at the Gar Trailhead on Roses Gap Road (N2 on GPT topographic map). Along the 7.3-kilometre rugged, rocky track you'll experience steep climbs and panoramic views including the seasonal waterfalls of Gar.
As the trail zig zags upwards, you’ll see uninterrupted views to the north. You will climb through stunted eucalypt forest, past boulders and over rocky slabs on the edge of the Mount Difficult escarpment taking in views over nearby mountains, Wartook Valley, Asses Ears and the Black Range (Burrunj).
Arrive at the Gar Hike-in Campground, perched on a spectacular cliff top high above the valley below, where you’ll spend the night camped along the rocky terrace.
The climb to Gar Hike-in Campground
Day 2 – Gar Hike-in Campground to Werdug Hike-in Campground (via Gar)
Distance: 17km
Duration: 7 hours
Elevation: 738m
From the hike-in campground, take a side trip to the rocky summit of Gar (Mount Difficult). Enjoy the sunrise before traversing south towards Lake Wartook along rocky ridgelines.
The trail rises and falls over highpoints and through mountain saddles, before finishing on a high knoll at Werdug Hike-in Campground. The campground provides views over Lake Wartook and across the Mount Difficult Range.
Sunrise from Gar
Day 3 – Werdug Hike-in Campground to Halls Gap
Distance: 13km
Duration: 3.5 hours
Elevation: 244m
Start the morning off with a steady climb to Lake Wartook Lookout for spectacular views and a morning tea break.
To the west is Lake Wartook with Bear Island in the middle, the western Mount Difficult Range, Asses Ears and the Black Range (Burrunj) in the far distance. To the south, Mount William (Duwul) dominates the skyline, curving from The Sentinel at the northern tip around to the highest mountains in the park - Redman Bluff and including Mount William (Duwul) and the Major Mitchell Plateau massif.
Leaving the Lake Wartook lookout, make the descent passing rocky outcrops through lower vegetation with the last views over the Mount Difficult Range. Leaving the dry and rocky northern Grampians and moving onto the wetter eastern slopes, the trail gently descends through a canopy dominated by Messmate and Brown Stringybark with an open understorey featuring ferns, grasses, wattles and tea trees.
Take a short detour to Chatauqua Peak (Bim) before descending through tall forest, rich with birdlife and wildflowers, completing your journey in Halls Gap.
Lake Wartook Lookout
This 3-day hiking itinerary connects with the Barigar overnight hike to the north, as well as other tracks, so you can step on and off from various points throughout Gariwerd.
Gar and Werdug hike-in campground information
On this itinerary, you’ll spend your first night at Gar Hike-in Campground, and second at Werdug Hike-in Campground.
These campgrounds can be booked together as a 3-day/2-night itinerary at a cost of $103.60 for up to two people on a tent pad. Book now.
These fees contribute towards the operation and maintenance of this unique hiking experience and help to protect the environmental values of this heritage-listed national park.
We recommend booking your 3-day hike well in advance of your planned departure to ensure there is tent pad availability at each campground.
Each campground has been individually designed to fit within the surrounding landscape.
Both campgrounds have timber tent platforms (either 3.5m x 3.5m or 5.0m x 5.0m) with steel chains that can be used to secure your tent. Additional guy rope may be needed for tent vestibules or tunnel style tents.
There is an unpowered communal area for meal preparation with basic toilet facilities and water collection points. The use of fuel stoves in all hike-in campgrounds is permitted but open campfires are not allowed.
Please take your rubbish with you on the entire journey and dispose of it when you return home or finish your walk.
Important: mobile phone service is not available within the Wartook Basin, but you may get some along ridgelines and lower elevations.
Communal area at Werdug Hike-in Campground
Prepare for your adventure
Water safety
Plan and prepare
Change of park conditions
During the summer of 2024-2025, widespread bushfires impacted over 135,000 hectares in the central, west and south-eastern sections of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. For up-to-date information on what’s open and closed along the Grampians Peaks Trail, view change of conditions on the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park page. For further information on the phased fire recovery program in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park please visit the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Fire Recovery page.
