Grade 4
Grampians National Park is part of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.
Travelling south from Halls Gap, the Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day hike takes in some of the most iconic natural attractions in the central Grampians such as Venus Baths, Grand Canyon, The Pinnacle, Sundial Peak and Mount Rosea. The track is an overall Grade 4 walk, suitable for most experienced hikers. Alternatively this area can be reached from the Tunnel Walk Trailhead via the Tunnel walk, Lake Bellfield track and connecting at Borough Huts Campground. All itineraries require a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for other pick-up or walk options.
Itinerary highlights
Ramble past boulders along the edge of Stony Creek then climb up through the Grand Canyon. Witness spectacular, panoramic views along the Mount William Range, Fyans Valley and dramatic cliff faces of Mount Rosea. Walk through wet sclerophyll forest, scramble over boulders and rocky outcrops. See heritage-protected, raised water fluming held up by dry stone pillars.
Water safety
For your safety, having enough water along the Grampians Peaks Trail for hydration and cooking is so important. Our water information and availability page includes the locations (with latitude and longitude references) of serviced water tanks. All water tanks along the trail are untreated. So you need a safe way to treat water for drinking.
When planning this incredible hike, read the important Grampians Peaks Trail Plan and Prepare Guide.
Day one: (C1) Halls Gap to Bugiga Hike-in Campground (8.9km)
Start your journey from either your Halls Gap accommodation or Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre. This section of the walk (C1 on GPT topographic map) involves stone staircases and footbridge crossings, following along Stony Creek towards the summit of The Pinnacle. There are impressive views from the Pinnacle all the way to Lake View Lookout.
Day two: (C2) Bugiga Hike-in Campground to Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground (14.7km)
Leaving Bugiga Hike-in Campground, you will start the steady climb through tall forest towards Mount Rosea, the most northern peak in the Serra Range. The cliffs on Mount Rosea are some of the highest on the trail. With a long descent that features a series of steep and windy steps to Borough Huts before reaching the Barri Yalug Hike-In Campground destination.
Day three: (C3) Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground to Barney Creek and Redman Road (800m)
Leave Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground and make your way down stone steps to cross Barney Creek and finish your walk at Redman Road Trailhead where you can meet a vehicle transfer back to Halls Gap. Ensure you organise this before your walk. The Grampians Peaks Trail then continues from here with the Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day hike to Seven Dials, Redman Bluff, Mount William (Duwul) and Durd Durd. If you are planning on staying longer to do more sections of the walk, you can add other itineraries to your booking.
Bookings and itinerary information
This 3-day hike connects with other day walks and tracks to allow you to step on and off from various points throughout Gariwerd such as returning to Halls Gap, or adding an additional night at Borough Huts Campground. The trailhead for this itinerary is Halls Gap and access to the trail is signposted. Find out more about the central Grampians walks in the official map for Grampians Peaks Trail. You can find out how to get to Halls Gap via the map above. All itineraries require a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for other pick-up or walk options.
Camping fees
The trail itself is free to hikers but camping fees apply to stay overnight. This itinerary includes two nights at two different, dedicated campgrounds: first night at Bugiga Hike-in Campground and second night at Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground. These are booked as an all-inclusive itinerary - all you need to do is choose the date of your first night to book. We recommend booking your 3-day hike well in advance of your planned departure to ensure there is tent pad availability at each campground.
The 3-day itinerary costs are:
$100.80 for up to two people on a 3.5m x 3.5m standard tent pad
These hike-in campgrounds are in very remote locations, you're not near a busy road or carpark, so you feel the reward of being deep inside the national park. They have been built with a good level of amenity that is well designed, sympathetic to the landscape and sustainable. As such, they are priced higher for the value they provide. The price for a standard tent pad for a 3-day/2-night hike is roughly $50 per night ($25 p/person if sharing) in camping fees for these unique, well-equipped hike-in campgrounds. These fees contribute towards the operation and maintenance of this unique hiking experience and helps to protect the enviornmental values of this heritage-listed national park.
