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

    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.

    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 - 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.

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 11.10.2024

    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.

    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 - 11.10.2024 (284KB)

    Upcoming Trail Running Event – GPT 100

    We advise that the GPT 100 extended weekend trail running event is being held in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park from Thursday the 21st of November to Sunday the 24th of November 2024.

    The event follows the Grampians Peaks Trail and may involve temporary delays for walkers. Also, expect busy periods at trailheads.

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

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