Southern Grampians

Two hikers ascend a rocky staircase with big mountains views behind them

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Southern Grampians

Grampians (Gariwerd) 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

 
Mount William, Grampians National Park

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.

  • Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    Mt William Rd – Temporary Closure for Recovery Works

    Mt William Rd is currently closed due to summer bushfire impacts.
     
    Scheduled recovery works are underway including the replacement of powerlines and radio tower infrastructure.

    The Mount William (Duwul) Summit Walk and the Kalymna Campground to Mount William Walk remain closed.

    For further information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, call Parks Victoria 131 963 or go to parks.vic.gov.au

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – What’s Open What’s Closed Update 24.10.2025

    During the summer of 2024/2025 the southern and western areas of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and the central section of Grampians Peaks Trail were impacted by multiple bushfires. Since then, a staged re-opening has commenced and many popular visitor areas have re-opened in the Northern, Wonderland and Southern areas of the park. However, some visitor sites and roads remain closed in the Sundial, Mount William, Victoria Range, Victoria Valley and Wallaby Rocks areas.

    Roads in fire impacted areas

    Many of the roads within the National Park due for reopening to the public by late July were impacted by weather events. There will be longer term closures required for some roads, where significant damage has occurred and further essential works are required. For up-to-date information please refer to the road report on the change of conditions listings.

    For more detail on “What’s Open What’s Closed”  

    Please refer to the attached “What’s Open What’s Closed” September 19 Park Update. It provides a park wide compilation of the staged fire recovery reopening’s in 2025.

    For further information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, call Parks Victoria on 131963 or go to parks.vic.gov.au

    Attachments: GNP Park Update 19 September 2025 - What's Open What's Closed V2 (748KB)

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 31.10.2025

    The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has roads temporarily closed.

    Please be aware the movement of visitors in parts of the National Park is restricted.

    Seasonal roads are due to open this weekend, however, please be aware that many have remained closed due to fire impacts.

    Please refer to the attached up-to-date road report below.

    Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report - 31.10.2025 (211KB)

  • 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 – Closures during 2025

    Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Closures during 2025

    ·      Cultural tours, activities and venue hire currently unavailable.
    ·      Park information centre and gift shop remain open.

    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.

    The reimagining project aims to renew Traditional Owner management arrangements of the Brambuk precinct and includes careful consideration of the tourism and visitor experiences, commercial opportunities, cultural education and training programs that may be available in the future. As part of this project, there are also building upgrades and refurbishments that require the Cultural Centre to be closed during 2024-25. However, the park information centre, gift shop and self-guided walks remain available.
     
    For Junior Ranger School holiday programs visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/junior-rangers

    For a list of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Licensed Tour Operators Visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/lto

    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 2058

    Further 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

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Mt Zero Car Park - Closed for Construction from 10th November 2025

    Mount Zero Picnic Area – Upcoming closure for construction works – 10th November to February 2026
     
    Mount Zero Picnic Area, car park and facilities will be CLOSED from Monday 10th November as Parks Victoria commences construction works to upgrade the Mount Zero Picnic Area / Grampians Peaks Trail - Mura Mura Trailhead. 
    It is expected that the major works requiring closure will be completed before Christmas, with ongoing minor works occurring post-Christmas. Parks Victoria will re -open the car park as soon as it is safe to do so. 
    These works are part of upgrades to trailheads along the Grampians Peaks Trail which will improve trail access, carparking, visitor and picnic facilities, signage and landscaping.
     
    During construction:
    • There will be no parking at Mount Zero Picnic Area / Trailhead.
    • Day and Overnight Hikers can access the Grampians Peaks Trail at Mount Zero Picnic Area / Trailhead via drop off / pick up only.
    • Toilets are available at Hollow Mountain Car Park and Stapylton Campground.
    Day walkers wishing to complete the Stapylton Loop Walk can access via the trailhead at Stapylton Campground. Please note there will be limited car parking along Olive Plantation Road, north of the campground entry. Toilets are available at Hollow Mountain Car Park and/or Stapylton Campground.
     
    We apologise for any inconvenience.
     
    For further information on the closure please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au 
    For more information on the GPT Trailhead upgrades, please click here.

    Grampians Peaks Trail - Re-opening to day walking Monday 10th November (sections C3-C5 & S1-S2)

    Grampians Peaks Trail - Reopening for Day Walking Monday 10th November 2025
     
    The central section and southern sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail (C3-C5 and S1-S2) will re-open for day walking only on Monday the 10th of November 2025.
     
    This section was heavily impacted by the 2024/25 Summer bushfires and incorporates the trail from Borough Huts Campground to Griffin Trailhead (including section S1 –S2 Yarram Gap Road to Griffin fireline). 
     
    The Barri Yalug, Duwul, Durd Durd, Yarram and Wannon Hike-in Campgrounds and facilities will remain closed, as works take place to repair damaged toilets, water tanks, elevated walkways, tent platforms, shelters, and signage.
     
    Please note:
    • Drinking water is available at serviced water tanks only, located at Grampians Peaks Trail Road crossings. Important: drinking water is not available at the Hike-in Campgrounds. Hikers must adjust accordingly and carry sufficient drinking water.
    • Toilet facilities are available at Borough Huts, Jimmy Creek, Kalymna and Wannon Crossing campgrounds.
    • Mount William Road is closed until further notice, and vehicle access to the Mount William Carpark is unavailable.
    • Please see the Plan and Prepare Guide for more information on how to plan and prepare, before accessing the Grampians Peaks Trail.
     
    Please remember, this fire affected landscape is fragile. Stay on formed tracks and be mindful that walking track and surrounding forest conditions have changed.
     
    Visit our fire recovery project web page for relevant upgrade information. 
     
    Check what's open and closed in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park on the change of conditions web page. If you are visiting the area and require more detailed local information,  visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at 277 Grampians Rd Halls Gap,  open 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can call (03) 8427 2258 or email brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au

    Trail Running Event – GPT 100 (6-9 November 2025)

    Parks Victoria advises that the GPT 100 (gpt100.com.au/), a long-distance trail running event will be held in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park from Thursday the 6th of November to Sunday the 9th of November 2025. The event route follows the Grampians Peaks Trail, from Mt Zero (Mura Mura) Trailhead in the north, to Dunkeld township in the south and has a range of running events scheduled across the four days.  

    Please note this event utilises the Grampians Peaks Trail, several trailheads, other visitor sites and campgrounds at various stages throughout the event period. There may be additional event staff and spectator activity, limited parking, and increased traffic during these times.

    If you are visiting the area on these dates and require more detailed information, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at 277 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap. Open 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively, please contact Brambuk at (03) 8427 2258 or brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au

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