Campground information
Both campgrounds have 3.5m x 3.5m timber tent platforms with steel chains that can be used to secure your tent. Additional guy rope may be needed for tent vestibules or tunnel style tents. Each campground has been individually designed the fit within the surrounding landscape. They feature an unpowered communal area for meal preparation, basic toilet facilities and water collection points. Mobile phone service is not available at Bugiga Hike-in Campground and along some sections of the walk. There is good service at Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground. The use of fuel stoves in all hiker camps is permitted but open campfires are not allowed. Please take your rubbish with you on the entire journey and dispose of it when you get home.
How to get there
Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike
From Melbourne (253km, 3hrs): Drive west on the Western Highway (A8) to Ararat. From Ararat take the Ararat-Halls Gap Road (C222) for 48km through Moyston, Pomonal and onto Halls Gap.
From Dunkeld (65km, 45mins): Leave Dunkeld village to the east on the Glenelg Highway (B160). Drive 200m and turn north onto Victoria Valley Road (C216). Drive 2.6km turn right on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) and follow for 62km to Halls Gap.
When you're there
Make Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap your first stop. Here you can explore what Gariwerd means to Aboriginal people and find information about visiting Grampians National Park.
Safety is your responsibility
- At lookouts, never climb over barriers. Your safety is more important than a social media post.
- There are steep cliffs in the park. Keep to the track, mind your footing and supervise children.
- Many walking tracks involve rock steps, uneven and slippery track surfaces, water crossings and rock hopping.
- Mobile phone service is unavailable in many areas of the park. Seek higher elevations for service.
- Plan your timing, return from walking well before dusk.
Emergency markers
In the event of an emergency, call Triple Zero 000 or 112 to access police and emergency services. Be aware that you may travel out of mobile phone range. Many of our parks feature emergency markers, which are special green signs with a unique code on them so emergency responders can pinpoint your exact location.
Need to know
Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike
Walking track grades
Hikes along the Grampians Peaks Trail have been graded using the Australian walking track grading system, which is a primary means of informing people about the features of walking tracks, so they can gauge their suitability for a particular track. Under the system, walking trails are graded on a difficulty scale from grades one to five.
Grade 1: No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for assisted wheelchair users.
Grade 2: No bushwalking experience required. A hardened or compacted surface which may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps.
Grade 3: Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Tracks may have short steep sections, a rough surface and many steps.
Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Grade 5: Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.
Hiking tips for Grampians Peaks Trail
- An Official Grampians Peaks Trail topographic map (for North/Central/South) available from Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, Halls Gap and other visitor outlets in nearby towns (and compass)
- Waterproof jacket and pants, thermal layers, breathable-fabric layers, beanie, sun hat and sunscreen.
- Hiking boots or shoes with a good tread and support.
- Water and food for all meals and snacks, plus extra for an emergency. Fuel stove for cooking.
- Drinking water treatment equipment for untreated water tanks at campground.
- 3-season tent, 3-season sleeping bag, mat and cord/thin rope to attach your tent to timber tent platforms.
- Lightweight gas or liquid fuel stove, matches/lighter, cooking pot and utensils.
- Head torch with spare batteries. Useful when moving around a campground at night.
- Good quality first aid kit with snake bite bandage.
- Mobile phone with USB cable – you can recharge at campgrounds along the trail. We also recommend taking a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for extra safety and a small radio to listen to weather or bushfire updates.
- Toilet paper, trowel and a bag to carry your rubbish.
- Waterproof pack liner to keep everything in your hiking backpack dry.
Be bushfire aware
The warmer months are the perfect time to experience regional Victoria. However, Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world. During summer in Victoria, the weather can be very hot and dry and the risk of summer lightning storms can increase the chance of bushfires.
Follow these bushfire safety tips to ensure that your experience is safe and enjoyable.
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.
