Central Grampians

Two hikers walk along a rocky canyon

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Central Grampians

Grampians (Gariwerd) 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

 
Person watching the sunrise at Boroka Lookout in Grampians National Park

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 Mackenzie 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 walk from Wonderland Carpark.
Two friends walk along the track south of Redmans Bluff with views of the Serra Range in the background on central section 3 of the GPT

Grampians Peaks Trail

The Grampians Peaks Trail (160km) is a world-class 13-day hiking experience from Mt Zero in the north, through Halls Gap and finishing at Dunkeld. It can also be completed in shorter sections.
A tent and fireplace at Boreang Campground in the Grampians National Park

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 side view of a green-grey tent set among tall eucalypts at Smiths Mill Campground in the Grampians National Park

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.

Need to know

Central Grampians

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

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

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.

  • Wonderland Loop Walk (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)

    The Wonderland Loop Walk – Upgrade Works

    Important safety upgrades will occur on the Wonderland Loop Walk from Monday 18 May until Friday 29 May 2026.

    Short term, ‘hold in place’ closures may be required near Cool Chamber and in Silent Street while contractors carry out repairs to elevated walkways and steps.

    Walkers can still access the Wonderland Loop and Grampians Peaks Trail during this time. 

    For Further Information please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, Halls Gap. Phone 8427 2058 or email brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au

  • 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 Parking
    During 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-revitalisation
     
    Popular 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.

  • 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.

    Alternative campgrounds can be booked at https://bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/book

    For further information contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap (Ph 8427 2058).

  • 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.


  • Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    Rockclimbing Access Changes - Centurion Walls, Tortoise Wall

    Re-discovery of cultural heritage at two designated rock-climbing sites in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has resulted in changes to access.
     
    Centurion Walls
    Significant Aboriginal cultural values were rediscovered at Lower Centurion in late 2025. As a result, a partial closure is now in place, ensuring cultural heritage protection while maintaining modified climbing access for visitors. On-ground signage at the access track clearly delineates where climbing is or isn’t permitted. 
     
    Visitors are advised:
    • Access is closed from the area north of and including Damage Done. These sites include: 
      Damage Done, Shades of Black, Liberator, Lexicon, Temuujin, Killer Wolf, Devilled Haircut, Compressor route, Anti-Christ Superstar, Pining for the Fiords, Unknown Route 2, Genghis Khan, Project KP2, Project KP, Kublai Khan, Stone Temptress, Psychotic Episode, Trail of the dead, Flood the Zone, Push it Upstairs, Progressive Happy House.

    • All climbs south of and including In Plain Sight remain open. These climbs include; In Plain Sight, Who Dreams of Cats, Who Dreams of Cats – short,  Nowhere to Hide, Afterworld, Left Hand Black, Centrifugal Force, Centrifugal Force – Romanes Eunt Domas (linkup), Romanes Eunt Domas, Black Nobility, Sandpit, Ton Steine Scherben, Winged Corpse, HCP, Massacres and Maniacs, Lunchbox Legend, and AA New Rope / New route.
     
    • Access to Upper Centurion remains unchanged and is via the south end near Winged Corpse.
     
    Tortoise Wall
    We’re currently asking visitors to not access the area known as ‘Tortoise Wall’ to avoid causing potential harm to Aboriginal cultural heritage that was rediscovered in April 2026. A temporary closure is now in place, while Parks Victoria and Gariwerd Traditional Owners determine a longer-term management response. Out of respect for this significant cultural landscape, visitors are requested to not access this area.
     
    For further information visit the 'rock climbing in Gariwerd' web page https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park/rock-climbing-in-gariwerd

    Temporary Closure Notification – Planned Burn – Pomonal Fireline

    FFMVIC have scheduled ignition for the following Planned Burn within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
    Grampians NP – Pomonal Fireline (GR-WIM-HGP-0086)
    (NW of Pomonal)
     
    Fuel reduction burn
     
    Ignition Date: Ignition is scheduled from Friday,15 May 2026

    For visitor safety and to allow FFMVIC staff to prepare and deliver the burn, temporary closures on roads/tracks, visitor sites and walking tracks will be in place.  These will re-open when the burn, or specific areas of the burn are declared safe.

    Temporary walking track closures from Friday 15 May until the burn is declared safe.
    ·      Boronia Peak Walk
    ·      Terraces Fireline – between Bellfield Track and Tunnel Walking Track
    ·      Pomonal Fireline between Reids Lane and Tunnel Rd
    ·      Grampians State Forest at Ararat-Halls Gap Rd

    Operational Road and Track closures from Friday 15 May until the burn is declared safe.
    ·      Terraces Fireline
    ·      Pomonal Fireline between Reids Lane and Tunnel Rd
    ·      Birdswing Road at Pioneer Lane
    ·      Tunnel Rd at Pomonal Fireline
    ·      Grampians State Forest at Ararat-Halls Gap Rd
     

    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’ settings

    Call: 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 000

    Email: 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 (Gariwerd) National Park:

    Visit 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.au

    Grampians Peaks Trail – Helicopter Operations - Major Mitchell Plateau

    Helicopter Air-Lift Operations are scheduled along the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT) in the Major Mitchell Plateau area (Section C4) from Thursday 21 May to Tuesday 26th May 2026.
     
    Temporary ‘hold in place’ closures of approximately 15 minutes will be activated as track repair materials are placed at sites along the central section of the Grampians Peaks Trail.
     
    Signage will be installed at trailheads and contracted staff will be on ground to assist with the temporary closures. Please follow signage advice and remain clear of closed areas during operations.
     
    The operations will only take place under favourable weather conditions.
     
    For further information, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 8427 2258.

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 15.05.2026

    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 - 15.05.2026 (226KB)

    Pest Animal Control Program Scheduled in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    Pest Animal Control Program Scheduled in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park 
     
    From Sunday May 17th to Friday 22nd May, a ground shooting program (involving firearms) will occur throughout Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
     
    The program will be delivered at night between 5pm to 6am, in remote areas away from busy visitor sites, and will be carried out by professionals under strict conditions to ensure practices are safe, effective, and humane.
     
    There will be no visitor site closures as part of this operation. Areas will be thoroughly assessed and swept prior, but there may be signage in place to notify visitors of the operation occurring in the surrounding area. 
     
    Deer and goats cause serious damage to native plants, animals, and habitat by trampling and destroying plants, increasing grazing pressure, ring-barking young trees, fouling waterholes, causing soil erosion, and spreading weeds. Introduced predators (foxes and cats) prey on small mammals and reptiles and impact the ability of these species to recover from bushfire events.
     
    For further information, please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au , Phone 8427 2058

  • 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 (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Victoria Range Remote and Natural Area)

    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 (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Victoria Range Remote and Natural Area)

    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 2058

    For Junior Ranger School holiday programs visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/junior-rangers

    For a list of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Licensed Tour Operators Visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/lto

    Further 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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