Grampians National Park - Central

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    Central Grampians

    Grampians National Park

    The central Grampians is the most popular area of the national park, boasting a variety of short walks, lookouts, waterfalls and picnic areas. Hikers flock to the Wonderland Range, while a memorable car tour from the pretty town of Halls Gap takes in the Balconies, Boroka Lookout, MacKenzie Falls and Zumsteins.
    The Grampians between Halls Gap, MacKenzie Falls and Zumsteins is home to many of the most famous sights of this celebrated national park. There are epic landscapes and a mix of easy and challenging trails to explore them. See majestic waterfalls and take a memorable scenic drive over mountains and through valleys.

    Traditionally known as Gariwerd, the Grampians and the surrounding region has a fascinating Aboriginal history. Make Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre in Halls Gap your first stop. Here you can explore what Gariwerd-Grampians means to Aboriginal people and find general information about visiting the Grampians National Park.

    Grampians is most famous for its spring wildflowers, Aboriginal culture and cascades and waterfalls. Take a short journey to the iconic and enduring MacKenzie Falls. Or venture deeper along trails into the rugged landscape to discover the slither of Silverband, cascades of Fish or Turret Falls.

    Bushwalking in the Wonderland from its carpark near Halls Gap is aptly named. A hike to the Pinnacle is very popular despite being a strenuous walk. An easier and no less spectacular view can be had by walking the Lakeview Loop from Sundial Carpark. Venus Baths is a delight for all with its refreshing spa-like rock pools. It is another easy walk from Halls Gap along the Stony Creek.

    If you’re an experienced walker you’ll enjoy the unique challenge of the park’s overnight hikes. A section of the iconic Grampians Peaks Trail starts at Halls Gap. Visit the website for further details.

    There are lakes here too! Go fishing, canoeing, kayaking or sailing. Lake Wartook, Lake Bellfield and Moora Moora Reservoir all have access.

    The Grampians is a special place for nature lovers and there is something to see in all seasons.

    Things to do

     
    Two friends take in the view from Boroka Lookout at sunset.

    Boroka Lookout

    Boroka Lookout provides spectacular views of the Wonderland Range, Mt William Range, Fyans Valley, Lake Bellfield and the plains to the east of the Grampians. The lookout is located 15km from Halls Gap and is easily accessed via sealed roads.
    A couple take in the views from Reeds Lookout

    Reeds Lookout

    Great views overlooking the Victoria Valley. Follow the path around the gate and along the sealed road to the summit of Reeds Lookout. From this magnificent lookout you will receive breathtaking views over Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range,
    A young couple cross the stream on rocks in front a the spectacular MacKenzies Falls.

    MacKenzie Falls

    An easy stroll from the MackKenzie Falls carpark leads to a viewing platform overlooking the picturesque Broken Falls. To reach the base of MacKenzie Falls, follow the signs. Take care as this walk has many steps and is steep, slippery and strenuous in sections.
    A couple enjoy a picnic by the MacKenzie river at Zumsteins Historic Area.

    Zumsteins Historic Area

    Zumsteins Picnic Area is located on the banks of the MacKenzie River and is the site of an historic settlement. It provides a great opportunity to relax in the natural setting of the Grampians, enjoy the wildlife, a barbecue and a short stroll.

    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.
    A young man offers his hand to his walking partner at the summit of The Pinnacle in the Grampians National Park.

    The Pinnacle walks

    Choose from two different routes up to The Pinnacle lookout – an easy to medium walk from Sundial Carpark and a more challenging climb from Wonderland Carpark.

    Boreang Campground

    There are many locations for camping in the central region of the Grampians National Park including, Smiths Mill Campground, Borough Huts Campground, Boreang Campground and Jimmy Creek.
    A family camps at Borough Huts in the Grampians National Park

    Borough Huts Campground

    Borough Huts Campground is set in a tranquil forested area adjacent to Fyans Creek. It is close to Halls Gap, The Wonderland Range and a starting point for walks to Lake Bellfield and Mt Rosea.
    A family of four enjoy afternoon tea at a picnic table at Smiths Mill Campground.

    Smiths Mill Campground

    Smiths Mill Campground is positioned within heath woodland at the site of an old sawmill. It is centrally located a kilometre from Mackenzie Falls, and only a short drive to Boroka Lookout, Reed Lookout and Zumsteins Picnic Area.

