We’re excited the Grampians Peaks Trail, a unique 160km natural and cultural hiking experience, was officially opened in November 2021 by the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Minister for Energy, the Environment and Climate Change.

L-R: John Pandazopoulos, Chair of Parks Victoria, The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, the Environment and Climate Change, The Hon. Dan Tehan, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.

Showcasing the stunning Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, the long-distance hike runs down the spine of the park from Mt Zero in the north, through Halls Gap, to Dunkeld in the south. Along the trail, hikers will pass dramatic rocky peaks and outcrops, ravines, waterfalls, forests and lakes and a landscape home to unique native animals and abundant plant life.

The 11 unique hike-in campgrounds are in remote locations for a wilderness experience. They’re well-designed with good level of amenities, sympathetic to the landscape and sustainable. Some have a communal shelter for meals and a place to relax.

While some hikers will be keen to do the full 13-day/12-night adventure, the trail can also be done in shorter sections with a range of itineraries to choose from. Overall, the trail is a Grade 4 hike so we recommend you choose an itinerary that matches your fitness and physical ability.

Regardless of the itinerary selected, the trail provides walkers an experience rich in the Aboriginal culture of the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples, who have lived in the ranges they call Gariwerd for thousands of years.

The Gariwerd landscape is dramatic and offers hikers spectacular and unforgettable panoramic views. Why is it called the Grampians Peaks Trail? From north to south, you’ll climb the following:

North:

• Mt Zero (Mura Mura)
• Mt Stapylton (Gunigalg)
• Mt Difficult (Gar)
• Briggs Bluff (Budjun Budjun)
• Chatauqua Peak (Bim)

Central:

• Mt Rosea (Bugiga-mirgani)
• Redman Bluff
• Mount William (Duwul)
• Major Mitchell Plateau

South:

• Signal Peak
• Mt Abrupt (Mud-dadjug)
• The Piccaninny (Bainggug)
• Mt Sturgeon (Wurgarri)

The Grampians (Gariwerd) is incredible at this time of year for its rich and colourful wildflower displays. The landscape comes to life with vibrant shows of flowers — more than 130 orchid species have been recorded in the park.

Hikers will also experience a variety of plant communities. Traverse luxuriant fern gullies, Stringybark forests and Red Gum woodlands in the valleys, hike through the mountain vegetation of Duwul (Mt William) and the Major Mitchell Plateau, and cross stunted heaths and moss-covered rocky outcrops on mountain plateaus.  See the landscape move from dry, jagged rock underfoot to lush green forest as you move from north to south.

The landscape is particularly important for its abundance of bird species. The low open shrubby woodlands support many nectar-feeding birds and the tall open forests are important for hollow-dependent species such as the Powerful Owl.

More than 40 species of mammal have been recorded including populations of Red-necked Wallabies, Grey Kangaroos, Smokey Mouse, Long-nosed Potoroo, and a reintroduced colony of Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies. Twenty-eight reptile species also call the park home. More than 90 wildlife species live in the park, so be on the lookout when hiking for some wildlife spotting

The heritage-listed Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is an ancient landscape that protects threatened native animals, one-third of Victoria’s flora, and the majority of Aboriginal rock art in Victoria.

Hike to new heights on the Grampians Peaks Trail and experience this dramatic landscape first-hand. Find out more about the Grampians Peaks Trail and book your next hiking adventure.