How to get there
Gar and Werdug 3-day Hike
Need to know
Gar and Werdug 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 (Gariwerd) National Park
Mt William Rd – Temporary Closure for Recovery Works
Mt William Rd is currently closed due to summer bushfire impacts.Scheduled recovery works are underway including the replacement of powerlines and radio tower infrastructure.The Mount William (Duwul) Summit Walk and the Kalymna Campground to Mount William Walk remain closed.For further information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, call Parks Victoria 131 963 or go to parks.vic.gov.auGrampians (Gariwerd) National Park – What’s Open What’s Closed Update 21.11.2025
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 areasFor 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” November 18 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.auAttachments: GGNP_Park Update_Whats Open-Closed_Nov182025 (1,023KB)
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 05.12.2025
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 - 05.12.2025 (218KB)
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Mount Zero Car Park - Closed for Upgrade Works
Mount Zero Car Park (Mura Mura Trailhead), including the picnic and toilet facilities are CLOSED while Parks Victoria undertakes construction works.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. Construction is underway and is scheduled to be completed by February 2026.During construction:- There will be no day
or overnight parking available at Mount Zero Picnic Area (Mura Mura
Trailhead).
- Day and overnight hikers can access the
Grampians Peaks Trail at Mount Zero Picnic Area (Mura Mura
Trailhead) via drop
off /pick up only at the
designated area on Mount
Zero Road.
- Mount Zero (Mura Mura) walk can be accessed via drop off/pick up
only on Mount Zero Rd, or via
Stapylton Loop walk from Stapylton Campground.
- 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.
We apologise for any inconvenience while these improvement works take place.For further information on the closure please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963.Grampians Peaks Trail – Reopened for Day Walking (sections C3-C5 & S1-S2)
The central and southern sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail (C3-C5 and S1-S2) have re-opened for day walking only from the 10th of November 2025.These sections were heavily impacted by the 2024/25 Summer bushfires and incorporate the trail from Borough Huts Campground to Griffin Trailhead (including section S1 –S2 Yarram Gap Road to Griffin Fireline).The Barri Yalug, Duwul, Durd Durd, Yarram and Wannon Hike-in Campgrounds and facilities will remain closed, as works take place to repair damaged toilets, water tanks, elevated walkways, tent platforms, shelters, and signage.Please note:- Drinking water is available
at serviced water tanks only, located at Grampians Peaks Trail Road
crossings. Important: drinking water is not available at the
Hike-in Campgrounds. Hikers must adjust accordingly and carry sufficient
drinking water.
- Toilet facilities are
available at Borough Huts, Jimmy Creek, Kalymna and Wannon Crossing
campgrounds.
- Mount William Road is closed
until further notice, and vehicle access to the Mount William Carpark is
unavailable.
- Please see the Plan and Prepare Guide for more information
on how to plan and prepare, before accessing the Grampians Peaks Trail.
Please remember, this fire affected landscape is fragile. Stay on formed tracks and be mindful that walking track and surrounding forest conditions have changed.Visit our fire recovery project web page for relevant upgrade information.Check what's open and closed in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park on the change of conditions web page. If 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 - There will be no day
or overnight parking available at Mount Zero Picnic Area (Mura Mura
Trailhead).
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Sundial Peak Walk (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Sundial Peak Walk – Temporary closure
Sundial Peak Walk remains closed due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.Alternative walks from Sundial carpark including The Pinnacle Walk and the Lakeview Lookout Walk.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 (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre 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-rangersFor a list of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Licensed Tour Operators Visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/ltoFor 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 2058Further 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 -
MacKenzie Falls Day Visitor Area (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
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 AreaWhen 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.
Add more Grampians Peaks Trail hikes to your itinerary
Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike
Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike
Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day Hike