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Grampians National Park
Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusion
Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusionSignificant 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 the Rock Climbing in Gariwerd link below.Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Bushfires Closure Update - March 22, 2024
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Bushfire Closures Update - March 22, 2024Grampians (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.Northern Grampians (Mt Stapylton Fire) Closures remaining March 22, 2024:Road/track closures east of Mt Zero RoadGolton trackCrutes track/Crutes roadNo off-track walking within the burnt areaMt William Range (Bellfield Fire) - Closures remaining March 22, 2024Tunnel Walking TrackMt Cassell TrackPomonal FirelineBirdrock RdNo off-track walking within the burnt areaAll other areas of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park previously closed due to the fires have been re-opened.For further information about the closures, please visit Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre, or call (03) 8427 2258. For National Park Information visit www.parks.vic.gov.au, or for booking refunds email info@parks.vic.gov.auPlease visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au for emergency updates, or free call 1800 226 226. Monitor the Emergency Vic app for alerts and warnings or listen to your local ABC radio stations for emergency broadcasts.Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 28.03.2024
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 Road is closed between Redman Road and Mt William Picnic Ground Road.Old Mill Road (from Smiths Mill Campground to Mt Difficult Road) and Rose Creek Road (from Mt Victory Road to Old Mill Road) will be closed for Planned Burn Prep from March 28 to April 15.Seasonal Closures
Launders and Sanders Tracks are closed.Moora Moora Track is partially closed in the southern section, from Homestead Track intersection to Glenelg River Road.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.Redman Road Trailhead carpark is closed. The nearest site for parking is at Borough Huts Campground.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 - 28.03.2024 (272KB)
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Kalymna Campground (Grampians National Park)
Kalymna Campground
Kalymna Campground is now open. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Grampians Autumn Planned Burning Program to commence soon
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park UpdateAutumn planned burn program to commence soonForest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) will commence the Autumn Planned Burning Program in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and surrounding reserves as soon as conditions are suitable.These planned burns have been nominated and approved as part of the FFMVic three-year Joint Fuel Management Program for the Wimmera Fire District. Each burn has been designated to a year and season, though this may change depending on burn objectives and seasonal conditions. You can view the three-year plan at https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/bushfire-fuel-and-risk-management/joint-fuel-management-program· The map attached, outlines the burns programmed for this year. Detailing the exact date and time of ignition can be difficult and the final decision to proceed may only be made on the day of the burn - once resources, weather conditions and local fuel moisture levels are deemed suitable. Once a burn is scheduled for ignition, FFMVIC will send out regular notifications.· Some of the planned burns this Autumn may involve the temporary closure of visitor sites, roads and campgrounds within Grampians Gariwerd National Park and other reserves. This may include detours or closures of hike in campgrounds along the Grampians Peaks Trail, and other vehicle-based campgrounds.· Closures will be enforced for the duration of ignition and may remain in place for some days. Visitor sites will re-open once the burn is declared safe.· We recommend that you seek information and stay informed about the status of the planned burns scheduled near you.Stay informed about this Autumns planned burns schedule:Visit & Sign Up:Sign up to Planned Burns Victoria to set up automated notifications about upcoming planned burns on public land near you. There is no charge to sign up to receive text messages.
Sign up via Planned Burns Victoria at www.vic.gov.au/plannedburnsDownload: the VicEmergency AppSet up a watch zone and choose to be notified about planned burns in the ‘alerts’ settingsCall: the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and request an interpreter or assistance for hearing difficulties via the National Relay ServiceEmail: For specialist advice about planned burns in the Wimmera District you can contact Horsham FFMVic Office at wimmera.fuelmanagement@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone the office on (03) 8508 1222.For Information about park closures and campground bookings within Grampians National Park:Visit the Parks Victoria website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park#change-of-conditionsVisit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058or for bookings and cancellations advice contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.auAttachments: Grampians Year 1 JFMP Map (17,972KB)