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 during the day and camp 1-night under the stars to experience a little bit more of what the Grampians Peaks Trail has to offer. Choose from three 2-day hike options and explore the ancient, rugged landscape of Gariwerd. All itineraries require a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, contact a Grampians Peaks Trail Licensed Tour Operator for transport services or visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for other pick-up or hiking options.
Barigar
This overnight hike takes in the dramatic Stapylton Amphitheatre with the magnificent orange wave of Taipan Wall, Bird Rock, Mt Stapylton, panoramic ridgeline walking, wildflowers, seasonal creeks and a hidden waterfall located not far from Barigar Hike-in Campground.
Grade: 4
Length: 16.0km Day 1: 12.1km Day 2:3.9km
Start: Mt Zero Picnic Area (N1 on GPT Topographic map)
Finish: Gar Trailhead (Roses Gap Road)
Pick up and drop off: Short vehicle shuffle between Mt Zero Picnic Area and Gar Trailhead or arrange a bus transfer with Licensed Tour Operator. 45min round trip.
How to get there: From Melbourne (290km, 3hrs and 15mins), drive west on the Western Highway (A8) through Ararat, Stawell and Dadswells Bridge to Wonwondah-Dadswells Bridge Road. Turn left and follow for 6.4km to Winfields Road (unsealed), turn left and follow for 1.2km to Mt Zero Road (unsealed), turn left and follow for 2.2km to Mt Zero Picnic Area.
Gar
From Gar Trailhead, a gentle walk through dense bushland soon begins to climb along Dead Bullock Creek, passing by impressive seasonal waterfalls before opening up onto the rocky escarpment of Gar (Mt Difficult).
Enjoy breathtaking views before continuing to climb further, ending your day with a stunning sunset view at Gar Hike-in Campground. To enjoy an impressive sunrise, follow the track for 1.4km over steep rocky slabs to Gar summit. Return to your destination, Gar Trailhead by descending back to Gar Hike-in Campground first, and then follow the same GPT route from the previous day.
Grade: 4
Length: 15km Day 1: 7.5km Day 2: 7.5km
Start: Gar Trailhead (N2 on GPT Topographic map)
Finish: Gar Trailhead
Pick up and drop off: Park car at Gar Trailhead or arrange a bus transfer with Licensed Tour Operator; 30min each way.
Werdug
From the main car park in Halls Gap, walk past the pool, through the botanic gardens and head north towards Clematis Falls and Chatauqua Peak. From the saddle junction, the track climbs steeply transitioning from tall eucalypt forest into the dry rocky escarpments of the Mt Difficult Range.
Cross over Mt Difficult Road, where your perspective changes westerly. Navigate through the rocky escarpments to Werdug Hike-in Campground and enjoy breathtaking sunset views over Lake Wartook and the surrounding peaks. Return via the same route the following day.
Grade: 4
Length: 15km Day 1: 7.5km Day 2: 7.5km
Start: Halls Gap (N4 on GPT Topographic map)
Finish: Halls Gap
Pick up and drop off: Park car at Gar Trailhead or arrange a bus transfer with Licensed Tour Operator; 30min each way.
Bugiga
Start the morning in Halls Gap before traversing the Wonderland and northern section of the Serra Ranges on this overnight hike. Follow the cascading Stony Creek upstream through the Grand Canyon, climb to the Pinnacle and continue along the trail to camp below Mt Rosea at Bugiga Hike-in Campground. Wander through tall forest to rocky outcrops and incredible views on Mt Rosea, then take the long descent to the finishing point at Borough Huts Campground.
Grade: 4
Length: 22.3km Day 1: 9km Day 2: 13.3km
Start: Halls Gap (C1 on GPT Topographic map)
Finish: Borough Huts Campground (C2)
Pick up and drop off: Short vehicle shuffle from Borough Huts Campground back to Halls Gap or arrange a bus transfer with Licensed Tour Operator.
How to get there:
- 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.
Barri Yalug
Starting at Mount Rosea Carpark, follow the trail to Mt Rosea, heading south through tall forest then onto rocky escarpments. After climbing the summit (Bugiga Mirgani), head south towards Borough Huts Campground then on to Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground, with incredible views north over Lake Bellfield.
Day 2 on this hike provides a challenging climb over Seven Dials and Redman Bluff before arriving at Duwul Hike-in Campground, perched high on the Mt William Range. A short 1.2km walk from here takes you to the endpoint at Mt William Carpark.
