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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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.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.
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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 WallsSignificant 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 WallWe’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-gariwerdGrampians 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)
Closures Update – Planned Burn – Pomonal Fireline
Patrolling is still occurring post-completion of the Pomonal Fireline Planned Burn.Grampians NP – Pomonal Fireline (GR-WIM-HGP-0086)(NW of Pomonal)The following walking tracks have reopened:· Terraces Fireline, Tunnel Track and Boronia Peak walking tracksThe following track remains closed:· Pomonal Fireline closed for walkers
For further information visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058.Visit the Parks Victoria website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park#change-of-conditionsEmail: 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.Go to 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.Closures Update – Planned Burn – Mt Zero Rd – South
Patrolling is still occurring post-completion of the Mt Zero Rd – South Planned Burn.Mt Zero Rd – South (GR-WIM-HGP-0083)(3km N of Halls Gap)The following walking tracks, roads and visitor sites have reopened:· Grampians Peaks Trail (N4) from Mt Difficult Rd· Chatauqua Peak Day Walk (Loop walk including Bullaces Glen is closed for upgrades)· The Watchtower climbing area· Red Gum Lease bush camping area· Red Gum Lease Track· Oslers TrackThe following roads and tracks remain closed:· Mt Zero Rd – between Red Gum Lease Tk and Pines Rd (a detour is in place between Halls Gap and Pines Rd)· Mt Difficult Fireline – between Halls Gap and Pines Rd
For further information visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058.Visit the Parks Victoria website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park#change-of-conditions.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.Go to 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.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 - Access is closed from the
area north of and including Damage Done. These sites include:
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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 ParkingDuring 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-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 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. -
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 (Victoria Range Remote and Natural Area, Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
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. -
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 -
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 2058For 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/ltoFurther 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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