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.
Get a sample of the Grampians Peaks Trail with one of our suggested day walks. Explore the ancient, rugged landscape of Gariwerd and discover the natural beauty of the Grampians National Park.
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.
Mt Stapylton Loop
Mt Zero Picnic Area or alternatively from Stapylton Campground
Loop: 9.7km, 4 - 5hrs
Grade 4 (Hard): Challenging steep sections, rock hopping, slippery surfaces and exposed rocky outcrops.
Start: Mt Zero Picnic Area, Mt Zero Road.
Follow Grampians Peaks Trail markers for 500m up ‘Flat Rock’ to an outcrop overlooking the Stapylton Amphitheatre and the spectacular orange-coloured Taipan Wall. Continue downhill to the next track junction where the Loop walk begins. You will return to this point later.
Keep left and continue 1.3km before beginning to climb steadily up and over rocky terraces, passing ‘bird rock’.
At the Mt Stapylton summit intersection take the 600m return walk to the lower area before continuing south along the Grampians Peaks Trail. The track winds its way up, over and under rocky outcrops for the next 2.3km.
At the next track junction follow signs leaving the Grampians Peaks Trail and head west, downhill towards Pohlners Road and the Stapylton Campground track junction where the track heads north-west for 3km leading back into the Stapylton Amphitheatre and back on to the Grampians Peaks Trail.
This concludes the loop and you return to Mt Zero Picnic Area via Flat Rock.
Lower Waterfalls of Gar (Mt Difficult)
Troopers Creek Campground Return walk: 4.2km. 2 hours
Grade 3 (Medium): Steep sections. Steep rock steps and walking track, creek crossings, slippery rocks, and exposed cliff edges. Note: the walking track beyond the falls and on to Gar (Mt Difficult) and Briggs Bluff is Grade 4: Hard. For fit, experienced and prepared walkers only.
Start: From Troopers Creek Campground. A series of seasonal waterfalls that are best seen after rain. Spectacular views from rocky lookouts.
Follow the creek side track steadily uphill for 1.8km past the first small waterfall spilling from a wave-shaped rock. Continue on upwards enjoying fine views to finish at the base of the third waterfall. Return via the same route.
Lake Wartook Lookout
Mt Difficult Road Return walk: 1.1km, 40 minutes
Grade 3 (Medium): Uneven surfaces, slippery rocks, exposed cliff edges.
Start: Lake Wartook Lookout, Mt Difficult Road. Approximately 4.5km north of Boroka Lookout carpark.
From the roadside you will walk west before climbing steadily up rock staircases and over rocky terraces to finally climb through a narrow rocky slot onto the summit. Return via the same route.
Lake Wartook Lookout to Halls Gap
Mt Difficult Road
One-way: 10.9km, 3-4 hours
Vehicle drop/shuffle required or 20.7km return, 6-7 hours
Grade 4 (Hard): Challenging steep sections, rock hopping, slippery surfaces and exposed rocky outcrops.
Start: Lake Wartook Lookout, Mt Difficult Road. Note: unsealed road access to the lookout car park requires higher clearance vehicles. Limited parking available.
From Lake Wartook Lookout follow the Grampians Peaks Trail south for 1.1km to cross the Mt Difficult Road and for 2km walk through low forest before taking steep descending steps into taller forest. It is a gradual downhill walk south via the Chatauqua Peak saddle, Clematiss Falls and the Botanic Gardens into Halls Gap.
Signal Peak
Mt Abrupt Carpark
Return walk: 7.8km, 3 - 4 hours
Grade 4 (Hard): Challenging steep sections, rock hopping, slippery surfaces and exposed rocky outcrops.
Start: Mt Abrupt Carpark. Cross the Grampians Tourist Road and follow the signs to Mt Abrupt and Signal Peak. The track steadily rises through low forest, crossing several landslides that occurred in 2011.
