Southern Grampians

Explore

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.

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.

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

  • Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Bushfire Reopening Update – May 2025

    The impact of the 2024/2025 summer fires in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park was widespread. It resulted in the closure of many popular visitor sites including campgrounds, picnic areas, a large network of roads and walking tracks (including sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail).

    Parks Victoria is now progressing with large scale fire recovery works across the park. To complement these, a staged re-opening of visitor sites is being implemented

    The sites, which have reopened from April 18, 2025 are:
     
    ·      Silverband Falls Walk and Silverband Road
    ·      Balconies walk
    ·      Sundial carpark and the walk to the Pinnacle and Lakeview lookout walk (Sundial Peak remains closed)
    ·      Boroka Track Walk
    ·      Jimmy Creek and Wannon Crossing Campgrounds
    ·      Kalymna Campground and Kalymna Walk
    ·      Griffin Trailhead to Cassidy Gap Rd (Grampians Peaks Trail) – Walkers can now access this area by either pick up or drop off at Grampians Tourist Rd.  The Griffin Fireline Track remains closed to vehicles but open to walkers accessing the Grampians Peaks Trail via the Griffin Trailhead.

    For more detailed information please see the attached Park Update on “what is open” and “what is closed’ in the park.

    Attachments: GNP Park Update May 2025 (556KB)

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – Fire Recovery Biodiversity Update – 29 May 2025

    The impact of the 2024/2025 summer fires in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park was widespread. Parks Victoria is now progressing with large scale fire recovery works across the park, including dedicated programs to address biodiversity impacts.

    For more detailed information, please see the attached Biodiversity Newsletter May 2025.

    Attachments: GNP Biodiversity Newsletter May 2025 (872KB)

Similar experiences

 
A woman leads her partner across the Razorback track surrounded by stunning views of the Rubicon Valley.

Cathedral Range State Park

The Cathedral Range is a spectacular seven km ridge of sharply upturned sedimentary rock.
A couple sit around a campsite and welcome their friends to their campsite as they walk in.

Lerderderg State Park

The Lerderderg River has carved a deep and picturesque gorge through this rugged park located within easy reach of Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat. Picnic at Shaws Lake or O'Briens Crossing, follow an old water race and hike part of the Great Dividing Trail, or simply stroll along the river from Mackenzies Flat.
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm