Grampians National Park - South

Grampians National Park - South

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    Southern Grampians

    Grampians National Park

    The southern Grampians takes in the remote Victoria Range and the park's highest point, Mt William. Close to Dunkeld, Mt Sturgeon, the Piccaninny and spectacular Mt Abrupt are waiting to be conquered. This expansive area far from the crowds offers rugged hikes and short walks.
    The southern Grampians is often overlooked by visitors who flock to the famous sights around Halls Gap further north. But if you prefer to experience epic landscapes away from the crowds and scenic drives along lonely mountain roads, then this is the place to come.

    Dunkeld is the gateway to the southern Grampians and many visitors stay here. The town is close to three fantastic summit walks: Mount Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon and The Piccaninny.

    Mt William, the highest point in the Grampians, is a short and scenic drive from Halls Gap - or a longer and even more scenic drive from Dunkeld.

    If you’re an experienced walker you’ll enjoy the unique challenge of the southern Grampians' overnight hikes. Tackle the 40km Major Mitchell Plateau hike or the truly remote experience of the Fortress and Mt Thackeray hike.

    The Grampians is a special place for nature lovers and the remote campgrounds that offer temporary accommodation to humans are also the permanent homes of native animals. You're pretty much guaranteed to see emus, kangaroos and wallabies if you stay the night. Encounters with wildlife and plants become even more pleasing against the spectacular mountain backdrops. .

    Some of the most popular places in the Grampians are its waterfalls. In the southern region, Kalymna Falls and Burrong Falls are reached by fairly short walks and are spectacular after rain. Jadawadjali Falls is a pleasant stop on the way up to Billimina Shelter, a massive rock overhang with Aboriginal art.

    Traditionally known as Gariwerd, this region is home to the largest number of significant and ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings and shelters in southern Australia. A visit to Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap will help you get the most of your trip to these rock shelters. You will also find general information about visiting the park.

    Things to do

     
    Two friends take a guided tour near the summit of Mt William.

    Mount William

    Mount William or Duwul is the highest peak in the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). This trailhead provides access to the challenging Mount William walk where you can obtain 360 degree views of the mountains and surrounding pastoral lands reward walkers for their efforts.
    A picnic table and fireplace in front of tents at Buandik Campround in the Grampians National Park

    Buandik Campground

    Buandik Campground is located in the Western Grampians at the base of the Victoria Range. The campground is set amongst open woodland beside Cultivation Creek and is close to the start of walks to Billimina and Manja rock art shelters and Buandik Falls.
    A red tent, camp chairs and fireplace among tall eucalypts at Strachans Campground at Grampians National Park

    Strachans Campground

    Strachans Campground is located beside the headwaters of the Glenelg River at the site of a former timber mill. Strachans is perfectly situated to explore the Victoria Range and Victoria Valley, where there are opportunities for bushwalking, four wheel driving and rock climbing.
    Two women hike through the Grampians National Park.

    First Wannon Hiker Camp

    First Wannon Hiker Camp is a small clearing with limited space best positioned for small, single groups or individual walkers undertaking the remote overnight hike across the Major Mitchell Plateau.
    Two women unpack camping great from their ute at Jimmy Creek Campground at the Grampians National Park

    Jimmy Creek Campground

    Jimmy Creek Campground is located in an open forest adjacent to the upper Wannon River. This campground is halfway between Halls Gap and Dunkeld, and is a great base for exploring both the Southern and Eastern Grampians.

    How to get there

    Southern Grampians

    The Grampians National Park is located in Western Victoria, a three-hour (260km) drive from Melbourne and a five-hour (460km) drive from Adelaide. It is also a key destination on the internationally renowned Great Southern Touring Route. The southern Grampians is easily accessed from the villages of Halls Gap and Dunkeld and is a scenic day trip from the regional town of Hamilton.
    Southern Grampians

    When you're there

    Download the Grampians National Park visitor guide or start your visit at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap. Here you will find the latest park information, maps and guidebooks.

    The Grampians Road and Touring Map covers car touring and is an essential tool to help plan your route. There are two main drives in the southern Grampians. One loop starts in Halls Gap and takes in Mt William, Mirranatwa Gap, The Piccaninny and back to Halls Gap. Another, also starting in Halls Gap, includes some unsealed roads and takes in Paddy Castle, Billimina Shelter and Manja Shelter before returning to Halls Gap. The Grampians Iconic 4WD brochure details a popular easy-medium route.