Turn right after 1.7km at the track junction. Signal Peak is 2.2km from here. Follow the track for 2.2km as it winds below a rocky escarpment and through a saddle with tall trees. From the saddle the track climbs up onto the drier western slopes of Signal Peak passing through heathy vegetation before finally reaching the summit at an elevation of 780m.
More Grampians Peaks Trail experiences
Grampians Peaks Trail
The Pinnacle walks
Overnight Hikes
Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre
Grampians Peaks Trail Day Walks
This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
How to get there
Day walks
The Grampians Peaks Trail currently starts and finishes in Halls Gap, which is a good starting point for anyone looking to walk or hike any of the trails in the Grampians National Park. The 260 km drive to Halls Gap from Melbourne along the Western or Glenelg Highways takes about 3 hours. There are approaches to Halls Gap via Stawell, Ararat or Dunkeld.
Facilities
When you're there
Local Visitor Information Centres can assist with accommodation, walk, dining, tours, activities, festivals, events and Licensed Tour Operators.
Go to www.visitgrampians.com.au to explore the many possibilities available.
Grampians Peaks Trail Day Walks fact sheet
Download the Grampians Peaks Trail Day Walks fact sheet to find out more information about the walks and maps.
Bushwalking tips
A range of detailed walking guides including maps are available from Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre, Halls Gap and other visitor outlets in nearby towns.
Here are a few planning tips to keep you safe and prepared:
- Plan your walk to match the weather, your fitness, hiking skills and experience.
- Take a backpack with maps, food, water, protective clothing, first aid and navigation gear.
- Wear boots or shoes with strong grip, wear layered clothing suited to the weather.
- Strong winds, low temperatures and heavy rain/squalls can occur any time of year.
- In Winter temperatures can be below 0°C. Navigation is difficult in white-out conditions.
- In Summer and Autumn temperatures are often above 40°C. Have a personal bushfire plan.
- Keep an eye on track markers. Stop and seek shelter if you are unsure of your location.
- If walking alone or in remote areas, ensure you have your own emergency contact in place.
- Ensure your contacts know your start, finish times and locations.
- Always leave early in the morning and plan to return before dark.
- Walking tracks may involve rock steps, uneven and slippery track surfaces, water crossings and rock hopping.
- There are steep cliffs throughout the Grampians, please stay on clearly marked trails, avoid clifftop selfies, and supervise children at all times.
Caring for the national park
- There are no rubbish bins - reduce your use of disposable items and take all of your rubbish home with you.
- Dogs and domestic pets are not permitted anywhere in the Grampians National Park, including in your car.
Be fire ready
Ensure you have a personal fire plan. Source a copy of the Fire Danger Information Sheet. Available from Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre and local Visitor Information Centres.
For emergency updates and fire information call 1800 226 226, listen to local radio (94.1FM, 89.3FM, 91.7FM or 594AM), download the VicEmergency phone app or visit emergency.vic.gov.au
The Grampians National Park overlaps the Wimmera and South West fire districts.
Need to know
Day walks
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Although the walks on this page are not suitable, a TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair and volunteers are now available for park visitors with limited mobility to explore the natural beauty of other parts of the 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 service is free of charge, however, please book a week in advance. To book the TrailRider please contact the Volunteer Coordinator on (03) 8427 3541 or volunteer@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.
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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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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2023
Seasonal road closures apply to areas within and tracks bordering this park from 15 June 2023. See MapshareVic for locations of the closures. Visit the seasonal road closures page for more information -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Grampians Gariwerd Landscape - Aerial Deer Management Program Temporary Park Closures
Grampians Gariwerd Landscape – Information UpdateParks Victoria will commence aerial and ground-based pest animal control operations across the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and Black Range State Park during October 2023.Informed by scientific research, this program is aimed at controlling/reducing introduced Goat and Deer populations that are threatening the important natural and cultural values of the Greater Gariwerd Landscape. Qualified and experienced contractors will undertake aerial based control operations across the landscape where these animals are impacting vegetation and cultural values.Parks Victoria staff will continue to support these efforts with staged ground-based operations throughout the year, including at Black Range Scenic reserve.The first aerial operation is scheduled to commence Tuesday 10th October, and conclude Thursday 12th October 2023. A Fact sheet showing the operation areas is attached showing approximate dates and times of temporary closures, and a list of these closures is shown below.- During operations, some key visitor sites including the
Grampians Peaks Trail and other walking tracks may be temporarily
closed (up to two hours) for visitor safety. See list below.
