Grade 5
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.
Traversing an exposed montane landscape and the highest mountains in the park, the very difficult Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day hike is an overall grade 5 track, suitable only for very fit and experienced hikers. All itineraries require a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, see the GPT Licensed Tour Operators page for shuttle service options or contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for more information.
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.
Itinerary highlights
This itinerary has the greatest elevation of the trail and most challenging terrain, climbing to the Seven Dials, Redman Buff and Mount William (Duwul), the highest mountain in western Victoria. Experience a steep and rough descent into Boundary Gap and then a steep climb to Major Mitchell Plateau with some of the most spectacular views that are only accessible on foot. Refer to sections C3-C5 on GPT topographic map.
Day one: (C3) Redman Road to Duwul Hike-in Campground (13.1 kilometres)
This section of the walk has the greatest elevation change on the entire trail crossing Barney Creek at 320 metres and Redman Bluff at 1,017 metres with spectacular views of the Serra Range to the west. From Seven Dials, climb through rocky outlooks onto the ridgeline to the summit of Redman Bluff and continue from the summit downhill to the Duwul Hike-in Campground.
Day two: (C4) Duwul Hike-in Campground to Durd Durd Hike-in Campground (14.5 kilometres)
Climb to Mount William (Duwul) with 360 degree views across Gariwerd. Descend into Boundary Gap and then roam across the exposed Major Mitchell Plateau with fantastic views of the Serra Range and eastern side of the park, before going down the Plateau to camp at the Durd Durd Hike-in Campground.
Day three: (C5) Durd Durd Hike-in Campground to Jimmy Creek Road (5.7 kilometres)
Begin the long descent to Jimmy Creek Road, with views of the Mount William Range and Serra Range. This section is fantastic for wildflowers. Keep an eye out for the red “spider flowers” of Flame Grevillia (Grevillia dimorpha) which are typically in bloom between April and November.
Bookings and itinerary information
This 3-day hike connects with Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike to the north and the Yarram and Wannon 3-day hike in the south. There is also a walking track junction to Kalymna Campground. The trailhead for this itinerary is Redman Road (see map location below). Find out more about the central Grampians walks in the official map 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 campgrounds: first night at Duwul Hike-in Campground and second night at Durd Durd 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. We recommend booking your 3-day hike well in advance of your planned departure 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 3.5m x 3.5m 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 have a mix of 3.5m x 3.5m timber tent platforms and granite sand pads with steel chains that can be used to secure your tent. Additional guy rope may be needed for tent vestibules or tunnel style tents. 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. Mobile phone service good at both campgrounds and on higher elevations with line of sight to Halls Gap and Pomonal communication towers. The use of fuel stoves in all hiker camps is permitted but open campfires are not allowed. Please take your rubbish with you on the entire journey and dispose of it when you get home.
How to get there
Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day Hike
From Halls Gap (11.5km, 11mins): Drive south on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) for 10.4km. Turn left onto Redman Road and drive 1km to the trailhead.
From Dunkeld (55km, 40mins): Leave Dunkeld village to the east on the Glenelg Highway (B160). Drive 200m and turn north onto Victoria Valley Road (C216). Drive 2.6km turn right on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) and follow for 51.5km towards Halls Gap. Turn right onto Redman Road and drive 1km to the trailhead.
From Melbourne (265km, 3hrs 15mins): Drive west on the Western Highway (A8) to Ararat. From Ararat take the Ararat-Halls Gap Road (C222) for 48km through Moyston, Pomonal and onto Halls Gap. Drive south from Halls Gap on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) for 10.4km. Turn left onto Redman Road and drive 1km to the trailhead.
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
Duwul and Durd Durd 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.
-
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Bushfires Reopening Update - 20.02.2025
Since 16 December 2024, several bushfires impacted large parts of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park including the Serra, Mount William and Victoria Ranges, Victoria Valley, Wallaby Rocks and central corridor areas.The fires are now listed as ‘under control’, however large areas of the National Park remain closed to support ongoing fire recovery operations and to ensure visitor and community safety.Most visitor sites within the non-fire affected areas of the National Park are now re-opened to the public. This includes walking tracks, campgrounds (vehicle based and hike-in), overnight hikes, designated climbing areas, roads, access tracks and picnic areas. The re-opened visitor areas are listed below.Central Grampians, Wonderland Range and Halls Gap area• Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre and nearby walks• Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout, Mackenzie Falls and Zumsteins Picnic Area• Smiths Mill Campground• The Wonderland Area, including The Pinnacle, Venus Baths and Grand Canyon• Chatauqua Peak, Clematis Falls and Bullaces Glen• Boronia Peak and Fyans Creek LoopNorthern Grampians• Mount Zero, Mount Stapylton, Hollow Mountain and Mount Difficult (Gar) walks• Grampians Peaks Trail between Mount Zero and Halls Gap• Barigar, Gar and Werdug Hike-in campgrounds• Stapylton Campground• Troopers Creek Campground• Coppermine 4X4 Campground (and nearby school group camping areas)• Plantation CampgroundSouthern Grampians• Mt Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug), Mt Sturgeon (Wurgarri) Piccaninny (Bainggug), and Signal Peak walks• Grampians Peaks Trail between Dunkeld and Cassidy Gap Road• Djardji-djawara and Mud-Dadjug Hike-in campgroundsDesignated rock-climbing areas• Hollow Mountain, Mount Stapylton, Halls Gap and Wonderland area sites: 1 – 77Roads• Key roads including Grampians Tourist Rd, Mount Victory Rd, Roses Gap Rd, Mount Zero Rd are all open• For more information on road closures, visit the VicTraffic website ww.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au• For more detailed road information refer to the updated road report at www.parks.vic.gov.au under ‘change of conditions’ Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Closed Areas• Refer to the attached map for closed areas of the National Park.Prior to setting out into the National Park, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre. Located 2km south of Halls Gap township, this 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
For further park information, call Parks Victoria on 13 1963.
For fire related information, download the VicEmergency app or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
If you see impacted wildlife - call 1300 356 682.Attachments: 20250217_1200_Wimmera19_GrampiansNP_ParkClosureMap_A3P (3,736KB)
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 12.03.2025
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has many roads temporarily closed due to the recent bushfires. Please be aware the movement of visitors in parts of the National Park is restricted.Key roads open include Grampians Tourist Rd (all side roads remain closed), Mt Victory Rd, Roses Gap Rd, Mt Zero Rd and the Mirranatwa Gap end of Victoria Valley Rd.Please refer to the attached up-to-date road report below.Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report - 12.03.2025 (225KB)
Tandara Step Project - Fyans Creek (Barri yalug) Track - Temporary Closure
From Monday 17th March 2025, Wildtracks are commencing works on the Fyans Creek (Barri yalug) Track between the end of Tandara Rd and the Terraces Fireline). Wildtracks will take approximately 2 weeks with this section of the track temporarily closed or detoured around on the Terraces Fireline in accordance with the progress of works. Boronia Peak remains accessible from the northern end of the Fyans Creek (Barri yalug) Track.