Day walks

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Day walks

Grampians National Park

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.

Barengi Gadjin Land Council

 

Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation

Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation

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

Find out more about other options for hiking experiences along the Grampians Peaks Trail.
Two friends walk along the track south of Redmans Bluff with views of the Serra Range in the background on central section 3 of the GPT

Grampians Peaks Trail

The Grampians Peaks Trail (160km) is a world-class 13-day hiking experience from Mt Zero in the north, through Halls Gap and finishing at Dunkeld. It can also be completed in shorter sections.
A young man offers his hand to his walking partner at the summit of The Pinnacle in the Grampians National Park.

The Pinnacle walks

Choose from two different routes up to The Pinnacle lookout – an easy to medium walk from Sundial Carpark and a more challenging walk from Wonderland Carpark.
Walking through the Wonderland Range on Central Section 1 of the Grampians Peaks Trail

Overnight Hikes

Choose from two different 2-day hikes available and explore the trail that little bit further.

Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre

Before setting off on your Grampians Peaks Trail hike, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap for topographical maps and speak to knowledgeable staff for the latest park information.

Grampians Peaks Trail Day Walks

This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

Kangaroos
Emus
Echidnas

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

Carpark
Amenities - Toilet & Shower Block
Toilets

Need to know

Day walks

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.

  • 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 Update
     
    Parks 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 Sites
    Fortress Walking Track
    Mt Thackeray Walking Track
    Hut Creek Walking Track
    Mt Thackeray and Fortress Overnight hiking camp
    Manja Art Shelter walking track
    Chimney Pots walking track
    Victoria Range Rock climbing sites
     
    Closed Roads
    Victoria Range Track
    Goat Track
    “Blind Fireline
    Yanganaginj Njawai track
    Sites Remaining Open:
    Buandik Campground from Red rock road
    Billimina shelter
    Jadawadjali Falls walking track
    Strachans Campground
    Ingleton Springs
    Red Rock Road
    Harrops Track
     
    (Burrunj Black Range) Sector
    Closed Visitor Sites
    Mount Byron Walking track
    Mudadgadjiin Picnic Area and Art shelter walk
    Rock Escarpment Discovery walk
    Wildman Cave
    Closed Roads
    Muirfoot track (MVO)
    Black Range Road between Rees and Rocklands-Cherrypool Rd
    Sites Remaining Open:
    Rockland Cherrypool Road
    Rees Rd
     
     
    Day 1: Tuesday 10th October - Temporary Closures may occur between 15:00 – 17:00pm
    (Boroka Sector)
    Closed Visitor Sites
    Grampians Peaks Trail from Mt Difficult road south Crossing to Halls Gap
    Boroka Lookout Walking track
    Bullaces Glen walking track
    Chatauqua Peak Loop walking track
    Clematis Falls Walking Track
    Closed Roads
    Mt Difficult Road - Gravel Section Only
    Sites Remaining Open:
    Boroka Lookout – from Mt Victory Road only
     
     
    Day 2: Wednesday 11th October - Temporary closures may occur between 08:30 – 14:30  
    (Glenelg River Sectors)
    Closed Visitor Sites
    Red Gum Walk
    Closed Roads
    Mair Track (Seasonal)
    Henham Shortcut Track
    Channel track
     
    (Moora Moora Sector)
    Closed Visitor Sites
    Tower Hill
    Moora Moora Outlet/Dam Wall
    Closed Roads
    Serra Henham Link Track
    Henham Track
    Moora Moora Track (Seasonal)
    Outlet Track
    Rosea Track (Seasonal)
    Remaining Open
    Paddy’s Castle
    Boreang Campground
    Bundaleer and Mt Rosea Rockclimbing areas
    Glenelg River Road
     
    (Wartook Sector) - Temporary Closures may occur between 15:00 -17:00
    Closed Visitor Sites
    Grampians Peaks Trail from Mt Difficult Rd Crossing sth – Old Mt Difficult Loop intersection Grid Ref e629933 n5903971
    Long Point West Hike-in campground
    Long Point East Hike Hike-in campground
    Wartook Lookout walking track
    Closed Roads
    Wartook East Fireline (MVO)
    Mt Difficult Road – Gravel Section
    Old Mill Road
    Ricky North track (MVO)
    Sites Remaining Open:
    Werdug Hike in Campground – movement to and from may be delayed
    Boroka Lookout
     
    Thursday 12th October - Temporary Closures may occur between 08:30 – 10:30am
    (Briggs Sector)
    Closed Visitor Sites
    Beehive Falls Walking Track
    Grampians Peaks Trail from Troopers Creek campground intersection to Gar Hike in campground
    Briggs Bluff walking track
    Mt Difficult Walking track – from Mt Difficult road /Carters track intersection
    Gar Waterfalls Track
    Long Point West Hike in Campground
    Closed Roads
    Carters-Longpoint track (MVO)
    Long Point Fireline (MVO)
    Sites Remaining Open:
    Gar Hike in Campground
    Heatherlie Quarry
     
    Thursday 12th October - Temporary Closures may occur between 10:30 – 12:30
    (Boronia Sector)
    Closed Visitor Sites
    Tunnel walking track
    Boronia Peak walking track
    Closed Roads
    Mt Cassell fireline (Seasonal)
    Terraces Fireline (MVO)* Grampians Peaks Trail return to Halls Gap section
    Sites Remaining Open:
    Fyans Creek Loop walking track
    Delleys Bridge walking track
    Tunnel visitor site east
    Lake Bellfield Track
     
    (Seven Dials Sector)
    Closed Roads
    Redman Rd – between GPT/Redman road trailhead and East Park Boundary
    Seven Dials Track (MVO) *rock climbing areas
    Sites Remaining Open:
    Grampians Peaks Trail
     
    (Wannon Sector)
    Closed Roads
    All internal seasonal and management vehicle only tracks
    Lynches Crossing track
    Childs Lane
    Park Boundary tracks near gooseneck swamp and Brady Swamp

    Attachments: Grampians Deer Management Fact Sheet_final (1,792KB)

  • 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 information

    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 03.10.2023 (180KB)

Similar experiences at other parks

 
A woman with a small backpack walks along a road surrounded by hills

Short and Day Walks

Take a day trip and choose from a variety of hikes up to six hours in length. Hikes range in difficulty from easy to hard, through varying terrain.
Family walks together on a coastal track at Wilsons Promontory

Day walks at the Prom

There are many walks around the Prom. The walks provide a perfect opportunities to view native wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, emus and wombats as well as some spectacular views.

Walking in Werribee Gorge

Step out on a quiet walk for some birdwatching or discover the amazing shapes, colours and textures present in the ancient geological examples on display in the cliffs above the river gorge. Early morning hikes in the warmer seasons can be rewarded with a rockpool paddle.
A woman in a purple shirt scrambles up through rocky terrain along the path.

Sugarloaf Saddle

Park information, picnic ground, parking and toilets are available at Sugarloaf Saddle, which is the starting point for walks such as Canyon Track and Wells Cave Track.
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