Enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the peaceful setting of Zumtein Picnic Area. Once a thriving tourist resort explore the historic ruins where beekeeper Walter Zumstein played host to hundreds of holidaymakers in the 1930s.
Zumsteins Historic Area is one of the best picnic spots for your day trip in the central Grampians. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue in scenic surrounds nestled near the banks of the MacKenzie River.
Discover the history of Zumsteins as you follow interpretive signs through the settlement. See remnants of cottages built in the 1930s as part of an old retreat for holidaymakers.
Follow the boardwalk along the banks of MacKenzie River. Watch the tranquil water and see if you can spot a platypus swim by.
Zumsteins Picnic Area has disabled access toilets, compacted gravel paths, electric barbecues and picnic shelters. A timber boardwalk is located along the banks of the MacKenzie River to allow visitors to interact with the river. It is suitable for wheelchairs.
Things to do
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.
Picnics
Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.
Day trips
Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
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.
How to get there
Zumsteins Historic Area
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.
When you're there
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
Zumsteins Historic Area
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
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.
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Sundial Peak Walk (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Sundial Peak Walk and The Bleachers (Sundial Peak) – Temporary closure
Sundial Peak Walk and The Bleachers (Sundial Peak) – Temporary closureSundial Peak Walk and The Bleachers (Designated Climbing Area – Bouldering (Site 83) both remain closed due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.Alternative walks from Sundial carpark including The Pinnacle Walk and the Lakeview Lookout Walk.For more information visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058 -
Mackenzie Falls Day Visitor Area (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) – Mackenzie Falls construction closure and temporary closure of Mackenzie River Walk
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), the Bluff Lookout Walk, and parts of Mackenzie Falls River Walk are closed. We anticipate that construction work will finish in the second half of the year.
Mackenzie River WalkDue to upcoming construction work, there will be NO ACCESS for walkers to the base of Mackenzie Falls from Zumsteins Picnic Area via the Mackenzie River Walk between Monday 16 March - Friday 27 March 2026.Fish Falls WalkThe popular Fish Falls Walk remains OPEN. This is a 1.5 to 2 hour return walk (Grade 3) from Zumsteins Picnic Area. 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.Zumsteins Picnic Area ParkingDuring construction parking at the popular Zumstein 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.For further information on the Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) project visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/mackenzie-falls-revitalisationPopular 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 on the Mackenzie Falls River Walk 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. -
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 20.03.2026
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has roads temporarily closed due to bushfire and flood impacts.Please be aware the movement of visitors in parts of the National Park is restricted.Please refer to the attached up-to-date road report below.Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report - 20.03.2026 (218KB)
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – What’s Open What’s Closed Update 20.03.2026
During the summer of 2024/2025 the southern and western areas of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and the central section of Grampians Peaks Trail were impacted by multiple bushfires. Since then, a staged re-opening has commenced and many popular visitor areas have re-opened in the Northern, Wonderland and Southern areas of the park. However, some visitor sites and roads remain closed in the Sundial, Mount William, Victoria Range, Victoria Valley and Wallaby Rocks areas.Roads in fire impacted areasFor up-to-date information please refer to the road report on the change of conditions listings.For more detail on “What’s Open What’s Closed”Please refer to the attached “What’s Open What’s Closed” March 20, 2026, Park Update. It provides a park wide compilation of the staged fire recovery reopenings in 2025/26.For further information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, call Parks Victoria on 131963 or go to parks.vic.gov.auAttachments: GGNP_Park Update_Whats Open-Closed_March 20 2026 (1,095KB)
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Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre Park)
Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Closures throughout 2026
· Cultural tours, activities and venue hire currently unavailable.· Park information centre and gift shop remain open.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.The reimagining project aims to renew Traditional Owner management arrangements of the Brambuk precinct and includes careful consideration of the tourism and visitor experiences, commercial opportunities, cultural education and training programs that may be available in the future. As part of this project, there are also building upgrades and refurbishments that require the Cultural Centre to be closed during 2026. However, the park information centre, gift shop and self-guided walks remain available.For Junior Ranger School holiday programs visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/junior-rangersFor a list of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Licensed Tour Operators Visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/ltoFor 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 2058Further 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 -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Grampians Peaks Trail – Hike-in Campground Reopenings (sections C3-C5 & S1-S2)
Five hike-in campgrounds along the Central and Southern sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail reopened to hikers on 2 March 2026.(GPT central section C3-C5) Barri Yalug, Duwul and Durd Durd hike-in campgrounds(GPT south section S1-S2) Yarram and Wannon hike-in CampgroundsThis means the full 164km Grampians Peaks Trail experience (from Mt Zero (Mura Mura) Trailhead in the north to Dunkeld township in the south) will be available for hiking and overnight camping. Redman Road Trailhead is also open for vehicle access.These hike-in campgrounds were damaged by the 2024/25 bushfires and have required significant repair and replacement works to reopen.Please remember, the Grampians landscape was recently impacted by bushfire and is recovering. Stay on formed tracks and be mindful that walking track and surrounding forest conditions have changed· Before attempting the Grampians Peaks Trail, please see the Plan and Prepare Guide for detailed information on how to plan and prepare for the hikePlease note:· Drinking water is untreated and is only available at serviced water tanks located at selected trailheads, road crossings, access points and some hike-in campgroundsTo stay up-to-date with what's open and closed in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park see our Change of ConditionsIf you are visiting the area and require more detailed local information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at 277 Grampians Rd Halls Gap, open 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can call (03) 8427 2258 or email brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au
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