If you’re headed to the Grampians, finding your way to iconic walks from the Halls Gap township is now even easier.

Budja Budja is the latest trailhead that has recently opened in the heart of town, linking it to the world-class Grampians Peaks Trail and other popular walking tracks in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.

The Budja Budja trailhead not only makes it easy for visitors to set off on short and long journeys to discover the spectacular sights of the national park, but it also helps walkers find their way right to businesses in town, helping support the local economy. The trailhead features elements of the Grampians Peaks Trail including boulders, a boardwalk and an example of a tent camping platform.

Although a large section of the Grampians Peaks Trail was affected by fire during the summer months and remains closed for the time being, the northern part of the walk connecting Halls Gap to Mt Zero can still be enjoyed. With stunning scenery and hiker huts for those who can’t or don’t want to carry all their supplies, this part of the walk caters for overnight hikers of varying abilities.

The very southern part of the Grampians Peak Trail also remains open to hikers between Griffin Trailhead and Dunkeld, including the Djardi-djawara and Mud-Dadjug campgrounds.
Since the Grampians Peaks Trail opened in late 2021, hikers have booked more than 30,000 nights camping along the trail, proving the popularity of this unique natural and cultural hiking experience.

The Grampians Peak Trail provides options for overnight and multi-day walks along the northern Grampians Peaks Trail from Halls Gap to Mt Zero Trailhead – including the Gar and Werdug 3-day hike, as well as shorter walks such as The Pinnacle, Venus Baths and Chataqua Peak.

The Budja Budja trailhead upgrade was made possible by a $5 million investment from the Victorian Government to provide more options to access the Grampians Peaks Trail. The project is supported by $200,000 from Northern Grampians Shire Council (NGSC) and is consistent with Council’s Halls Gap Action Plan.

Over the next three months Parks Victoria is delivering $1.88 million of initial fire recovery works, focusing on critical biodiversity and urgent visitor site recovery in the fire area.

For more information about experiencing the sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail that are currently open visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/grampianspeakstrail

Quotes attributable to Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger Charlie Richardson

“Previously visitors may have found it difficult to find where to start walks in the national park – now they will be able to stand at the local shops and more easily see exactly where to start their walking adventures."

"Supporting communities in and around the Grampians is a key focus to ensure their recovery. Building this new trailhead to better connect the town and businesses of Halls Gap to the walking trails in the park is just one way of doing this.”

Photo: The new Budja Budja trailhead in the heart of Halls Gap links walkers to the Grampians Peaks Trail. Credit: Parks Victoria