Grade: 4
Length: 28.4km Day 1: 14.0km Day 2: 14.4km
Start: Mount Rosea Carpark (C2 on GPT Topographic map)
Finish: Mount Rosea Carpark
Pick up and drop off:
Vehicle shuffle between Mount Rosea Carpark and Mt William Carpark (35 minutes each way) or arrange a transfer with a Licensed Tour Operator. Park your car at the Redman Road Trailhead.
Please note, Mount William and the Major Mitchell Plateau are exposed areas with fast changing weather. During winter and wet weather, hikers can expect heavy driving rain, sleet and strong winds. Snow may occur between May and October. In July, the average temperature is 5 degrees Celsius and 170mm rain. Walkers should be well prepared for these conditions and should reconsider their need to cross the Plateau in bad weather conditions.
Duwul
Starting at Redman Road Trailhead, the trail ascends through dense woodland then provides a challenging climb over Seven Dials and Redman Bluff before arriving at Duwul Hike-in Campground. Known for its impressive wildflowers and stunning mountain scenery from some of the highest mountain peaks of the park. Return via the same route the following day.
Grade: 4
Length: 26.4km Day 1: 13.2km Day 2: 13.2km
Start: Redman Road Trailhead (C3 on GPT Topographic map)
Finish: Redman Road Trailhead
Pick up and drop off:
Park your car at the Redman Road Trailhead.
Please note, Mount William and the Major Mitchell Plateau are exposed areas with fast changing weather. During winter and wet weather, hikers can expect heavy driving rain, sleet and strong winds. Snow may occur between May and October. In July, the average temperature is 5 degrees Celsius and 170mm rain. Walkers should be well prepared for these conditions and should reconsider their need to cross the Plateau in bad weather conditions.
Durd Durd
One of the most difficult sections (Grade 5) of the Grampians Peaks Trail – only suitable for very experienced and very fit hikers.
From the Mount William Carpark, follow the steep vehicle access road south-westerly toward the summit. At the towers take the gravel track southwards then drop steeply into Boundary Gap. Climb the steep exit and traverse across the Major Mitchell Plateau - the highest section of the trail. Enjoy the stunted sub alpine vegetation and far-reaching views before arriving at Durd Durd Hike-in Campground, nestled high on a west-facing gully. On day 2, a gentle decent takes you through towering trees to Jimmy Creek Campground, enjoying impressive mountain views along the way.
Grade: 5
Length: 20.6km Day 1: 13.3km Day 2: 7.3km
Start: Mount William Carpark (C4 on GPT Topographic map)
Finish: Jimmy Creek Campground (C5)
Pick up and drop off:
Vehicle shuffle between Mt William Carpark and Jimmy Creek Campground (25 minutes each way) or arrange a transfer with a Licensed Tour Operator.
Please note, Mount William and the Major Mitchell Plateau are exposed areas with fast changing weather. During winter and wet weather, hikers can expect heavy driving rain, sleet and strong winds. Snow may occur between May and October. In July, the average temperature is 5 degrees Celsius and 170mm rain. Walkers should be well prepared for these conditions and should reconsider their need to cross the Plateau in bad weather conditions.
Yarram
Starting at Jimmy Creek Campground, the upsloping trail criss-crosses the range, featuring sections of cross slope walking and rock hopping. Enjoy views over distant wetlands and farmland plains before passing a helipad and shortly after arriving at the stunning Yarram Hike-in Campground. Nestled in a gully amongst old stringybark forest enjoy peace and tranquillity and stunning night skies. Day 2 follows a steep descent through gullies and lower mountain slopes before arriving at Yarram Gap Road Trailhead.
Grade: 4
Length: 12.6km Day 1: 8.0km Day 2: 4.6km
Start: Jimmy Creek Campground (C5 on GPT Topographic map)
Finish: Yarram Gap Road Trailhead (S1)
Wannon
From Yarram Gap Road, walk parallel to the road through Callitris forest and climb onto the ridgeline. Rolling up and down through six knolls and saddles, you’ll see a series of wetlands to the east. Descend a spur into taller forest, before entering open grassland and arriving at Wannon Hike-in Campground. Follow the track through cleared land before crossing the Wannon River. Travel through swampy river flats and heathy under-storey before intercepting with Grampians Tourist Road. Meander up a gentle slope through sandy, heathy forest for 2.6km to Griffin Trailhead.