    How to get there

    Central Grampians

    Grampians National Park is located in Western Victoria, a three-hour (260km) drive from Melbourne and a five-hour (460km) drive from Adelaide. The central Grampians is easily accessed from the villages of Halls Gap and Wartook and is a scenic day trip from the regional towns of Hamilton, Horsham, Stawell and Ararat. It is also a key destination on the internationally renowned Great Southern Touring Route.
    Central Grampians

    When you're there

    The Central Grampians Day Trip enters the park via Halls Gap before visiting Boroka and Reed Lookouts, the dramatic Balconies rock formations, MacKenzie Falls and historic Zumsteins Picnic Ground. The Grampians Road and Touring Map covers car touring and is an essential tool to help plan your route. The Grampians Iconic 4WD brochure details a popular easy-medium route. Download the Grampians National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.

    Accessibility

    A Trailrider all-terrain wheelchair and Sherpa Volunteers are now available for park visitors with limited mobility to explore the natural beauty of Grampians National Park. The Grampians has two TrailRiders available for visitors and both of these chairs are fitted with electric motors to assist operators on steeper sections of track. Passengers must wear a helmet.

    The TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair and Volunteer Sherpa service is free of charge however please book a week in advance. To book the TrailRider please contact Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre on (03) 8427 2058. To book a Volunteer Sherpa please contact the Volunteer Sherpa Coordinator on (03) 8427 3541 or volunteersherpa@parks.vic.gov.au

     

    Nearby Events

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    Need to know

    Central Grampians

    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.

    • Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Grampians National Park)

      Temporary Relocation of Stony Creek Group Camping Area

      Due to Grampians Peaks Trail upgrade works, Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Campground) has been temporarily relocated approximately 1.5 km to the east along Stony Creek Road.

      Toilets and signage have been moved to this location.

      This arrangement will remain in place until mid-2020.

      All campers are required to stay at the new location. Camping is not permitted without a permit. 

      Attachments: Stony Creek Group Camping Area Temporary Relocation Map (269KB)

    • First Wannon Hike-in Camping Area (Grampians National Park)

      Major Mitchell Plateau Partial Closure

      The Major Mitchell Plateau walking track is closed between First Wannon Hiker Camp and Jimmy Creek Campground due to Grampians Peaks Trail Works. First Wannon Hiker Camp remains open as a return walk from Sheep Hills Carpark, Mt William Carpark or Kalymna Campground. This closure will remain in place until mid-2020.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2020

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

    • Grand Canyon Loop Walk (Grampians National Park)

      Grand Canyon Walking Track Partly Closed

      The Grand Canyon walking track is partly closed until further notice due to structural concerns with a staircase.

      The Grand Canyon remains open as a return walk from Wonderland Carpark.

      Access to the Pinnacle from Wonderland Carpark remains open via the western track that bypasses the Grand Canyon.

    • Grampians National Park

      Zumsteins Shortcut Track Closed

      Zumsteins Shortcut Track will be closed from the 1st of July 2020 for up to two weeks to allow for road maintenance.

      European Wasps at Troopers Creek Campground

      Significant European Wasp populations have been identified at Troopers Creek Campground. Treatment is currently occurring to control these populations. Please be mindful when in the area.

      Park Access Update - 03/07/2020

      Download the latest Grampians National Park Access Update to find out what is closed or has restricted access in the park.

      Attachments: Grampians Access Update 3rd July 2020 (189KB)

      Road Report - 03/07/2020

      Download the latest Road Report to find out the condition of roads across the park.

      Attachments: Grampians NP Road Report - 3rd July 2020 (107KB)

    • Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre (Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre Park, Grampians National Park)

      Temporary Closure: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre

      As of the 1st of July 2020, Parks Victoria has temporarily taken on management of Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre.

      The centre will remain closed while Parks Victoria undertakes due diligence in assessing infrastructure, facilities and conducts essential works. 

      Parks Victoria will be delivering essential park information and support services for visitors and licensed tour operators by phone, email and online, including campground bookings, school group activity statements and trip intention processes.

      Visitors seeking park information in person are asked to visit the Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre.

      Parks Victoria contact details during this period:
      Phone: 13 1963
      Online campground bookings: www.parkstay.vic.gov.au 

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