The park is famous for beautiful landscapes of rugged sandstone escarpments, high rocky plateaus, and sheltered gullies. The Grampians have inspired works by Australian writers, poets, photographers, and painters.

It contains the densest concentration of rock art paintings and the largest array of Aboriginal art motifs in Victoria. Gariwerd has been home to the Djab Wurrung, Jardwadjali and Gunditjmara peoples for more than 20,000 years.

The park is heritage listed for its outstanding national significance for Indigenous rock art places, its richness of flowers and birdlife and its rugged beauty. 

After the fires

Nature is showing early signs of recovery in the park with new growth on fire adapted plants, and visitors are returning to the region. 

Adrian Manikas from Absolute Outdoors says it’s been great to see visitors return. “You could be in Halls Gap or the park and not know there’s been a fire. There is so much to see and do with all the main sites and local businesses open.”

Lightning strikes in December and January started several fires in the Grampians National Park. Adrian credits local community strength as a pillar of support during the emergency. 

Halls Gap: Locals show appreciation for emergency workers’ efforts during the fires. Image Parks Victoria March 2025

“We’re all very well practised at it now, dealing with existential threats, be it virus or fire or flood. We’ve been through a few over the last 5 years and every single time the community gets together, forms committees and gets stuff done.”

“There’s always some sort of community response. We (local residents) were allowed back in on 28-29 December. Within 24 hours one of the local committees put together a New Year’s Eve party at the cricket club. That was a way of coming together and celebrating after missing Christmas.” 

Based in the heart of the Grampians, Absolute Outdoors is passionate about connecting people with place and unlocking the Grampians experience.

“Our experiences range from the more gentle, easy going outdoor activities with breathtaking views, to hair raising adventure activities for all ages and abilities. We offer canoeing, rock climbing and abseiling, as well as a range of uniquely crafted experiences all in either half, full or multi-day packages,” Adrian says.

Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri) viewed from the Dunkeld Arboretum Lake, Dunkeld. 

The Arboretum is ideal for gentle strolls. For a challenging hike and striking views over surrounding ranges, low-lying volcanic plains and Dunkeld in the Souther Grampians, takle the strenuous 7km return Mount Sturgeon Walk.  

Connecting in nature

Charles Thompson who runs Park Trek Walking Holidays says Gariwerd is one of Park Trek's favourite desitinations. Before the fires, Park Trek tailored a guided walk for a group of 5 fathers and sons who were celebrating the end of primary school.

Charles says, “for participants of group walks there is a shared sense of achievement, enhanced connection and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of time in nature with others.”

With climate hazards affecting Victoria, including floods, heatwaves, drought, bushfires and sea-level rise, Charles says that guests to the region appreciate the safety and other benefits of accredited tour operators.

"As well as guide interpretations, accredited tour operators are experienced in dealing with conditions that may change at short notice." 

Planning ahead is recommended and checking in with Parks Victoria’s website ahead of your visit for any updates. 

Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre has maps and friendly staff who can show you where to go. Most visitor sites within the non-fire affected areas of the National Park are now re-opened to the public. This includes walking tracks, campgrounds (vehicle based and hike-in), overnight hikes, designated climbing areas, roads, access tracks and picnic areas. The re-opened visitor areas are listed below.

Central Grampians, Wonderland Range and Halls Gap area

• Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre and nearby walks

• Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout, Mackenzie Falls and Zumsteins Picnic Area

• Smiths Mill Campground

• The Wonderland Area, including The Pinnacle, Venus Baths and Grand Canyon

• Chatauqua Peak, Clematis Falls and Bullaces Glen

• Boronia Peak and Fyans Creek Loop 

Northern Grampians

• Mount Zero, Mount Stapylton, Hollow Mountain and Mount Difficult (Gar) walks

• Grampians Peaks Trail between Mount Zero and Halls Gap

• Barigar, Gar and Werdug Hike-in campgrounds

• Stapylton Campground

• Troopers Creek Campground

• Coppermine 4X4 Campground (and nearby school group camping areas)

• Plantation Campground

Southern Grampians

• Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug), Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri) Piccaninny (Bainggug), and Signal Peak walks

• Grampians Peaks Trail between Dunkeld and Cassidy Gap Road

• Djardji-djawara and Mud-Dadjug Hike-in campgrounds

Designated rock-climbing areas

• Hollow Mountain, Mount Stapylton, Halls Gap and Wonderland area sites: 1 – 77

Potential quote from Charlie. As areas within the park are made-safe, they will be reopened. You can keep up to date on the Parks Victoria website.