Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike

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.

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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 $95.40 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 $47 per night ($24 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.