- Park closures will be clearly signposted and managed by
staff
- Visitors are asked to refrain from entering closed
areas, staying on designated walking tracks or modifying their plans to
visit outside of the hours of operation.
- Visitors may be able to see helicopters flying at low
levels and hear gunshots
All Parks Victoria’s conservation programs are thoroughly planned and implemented under strict protocols and oversight, ensuring that operations are safe, effective, humane and meet obligations of all relevant legislation, Codes of Practice and Standard Operating Procedures.For Further Information about this operation and temporary park closures please refer to the Deer Control Program Fact Sheet attached and Parks Victoria website, or call the Parks Victoria Information centre on 13 19 63.List of visitor sites and roads potentially impacted by temporary closures. Please note, the below times are best estimates and are subject to change. Parks Victoria will update the list of temporary closure times closer to the date.Day 1: Tuesday 10th October - Temporary closures may occur between 08:00 – 14:30pm(Bullawin Sector)Closed Visitor SitesFortress Walking TrackMt Thackeray Walking TrackHut Creek Walking TrackMt Thackeray and Fortress Overnight hiking campManja Art Shelter walking trackChimney Pots walking trackVictoria Range Rock climbing sitesClosed RoadsVictoria Range TrackGoat Track“Blind FirelineYanganaginj Njawai trackSites Remaining Open:Buandik Campground from Red rock roadBillimina shelterJadawadjali Falls walking trackStrachans CampgroundIngleton SpringsRed Rock RoadHarrops Track(Burrunj Black Range) SectorClosed Visitor SitesMount Byron Walking trackMudadgadjiin Picnic Area and Art shelter walkRock Escarpment Discovery walkWildman CaveClosed RoadsMuirfoot track (MVO)Black Range Road between Rees and Rocklands-Cherrypool RdSites Remaining Open:Rockland Cherrypool RoadRees RdDay 1: Tuesday 10th October - Temporary Closures may occur between 15:00 – 17:00pm(Boroka Sector)Closed Visitor SitesGrampians Peaks Trail from Mt Difficult road south Crossing to Halls GapBoroka Lookout Walking trackBullaces Glen walking trackChatauqua Peak Loop walking trackClematis Falls Walking TrackClosed RoadsMt Difficult Road - Gravel Section OnlySites Remaining Open:Boroka Lookout – from Mt Victory Road onlyDay 2: Wednesday 11th October - Temporary closures may occur between 08:30 – 14:30(Glenelg River Sectors)Closed Visitor SitesRed Gum WalkClosed RoadsMair Track (Seasonal)Henham Shortcut TrackChannel track(Moora Moora Sector)Closed Visitor SitesTower HillMoora Moora Outlet/Dam WallClosed RoadsSerra Henham Link TrackHenham TrackMoora Moora Track (Seasonal)Outlet TrackRosea Track (Seasonal)Remaining OpenPaddy’s CastleBoreang CampgroundBundaleer and Mt Rosea Rockclimbing areasGlenelg River Road(Wartook Sector) - Temporary Closures may occur between 15:00 -17:00Closed Visitor SitesGrampians Peaks Trail from Mt Difficult Rd Crossing sth – Old Mt Difficult Loop intersection Grid Ref e629933 n5903971Long Point West Hike-in campgroundLong Point East Hike Hike-in campgroundWartook Lookout walking trackClosed RoadsWartook East Fireline (MVO)Mt Difficult Road – Gravel SectionOld Mill RoadRicky North track (MVO)Sites Remaining Open:Werdug Hike in Campground – movement to and from may be delayedBoroka LookoutThursday 12th October - Temporary Closures may occur between 08:30 – 10:30am(Briggs Sector)Closed Visitor SitesBeehive Falls Walking TrackGrampians Peaks Trail from Troopers Creek campground intersection to Gar Hike in campgroundBriggs Bluff walking trackMt Difficult Walking track – from Mt Difficult road /Carters track intersectionGar Waterfalls TrackLong Point West Hike in CampgroundClosed RoadsCarters-Longpoint track (MVO)Long