Zumsteins Historic Area

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    Zumsteins Historic Area

    Grampians National Park

    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

     
    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.
    Three friends enjoy a picnic on the grass in front of the historic Wallace Hut.

    Picnics

    Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.
    A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

    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.
    Zumsteins Historic Area

    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.

    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.

    • 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 Hike-in Camping Area and Jimmy Creek Campground due to Grampians Peaks Trail construction works.
      First Wannon Hike-in Camping Area remains open and accessible from Mt William Carpark and Kalymna Campground as a return walk.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Grand Canyon Staircase Closed

      The steel staircase at the south-eastern exit of the Grand Canyon is closed due to an engineering issue. The Grand Canyon remains open as a return walk from Wonderland Carpark. The Pinnacle walk remains open via the canyon bypass walking track.

      Mt William and Barbican Rocks Air Operation

      On Friday the 22nd of January 2021 an air operation will be occurring in the Mt William and Barbican Rocks area of Grampians National Park to support Grampians Peaks Trail construction.
       
      To ensure the operation is undertaken safely the following closures and access changes will be in place for the day:
       
      Walking tracks closed:
      • Sheep Hills Carpark to Mt William Carpark
      • Mt William Carpark to Mt William summit
      • Mt William Summit to Boundary Gap
      Roads closed:
      • Mt William Road at Grampians Tourist Road
      Roads open with traffic management:
      • Redman Road
      Campgrounds closed:
      • First Wannon Hike-in Camping Area will be closed on both Thursday and Friday nights to ensure walkers are not in the area

      Mt Victory Road closure: 8th to 12th February 2021

      Mt Victory Road closed between Halls Gap and Reed Lookout: 8th to 12th of February 2021
       
      Due to roadworks from the 8th to the 12th of February 2021, Mt Victory Road will be closed to all traffic between Halls Gap and Reed Lookout.
       
      Access to visitor sites in and around the Central Grampians will be impacted during this period. Walking Tracks in the Wonderland Range will only be accessible from Halls Gap or Lake Bellfield Dam Wall.
       
      Visitor sites not accessible to vehicles:
      Wonderland Carpark
      Sundial Carpark
      Rosea Carpark

      Walking tracks only accessible by walking from Halls Gap:
      The Pinnacle
      The Grand Canyon
      Sundial Peak
      Lakeview Lookout
      Splitters Falls
      Turret Falls
       
      Visitor sites only accessible from the western side of the park (not accessible from Halls Gap):
      Zumsteins Picnic Area (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Mackenzie Falls (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Smiths Mill Campground (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Boroka Lookout (via Old Mill Road - unsealed, AWD recommended)
      Reed Lookout and the Balconies (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Boreang Campground (via Rose Creek Road)
      Stony Creek Group Camping Area (via Rose Creek Road and Glenelg River Road).
       
      Download the attached PDF map for alternative access routes to open sites in the Central Grampians from Halls Gap.
       
      For further information please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, 2.5km south of Halls Gap, Ph: (03) 8427 2058.

      Attachments: Mt Victory Road Closure - Alt accces map (1,686KB)

    • Grampians National Park

      Mitchell Road Closed

      Mitchell Road is closed until further notice due to storm damage to a concrete causeway.

      Park Access Update - 6/01/21

      Download the latest Park Access Update for information on closures or access issues within Grampians National Park.

      Attachments: Grampians Access Update 6th Jan 2021 (171KB)

      Road Report - 07/01/2021

      Download the latest Grampians National Park Road Report to find out the condition of the parks roads and four wheel drive tracks.

      Attachments: Grampians NP Road Report - 7 Jan 2021 (159KB)

    • Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Grampians National Park)

      Stony Creek Group Camping Area Relocated

      Stony Creek Group Camping Area has been relocated 500m west of Rosea Carpark on Stony Creek Road. Walkers should access this site by following Stony Creek Road from Rosea Carpark, rather than the link track from the Mt Rosea Walking Track.

    Similar experiences

     
    A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

    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.
    An echidna in the grass.

    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.
    A family walk through the Organ Pipes National Park on the way to a picnic spot.

    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.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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