Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike

time 3 days
distance 33.4 kilometres
type One way
Grade

Grade 4

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Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike

Grampians (Gariwerd) 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

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 $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.

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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.

 

Need to know

Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike

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.

  • 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.au
     
    Note: 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.

Add more Grampians Peaks Trail hikes to your itinerary

 
The view, from inside a tent, of a women sitting nest to a tent at Bugiga Hiker Camp on the Grampians Peaks Trail

Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike

Start the morning in Halls Gap before traversing the Central Peaks of Wonderland and Serra Ranges. Day one follows the cascading Stony Creek upstream to the Grand Canyon.
A man sets up his tent at Duwal hiker camp at the end of central section 3 on the GPT

Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day Hike

Climbing through the Central Peaks, this tough walk traverses an exposed montane landscape and the highest mountains in the Grampians National Park.
A group of walkers head along the trail in front of Gar on norther section 2 of the GPT

Gar and Werdug 3-day Hike

A rugged, rocky adventure with steep climbs and panoramic views in the Northern Peaks of the Grampians.
The view of the Serra Range which is traversed on Southern Section 2 of the Grampians Peaks Trail

Yarram and Wannon 3-day Hike

This secluded walk in the Southern Peaks of the Grampians explores previously untracked terrain on the southern reaches of the Mt William Range.
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