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First Wannon Hiker Camp-Major Mitchell Plateau
First Wannon Hike-in Camping Area is a small bush camp situated in a saddle at the headwaters of the First Wannon Creek. This site is for overnight hikers traversing the Major Mitchell Plateau. Surrounded by stunted eucalypts and sub-alpine vegetation, it provides shelter from the changeable Plateau weather.
Located 1000m above sea level, far from civilisation or roads, you will share this campground with the occasional Peregrine Falcon, Black Footed Swamp Wallaby or other small marsupial. There are sweeping views of the Mt William and Serra Ranges stretching right across the plateau. Keep an eye out for the beautiful Banksia saxicola plants that flower during autumn.
First Wannon Hiker Camp can accommodate a maximum of 16 people in one designated area. A camping permit is required for each individual and is bookable online. A Trip Intention Form or Group Activity Statement must be lodged with Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at least two weeks prior to undertaking this overnight hike.
One drop toilet is provided. However it is infrequently serviced. Campers must be self-sufficient, prepared for severe weather and remote area walking and should adopt a minimal impact approach. No camp fires are permitted - small fuel stoves only.
Things to do
Mount William
Mount William or Duwul is the highest peak in the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). This trailhead provides access to the challenging Mount William walk where you can obtain 360 degree views of the mountains and surrounding pastoral lands reward walkers for their efforts.
Brambuk The National Park and Culture Centre
Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap began with the building of the Brambuk Cultural Centre in 1989 to acknowledge, protect and share the cultures of the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung Peoples.
How to get there
First Wannon Hiker Camp-Major Mitchell Plateau
First Wannon is a hike-in camping area, so you'll need to leave your car somewhere. The best access points are via Sheep Hills Carpark (12.7 km walk away), Mt. William Carpark (6.8 km), or Jimmy Creek Campground (12 km).
Sites
When you're there
Download the Grampians National Park visitor guide and the Overnight Hiking Trip Intention Form before you go.
Need to know
First Wannon Hiker Camp-Major Mitchell Plateau
Safety tips for a great visit
Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Bushfire awareness
First Wannon Hike-in Campground in the Grampians National Park is in the South West fire district. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering the park during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.
No fires may be lit on Total Fire Ban days. On Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days this park will be closed for public safety. Closure signs will be erected but do not expect an official warning.
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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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)
Grampians (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 animal control program underway
Parks Victoria is conducting a conservation program in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, to 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. As part of the operation, contractors are using thermal and infrared drone technology to thoroughly sweep areas prior to commencing and suppressors will be used to reduce the sound of gun shots.Pest control activities are taking place from 6pm to 5am each night, commencing 6pm on the 26th of April and concluding at 5am on the 1st of May 2026.There will be no closures as part of this operation which is occurring in remote locations across the park.For further information, please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au
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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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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) and the Bluff Lookout Walk are all 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 Picnic Area ParkingDuring construction parking at the popular Zumsteins 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.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 – There will be no access to the base of Mackenzie Falls from Zumsteins Picnic Area from 27 April 2026 until construction works are complete. Fish Falls will still be accessible from Zumsteins Picnic Area.For further information on the Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) project visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/mackenzie-falls-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 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. -
Billimina Walk (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Billimina Walk – Temporary closure
Billimina Walk and Rock Art Shelter remain closed to visitors due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.An alternative walk in this area is the Manja Walk to the Manja Shelter, which is an Aboriginal Rock Art site in the Victoria Range.For more information visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058. -
The Fortress Walk (Victoria Range Remote and Natural Area, Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
The Fortress Walk and Hike-in Campground – Temporary closure
The Fortress Walk and The Fortress Hike-in Camp remain closed to visitors due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.For more information on alternate walks in the western section of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058. -
The Chimney Pots Walk (Victoria Range Remote and Natural Area, Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
The Chimney Pots Walk – Temporary closure
The Chimney Pots Walk remains closed to visitors due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.For more information on alternate walks in the western section of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058. -
Red Gum Walk (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Red Gum Walk – Temporary closure
The Red Gum Walk remains closed to visitors due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.For more information on alternate walks in the western section of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058. -
Mafeking Picnic Area (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Mafeking Picnic Ground and Brownings Loop Walk – Temporary closure
Mafeking Picnic Area and Brownings Loop Walk remain closed to visitors due to damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.For more information visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058. -
Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre (Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre Park, Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Building Upgrades in 2026
The Cultural Centre is closed for refurbishment.Parks Victoria is working with a strategic partnership committee of Gariwerd Traditional Owners from Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to ‘reimagine’ the future of Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre.Building upgrades are essential to ensure the centre meets current services requirements, accessibility, and compliance to current building regulation. New visitor experiences and activation opportunities including Aboriginal arts, community events and cultural exhibitions are being explored as Brambuk moves towards operation by a Gariwerd Traditional Owner entity.The National Park Information Centre and gift shop remain open.For up-to-date national park information, brochures, maps, permits and access advice contact information staff at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre info@parks.vic.gov.au or phone 8427 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
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