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.

    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

    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.

    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.

    • 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 Hike-in Camping Area and Jimmy Creek Campground due to Grampians Peaks Trail construction works.
      First Wannon Hike-in Camping Area remains open and accessible from Mt William Carpark and Kalymna Campground as a return walk.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Grand Canyon Staircase Closed

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

      Mt William and Barbican Rocks Air Operation

      On Friday the 22nd of January 2021 an air operation will be occurring in the Mt William and Barbican Rocks area of Grampians National Park to support Grampians Peaks Trail construction.
       
      To ensure the operation is undertaken safely the following closures and access changes will be in place for the day:
       
      Walking tracks closed:
      • Sheep Hills Carpark to Mt William Carpark
      • Mt William Carpark to Mt William summit
      • Mt William Summit to Boundary Gap
      Roads closed:
      • Mt William Road at Grampians Tourist Road
      Roads open with traffic management:
      • Redman Road
      Campgrounds closed:
      • First Wannon Hike-in Camping Area will be closed on both Thursday and Friday nights to ensure walkers are not in the area

      Mt Victory Road closure: 8th to 12th February 2021

      Mt Victory Road closed between Halls Gap and Reed Lookout: 8th to 12th of February 2021
       
      Due to roadworks from the 8th to the 12th of February 2021, Mt Victory Road will be closed to all traffic between Halls Gap and Reed Lookout.
       
      Access to visitor sites in and around the Central Grampians will be impacted during this period. Walking Tracks in the Wonderland Range will only be accessible from Halls Gap or Lake Bellfield Dam Wall.
       
      Visitor sites not accessible to vehicles:
      Wonderland Carpark
      Sundial Carpark
      Rosea Carpark

      Walking tracks only accessible by walking from Halls Gap:
      The Pinnacle
      The Grand Canyon
      Sundial Peak
      Lakeview Lookout
      Splitters Falls
      Turret Falls
       
      Visitor sites only accessible from the western side of the park (not accessible from Halls Gap):
      Zumsteins Picnic Area (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Mackenzie Falls (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Smiths Mill Campground (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Boroka Lookout (via Old Mill Road - unsealed, AWD recommended)
      Reed Lookout and the Balconies (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Boreang Campground (via Rose Creek Road)
      Stony Creek Group Camping Area (via Rose Creek Road and Glenelg River Road).
       
      Download the attached PDF map for alternative access routes to open sites in the Central Grampians from Halls Gap.
       
      For further information please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, 2.5km south of Halls Gap, Ph: (03) 8427 2058.

      Attachments: Mt Victory Road Closure - Alt accces map (1,686KB)

    • Grampians National Park

      Mitchell Road Closed

      Mitchell Road is closed until further notice due to storm damage to a concrete causeway.

      Park Access Update - 6/01/21

      Download the latest Park Access Update for information on closures or access issues within Grampians National Park.

      Attachments: Grampians Access Update 6th Jan 2021 (171KB)

      Road Report - 07/01/2021

      Download the latest Grampians National Park Road Report to find out the condition of the parks roads and four wheel drive tracks.

      Attachments: Grampians NP Road Report - 7 Jan 2021 (159KB)

    • Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Grampians National Park)

      Stony Creek Group Camping Area Relocated

      Stony Creek Group Camping Area has been relocated 500m west of Rosea Carpark on Stony Creek Road. Walkers should access this site by following Stony Creek Road from Rosea Carpark, rather than the link track from the Mt Rosea Walking Track.

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