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. Jardwadjali 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 & 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.

    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.
    The view from inside a tent, looking out to the grassy landscape and cloudy sky.

    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 Eastern Grey Kangaroos stare straight down the camera lens.

    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.

    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

    Nearby Events

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    Need to know

    Southern Grampians

    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.

    • Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Grampians National Park)

      Temporary Relocation of Stony Creek Group Camping Area

      Due to Grampians Peaks Trail upgrade works, Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Campground) has been temporarily relocated approximately 1.5 km to the east along Stony Creek Road.

      Toilets and signage have been moved to this location.

      This arrangement will remain in place until mid-2020.

      All campers are required to stay at the new location. Camping is not permitted without a permit. 

      Attachments: Stony Creek Group Camping Area Temporary Relocation Map (269KB)

    • 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 Hiker Camp and Jimmy Creek Campground due to Grampians Peaks Trail Works. First Wannon Hiker Camp remains open as a return walk from Sheep Hills Carpark, Mt William Carpark or Kalymna Campground. This closure will remain in place until mid-2020.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2020

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

    • Grand Canyon Loop Walk (Grampians National Park)

      Grand Canyon Walking Track Partly Closed

      The Grand Canyon walking track is partly closed until further notice due to structural concerns with a staircase.

      The Grand Canyon remains open as a return walk from Wonderland Carpark.

      Access to the Pinnacle from Wonderland Carpark remains open via the western track that bypasses the Grand Canyon.

    • Grampians National Park

      Zumsteins Shortcut Track Closed

      Zumsteins Shortcut Track will be closed from the 1st of July 2020 for up to two weeks to allow for road maintenance.

      European Wasps at Troopers Creek Campground

      Significant European Wasp populations have been identified at Troopers Creek Campground. Treatment is currently occurring to control these populations. Please be mindful when in the area.

      Park Access Update - 03/07/2020

      Download the latest Grampians National Park Access Update to find out what is closed or has restricted access in the park.

      Attachments: Grampians Access Update 3rd July 2020 (189KB)

      Road Report - 03/07/2020

      Download the latest Road Report to find out the condition of roads across the park.

      Attachments: Grampians NP Road Report - 3rd July 2020 (107KB)

    • Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre (Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre Park, Grampians National Park)

      Temporary Closure: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre

      As of the 1st of July 2020, Parks Victoria has temporarily taken on management of Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre.

      The centre will remain closed while Parks Victoria undertakes due diligence in assessing infrastructure, facilities and conducts essential works. 

      Parks Victoria will be delivering essential park information and support services for visitors and licensed tour operators by phone, email and online, including campground bookings, school group activity statements and trip intention processes.

      Visitors seeking park information in person are asked to visit the Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre.

      Parks Victoria contact details during this period:
      Phone: 13 1963
      Online campground bookings: www.parkstay.vic.gov.au 

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