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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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. -
Strachans Campground (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Strachans Campground –Temporary Closure – 13 April – 30 July 2026
Strachans Campground will be closed to visitors between 13 April and 30 July 2026 while major upgrade works are completed.For further information contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap (Ph 8427 2058). -
Mackenzie Falls Day Visitor Area (Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)
Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) - Upcoming closure for major construction works – 9 February 2026 to the end of 2026
This update is to provide information for the planned construction work at Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, and closures while the works happen.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 will close when construction starts on Monday, 9 February, 2026, and we anticipate that construction work will finish by the end of 2026.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 AreaWhen construction works start at Mackenzie Falls precinct, parking at the popular Zumstein picnic area will be limited, especially for large vehicles (buses and caravans) during weekends and holiday periods.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 WalkFrom May 2026 until works are complete, the base of Mackenzie Falls will not be accessible via the Mackenzie River Walk 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 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
Temporary closure of a Glenelg River Road section – 25 May to 17 July 2026
The section of Glenelg River Road from the Stony Creek Road intersection to the Boreang Campground turn off will be closed from Monday 25 May 2026 to Friday 17 July 2026 for roadworks.The southern end of the closure can be accessed via Rose Creek Road. Paddy Castle Walk and Boreang Campground remain open, as does Glenelg River Road, south of Lodge Road.Mount Victory Road will have an increased amount of heavy trucks and machinery. Drivers are urged to slow down and drive with care, particularly in tight corners.For further information please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre Phone 8427 2058.Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 03.07.2026
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has roads temporarily closed due to bushfire and weather impacts.Please observe road closures, warning signs and always drive to conditions.Seasonal Road Closures are now in place from the 9 June 2026 to 29 October 2026.Please refer to the attached up-to-date road report.Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report 03.07.2026 (1) (230KB)
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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
Similar experiences
Masons Falls
Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surrounds of Masons Falls Picnic Area. Set among towering gums, the large shelters and free gas barbecues make it the perfect place for a social gathering. The short waterfall walk is a real highlight.
Picnic areas in Brisbane Ranges National Park
There are a number of options for bushwalking ranging from short walks to three-day walks. This park is also popular for picnicking, scenic drives and camping.
Picnic areas
Organ Pipes National Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic. Picnic tables and toilets are available next to the carpark and near the Organ Pipes lookout.