Point Fireline (MVO)Sites Remaining Open:Gar Hike in CampgroundHeatherlie QuarryThursday 12th October - Temporary Closures may occur between 10:30 – 12:30(Boronia Sector)Closed Visitor SitesTunnel walking trackBoronia Peak walking trackClosed RoadsMt Cassell fireline (Seasonal)Terraces Fireline (MVO)* Grampians Peaks Trail return to Halls Gap sectionSites Remaining Open:Fyans Creek Loop walking trackDelleys Bridge walking trackTunnel visitor site eastLake Bellfield Track(Seven Dials Sector)Closed RoadsRedman Rd – between GPT/Redman road trailhead and East Park BoundarySeven Dials Track (MVO) *rock climbing areasSites Remaining Open:Grampians Peaks Trail(Wannon Sector)Closed RoadsAll internal seasonal and management vehicle only tracksLynches Crossing trackChilds LanePark Boundary tracks near gooseneck swamp and Brady SwampAttachments: Grampians Deer Management Fact Sheet_final (1,792KB)
- During operations, some key visitor sites including the
Grampians Peaks Trail and other walking tracks may be temporarily
closed (up to two hours) for visitor safety. See list below.
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Grampians National Park
Grampians Peaks Trail - Helicopter Air-Lift Operations - Thursday 5/10/2023 & Friday 6/10/2023
Helicopter Air-Lift Operations are scheduled along Grampians Peaks Trail from Thursday 5th- Friday 6th October 2023 at Gar, Werdug, Barri Yalug, Duwul, Yarram, Mud-Dadjug Hike-in campgrounds.Temporary walking track and road closures (of up to half an hour) may be required as staff work to remove toilet pods and transfer trail surfacing materials into and out of Hike-in Campgrounds.Signage will be installed at Trailheads and staff will be on ground to assist with any closures. Please follow advice of signage and remain clear of closed areas during operations.Temporary closures will be in place at:· Gar, Werdug, Barri Yalug, Duwul, Yarram and Mud-Dadjug hike-in campgrounds· Walking tracks and Management Vehicle Only tracks north and south of hike-in campgrounds.· Gar, Wartook, Brambuk, Mt William and Piccaninny Helicopter Landing Sites· Piccaninny East Carpark· Fyans Creek Loop Track southern end (includes the bridge crossing near Brambuk and eastern side of the open area)· Apiary (Bee) Site 20m east off Grampians Road (approx. 4.5km south of Jimmy Creek Campground)This operation will only take place under favourable weather conditions. Should the operation be suspended, the works will re-commence when conditions are deemed favourable.For further information, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call Parks Victoria on 13 1963.Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 03.10.2023
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has several roads temporarily closed for repair works and upgrades. Please be aware the movement of visitors in these parts of the National Park is restricted.Road Closures
Mitchell Road, Mt William Picnic Ground Track are closed.Partial Road Closures
Mafeking Road from Emmet Road intersection to Mt William Picnic Ground Road.Pohlner Road from North Link Track to Winfields Road.Grampians Peaks Trail - Access Closures
Road access (Griffin Track) to the Griffin Trailhead for the Grampians Peaks Trail is currently closed to vehicles due to poor road condition. Walkers can access the GPT on foot via the Griffin Track from the Grampians Tourist Road.Redman Road Trailhead carpark is currently closed. The nearest site for parking is at Borough Huts Campground.
Seasonal road closures apply to areas within and tracks bordering this park from 15 June 2023. See MapshareVic for locations of the closures. Visit the seasonal road closures page for more informationPlease 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 03.10.2023 (180KB)