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.
Hike across the Southern Grampians skyline, with scenic ridgeline and steep mountain terrain along the way to Dunkeld. See sections S2-S4 on GPT topographic map.
Itinerary highlights
These new sections of trail pass through stunted eucalypt forest, the rocky mountain summits of Signal Peak and Mt Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug) hiking through old growth forested saddles and outstanding views west to the Victoria Range, climbing steeply to the summits of Signal Peak and Mt Abrupt (Mud-dadjug) and crossing Bainggug (The Piccaninny) and Mt Sturgeon (Wurgarri) before crossing the Wannon River and walking into Dunkeld.
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: (S2) Griffin Trailhead to Djardi-djawara Hike-in Campground (10.7km)
Starts at the Griffin Trailhead and climbs through stunted vegetation onto the Serra Range, with outstanding views west to the Victoria Range. Finish the day camping at Djardi-djawara Hike-in Campground below rocky outcrops.
Day two: (S3) Djardi-djawara Hike-in Campground to Mud-Dadjug Hike-in Campground (8.1km)
This day's hike alternates between rock steps and jumbles of boulders passing small cliffs and ledges that provide excellent vantage points. Hikers climb steeply to the summits of Signal Peak through a series of small heathy and forested saddles to Mt Abrupt, finishing with your camp at Mud-Dadjug high above the landscape.
Day three: (S4) Mud-Dadjug Hike-in Campground to Dunkeld (14.8km)
This day crosses Bainggug (The Piccaninny) and Mt Sturgeon, before meandering through red gums, crossing the Wannon River and strolling into Dunkeld. Descend down one last rocky slope towards the farmland below, taking in stunning views out over volcanic plains and the impressive peaks of the southern Grampians from Mt Sturgeon (Wurgarri). To the north are the sedimentary sandstones of Gariwerd; to the south, basalt lava flows from volcanic plains.
Complete your journey through open old-growth Red Gum woodland to arrive at Dunkeld for a hot shower, great meal and comfortable bed.
Bookings and campground information
This 3-day hiking itinerary is the final section of the Grampians Peaks Trail, however you can book itineraries before it, as well as other connecting tracks to allow you to step on and off from various points throughout Gariwerd. The Griffin Trailhead is the starting point for this itinerary. You can find its location in the official maps for Grampians Peaks Trail. 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 hike-in campgrounds. You will stay your first night at Djardi-djawara Hike-in Campground and second night at Mud-dadjug 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. If you are planning on staying longer to do more sections of the walk, you can add other itineraries to your booking. We recommend booking your two nights of camping prior to embarking on the walk to ensure there is tent pad availability at each campground.
The 3-day itinerary cost is $100.80 for up to two people on a 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
Campgrounds either have timber tent platforms or granite sand pads. Tent platforms have steel chains that can be used to secure your tent. Additional guy rope may be needed for tent vestibules or tunnel style tents. Standard timber platforms and granite sand pads are 3.5m x 3.5m. 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. The use of fuel stoves in all hiker camps is permitted but open campfires are not allowed and please take your rubbish with you.
How to get there
Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike
From Melbourne (250km, 3hrs 30mins): Drive west on the Western Highway (M8) to Ballarat. From Ballarat take the Glenelg Highway (B160) west to Dunkeld. Turn north onto Victoria Valley Road (C216). Drive 2.6km and turn right on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) to Halls Gap. Drive 16.2km then turn right into Griffin Picnic Area.
From Dunkeld (19km, 15mins): Leave Dunkeld village to the east on the Glenelg Highway (B160). Drive 200m and turn north onto Victoria Valley Road (C216). Drive 2.6km and turn right on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) to Halls Gap. Drive 16.2km then turn right into Griffin Picnic Area.
From Halls Gap (45.7km, 30mins): Drive south on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) towards Dunkeld. After 45.7km turn left into Griffin Picnic Area.
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
Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 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 (Gariwerd) National Park
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Bushfire Information
Since 16 December 2024, several bushfires have impacted large parts of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Whilst some of the earlier fires are now under control, a considerable effort remains for firefighters to monitor for hot spots while work has begun on impact assessments, rehabilitation and recovery.On the 27 January 2025 a band of lightning started four new bushfires in the Victoria Range, Asses Ears and Central Grampians area of the National Park. These all joined to form one large fire, which is now contained.Large areas of the national park remain closed to support fire operations and to ensure visitor and community safety. This includes the fire affected areas within Victoria Range, Victoria Valley, Central Grampians, Mt William and Serra Ranges. It currently also includes unburnt sections of the national park around Dunkeld and the Northern Grampians.Some popular areas and visitor sites within the National Park are open to the public including:Central Grampians, Wonderland Range and Halls Gap visitor areas and day walks - open- Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre and nearby walks
- The Wonderland Loop Walk, including The Pinnacle, Venus Baths and Grand Canyon (either from Halls Gap or Wonderland Car Park)
- Chatauqua Peak, Clematis Falls and Bullaces Glen
- Boronia Peak
- Halls Gap Bike Path
Roads - Open- Grampians Tourist Road (between Halls Gap and Dunkeld)
- Mount Victory Road – (Halls Gap to Wonderland Carpark only)
Camping / Overnight hikes – closed- All vehicle based and hike-in campgrounds are currently closed
Designated rock-climbing areas - open- Halls Gap and Wonderland area sites 56 – 77
The remainder of the National Park, including all visitor sites, walks, activity areas, roads and access tracks remain closed.For further park information, call Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or view our website. For fire related information, download the VicEmergency app or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au. If you see impacted wildlife - call 1300 356 682.Prior to setting out into the national park, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre. Located 2km south of Halls Gap township, this park visitor centre provides up to date park information and sells maps, brochures and a range of Aboriginal art and souvenirs. The centre is open 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Contact Brambuk at (03) 8427 2258 or email brambuk@parks.vic.gov.auNote: Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre building is closed for refurbishment. You can still enjoy a stroll around the native gardens and wetlands, or view kangaroos and emus and a range of birds along the Fyans Creek Loop walk.For further information or regional attractions, feed and beverage venues and accommodation, contact one of our local accredited visitor information centre at Halls Gap, Ararat, Horsham, Dunkeld, Stawell or Hamilton.