Grade: 4
Length: 12.1km Day 1: 6.5km Day 2: 5.6km
Start: Yarram Gap Road Trailhead (S1 on GPT Topographic map)
Finish: Griffin Trailhead (S2)
Mud-Dadjug
Starting from Cassidy Gap Road, hike uphill through rocky shrubland before climbing up to Signal Peak and across escarpments to the rocky exposed summit of Mud-Dadjug (Mt Abrupt). Enjoy sweeping views across the Serra Range and Southern Grampians, before arriving at Mud-Dadjug Hike-in Campground. On the second day cross over Bainggug (The Piccaninny) and take the steady climb up Wurgarri (Mt Sturgeon) before descending down the rocky slope to meander through an open Red Gum woodland. Cross bridges and follow directional signage into the small town of Dunkeld.
Grade: Grade 4
Length: 22.1 km Day 1: 7.3km Day 2: 14.8km
Start: Cassidy Gap Road Trailhead. Limited parking available, drop offs are encouraged.
Finish: Dunkeld
Pick up and drop off: Short vehicle shuffle between Dunkeld and Cassidy Gap Road or arrange a transfer with a Licensed Tour Operator. 15min round trip.
How to get there:
- From Melbourne (273km, 3hrs 20mins): 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 7.6km then turn left onto Cassidy Gap Road. Drive three minutes to the GPT trail crossing.
- From Dunkeld (10.8km, 13mins): 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 7.6km then turn left onto Cassidy Gap Road. Drive three minutes along the dirt road to the GPT trail crossing.
- From Halls Gap (54.5km, 40mins): Drive south on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) towards Dunkeld. After 54km turn right onto Cassidy Gap Road. Drive three minutes along the dirt road to the GPT trail crossing.
Water safety
Plan and prepare
7 Things You Need To Know About Hiking the Grampians Peaks Trail
Laura Waters, long distance hiker and author, was one of the first hikers on the trail, setting out on the first day of the GPT opening.
Grampians Peaks Trail Experiences
Grampians Peaks Trail
Gar and Werdug 3-day Hike
Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike
Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day Hike
Yarram and Wannon 3-day Hike
Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike
Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre
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
Overnight Hikes
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.
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
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 - 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.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 the 7th of 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 2058For bridge replacement project information email roadsandcrossings@delwp.vic.gov.auAttachments: Mud Hut Creek - Bridge Works 2024 (584KB)
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Temporary Closure Notification – Planned Burn – Jimmy Creek Rd
Temporary Closure Notification – Planned Burn – Jimmy Creek Rd
FFMVIC have scheduled ignition for the following Planned Burn within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
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.
Start Date: Wednesday 1st May 2024
End Date: Wednesday 8th May 2024
Ignition is scheduled from Wednesday May 1st
For visitor safety and to allow FFMVIC staff to prepare and deliver the burn, temporary closures along the Grampians Peaks Trail and day walks will be in place. These will re-open when the burn, or specific areas of the burn are declared safe:
Closures from 5:00pm Tuesday April 30th until at least Friday May 3rd, 2024
- Grampians Peaks Trail (C5/S1) closed between Yarram Gap Rd and Jimmy Creek Rd.
- Yarram Hike-in Campground closed.
- Yarram Park Rd closed.
- Jimmy Ck Rd (between the Grampians Rd and Mafeking Rd) closed.
- Closure signage will be in place at roads, trailheads, and car parks. Please follow directions and do not enter closed areas.
Visitor access to remain open:
- Jimmy Creek Campground (may be impacted by smoke)
- Wannon Crossing Campground (may be impacted by smoke)
- Grampians Rd on Wednesday May 1st (with traffic management)
- Yarram Gap Rd
How will this burn impact my Grampians Peaks Trail experience?
The Grampians Peaks Trail (C5/S1) closed between Yarram Gap Rd and Jimmy Creek Rd.
This includes the Yarram Hike-in Campground. A detour along the Ingleton Fireline from Jimmy Ck Rd GPT crossing to the Yarram Gap Rd GPT crossing is available to Grampians Peaks Trail walkers. This is well marked with directional signage and a detour map available.
Please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Ph 8427 2058 for further assistance with managing this section.
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’ 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 000
Email: 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-conditions
Visit: 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
You 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/smokeGrampians National Park - Autumn planned burn season underway
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – Autumn Planned Program UnderwayForest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) have commenced the Autumn Planned Burning Program in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and surrounding reserves.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 this Autumn 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 this Autumns 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.au
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