    Need to know

    Southern Grampians

    Accessibility

    A Trailrider all-terrain wheelchair and Sherpa Volunteers are now available for park visitors with limited mobility to explore the natural beauty of Grampians National Park. The Grampians has two TrailRiders available for visitors and both of these chairs are fitted with electric motors to assist operators on steeper sections of track. Passengers must wear a helmet.

    The TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair and Volunteer Sherpa service is free of charge however please book a week in advance. To book the TrailRider please contact Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre on (03) 8427 2058. To book a Volunteer Sherpa please contact the Volunteer Sherpa Coordinator on (03) 8427 3541 or volunteersherpa@parks.vic.gov.au

    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.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2022

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.

    • Grand Canyon Loop Walk (Grampians National Park)

      Grand Canyon Staircase Closure

      A steel staircase located 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 the Wonderland Carpark. The Pinnacle walk remains open via the canyon bypass walking track. 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Mt Victory Road closure from October 3, 2022

      Grampians National Park Update
       
      Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) are closing a section of Mt Victory Road in the Grampians National Park for up to three weeks from 3rd October 2022 for major works. 

      Mt Victory Road closure from October 3, 2022
      • Mt Victory Road will temporarily close between Wonderland Road and Silverband Road intersections during rock removal and earthwork activities.
      • All vehicles will be detoured via the Western Highway.
      • Access to Boroka and Reeds Lookouts, Mackenzie Falls and Lake Wartook is from the Northern end of the Grampians. 
      • If visitors do choose to detour this closure using unsealed roads within the park, please note that these roads are very slippery and rough due to on-going wet weather.  Parks Victoria recommends 4WD vehicles on unsealed roads during the closure.
      • Access to Wonderland Carpark will be available from Halls Gap, however this carpark will be extremely busy with limited parking. Parks Victoria recommends that caravans and large buses should not enter this area due to limited parking and turning space
      • For further information on walking in the Grampians National Park or how to access other areas in the park during these works, please call into Brambuk the National Park Centre in Halls Gap or a local Visitor Information Centre.
      Once earthworks are complete, Mt Victory Road will reopen to one lane as crews continue work. Traffic management will be in place to safely guide vehicles through the site in both directions. Delays are expected. The realignment works are expected to be completed by mid-December 2022. Please plan ahead when travelling and visit Regional Roads Victoria website for further project information.
       
      For ongoing updates about these changes, please visit the Regional Roads Victoria page  https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/grp_resurface_fye22/mt-victory-road-halls-gap

      Attachments: Mt Victory Road Detour Mapping_Digital (1,842KB)

      Mt Victory Road closure from October 3, 2022

      Grampians National Park Update
       
      Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) are closing a section of Mt Victory Road in the Grampians National Park for up to three weeks from 3rd October 2022 for major works. 

      Mt Victory Road closure from October 3, 2022
      • Mt Victory Road will temporarily close between Wonderland Road and Silverband Road intersections during rock removal and earthwork activities.
      • All vehicles will be detoured via the Western Highway.
      • Access to Boroka and Reeds Lookouts, Mackenzie Falls and Lake Wartook is from the Northern end of the Grampians. 
      • If visitors do choose to detour this closure using unsealed roads within the park, please note that these roads are very slippery and rough due to on-going wet weather.  Parks Victoria recommends 4WD vehicles on unsealed roads during the closure.
      • Access to Wonderland Carpark will be available from Halls Gap, however this carpark will be extremely busy with limited parking. Parks Victoria recommends that caravans and large buses should not enter this area due to limited parking and turning space
      • For further information on walking in the Grampians National Park or how to access other areas in the park during these works, please call into Brambuk the National Park Centre in Halls Gap or a local Visitor Information Centre.
      Once earthworks are complete, Mt Victory Road will reopen to one lane as crews continue work. Traffic management will be in place to safely guide vehicles through the site in both directions. Delays are expected. The realignment works are expected to be completed by mid-December 2022. Please plan ahead when travelling and visit Regional Roads Victoria website for further project information.
       
      For ongoing updates about these changes, please visit the Regional Roads Victoria page  https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/grp_resurface_fye22/mt-victory-road-halls-gap

      Attachments: Mt Victory Road Detour Mapping_Digital (1,842KB)

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