Zumsteins Historic Area

A couple cool themselves by a river and enjoy some refreshments

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Zumsteins Historic Area

Grampians (Gariwerd) 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.

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.

  • Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusion

    Significant Aboriginal cultural values have recently been rediscovered at the Mountain Lion designated rock-climbing and bouldering area.

    While Parks Victoria and Gariwerd Traditional Owners determine a longer-term management response, and out of respect for this significant cultural landscape, visitors are requested to not access this area.

    The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 protects Aboriginal cultural heritage and significant financial penalties apply for harm caused by individuals or corporate bodies.

    For more information please visit the FAQ Update at Rock Climbing in Gariwerd link below.

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Bushfire Closures - Tunnel Walking Track

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park was impacted by the Bellfield and Stapylton bushfires from 13th February 2024. There are temporary closures still in place in the vicinity of the fires. Visitors are asked to adhere to road and park closures as we work to assess and re-open these areas.
     
    Tunnel Walking Track remains closed.

    Pest animal control program in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and Black Range State Park – deer and feral goats.

    An ongoing conservation program in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and Black Range State Park will be supported in October by an aerial control operation targeting deer and feral goats.

    Weather permitting, an aerial shooting operation will be undertaken on weekdays between Monday 14th October – Thursday 17th October 2024 to target these pest animals in parts of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and Black Range State Park (see attached fact sheet with map).

    During operations, parts of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and Black Range State Park will be temporarily closed or restricted while shooting activities are underway.

    To ensure visitor safety, warning signs will be placed at closures and major road access points to the control area.  Visitors are encouraged to follow all instructions on permanent and temporary signage.

    Informed by scientific research, this program is aimed at controlling/reducing introduced deer and feral goat populations that are threatening the important natural and cultural values of the Greater Gariwerd Landscape.

    This program is funded through the Victorian Government’s Protecting Biodiversity Program.

    For further information please contact 13 1963.

    Attachments: Notification - Fact sheet - Grampians Deer Control Oct 2024 (621KB)

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 04.10.2024

    The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has several roads temporarily closed for repair works, upgrades, and recent fire impacts. Please be aware the movement of visitors in these parts of the National Park is restricted.

    Road Closures
    Mitchell Rd between Redman Rd and Mt William Picnic Ground Rd.

    Syphon Rd.

    Seasonal Closures
    Seasonal Road Closures are now in place until Thursday 31st October 2024 with signage and gate closures in place.

    Seasonal road closures are necessary to maintain water quality, protect public safety and prevent erosion during the wetter months, making them vulnerable to damage.

    See attached Road Report for full list of Seasonal Road Closures.

    Grampians Peaks Trail – Trailhead Access
    Road access (Griffin Track) to the Griffin Trailhead for the Grampians Peaks Trail is open to 4WD vehicles only. Walkers can access the GPT on foot via the Griffin Track from the Grampians Tourist Road.

    Please see the latest road report attachment for full road and track details at the bottom of this page.

    Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report - 04.10.2024 (284KB)

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.
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