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.
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Grampians National Park
Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusion
Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusionSignificant Aboriginal cultural values have recently been rediscovered at the Mountain Lion designated rock-climbing and bouldering area.While Parks Victoria and Gariwerd Traditional Owners determine a longer-term management response, and out of respect for this significant cultural landscape, visitors are requested to not access this area.The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 protects Aboriginal cultural heritage and significant financial penalties apply for harm caused by individuals or corporate bodies.For more information please visit the FAQ Update at the Rock Climbing in Gariwerd link below.Pest animal control program in the Grampians – Deer and feral goats 29.04.2024 – 03.05.2024
An ongoing conservation program in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park will be supported this month by a ground control operation targeting deer and feral goats.Weather permitting, a ground shooting operation will be undertaken on weekdays between 29 April – 3 May to target these pest animals in remote parts of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park (see attached fact sheet with map).During this time Boreang Campground will be closed.To ensure visitor safety, warning signs will be placed at campgrounds and at major road access points to the control area. Visitors are encouraged to follow all instructions on permanent and temporary signage.Informed by scientific research, this program is aimed at controlling/reducing introduced deer and goat populations that are threatening the important natural and cultural values of the Greater Gariwerd Landscape.For further information please contact 13 1963.Attachments: Notification - Fact sheet - Grampians Deer Control April 2024 (540KB)
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Bushfire Closures Update - April 26, 2024
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park was impacted by the Bellfield and Stapylton bushfires from 13th February 2024. There are temporary closures still in place in the vicinity of the fires. Visitors are asked to adhere to road and park closures as we work to assess and re-open these areas.Northern Grampians (Mt Stapylton Fire) Closures remaining April 26, 2024:Road/track closures east of Mt Zero RoadGolton trackCrutes track/Crutes roadNo off-track walking within the burnt areaMt William Range (Bellfield Fire) - Closures remaining April 26, 2024Tunnel Walking TrackMt Cassell TrackPomonal FirelineBirdrock RdNo off-track walking within the burnt areaAll other areas of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park previously closed due to the fires have been re-opened.For further information about the closures, please visit Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre, or call (03) 8427 2258. For National Park Information visit www.parks.vic.gov.au, or for booking refunds email info@parks.vic.gov.auPlease visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au for emergency updates, or free call 1800 226 226. Monitor the Emergency Vic app for alerts and warnings or listen to your local ABC radio stations for emergency broadcasts.Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 26.04.2024
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has several roads temporarily closed for repair works, upgrades, and recent fire impacts. Please be aware the movement of visitors in these parts of the National Park is restrictedPlanned Burn Road ClosuresOld Mill Rd from Smiths Mill Campground to Mt Difficult Rd (Boroka Lookout)Rose Creek Road from Mt Victory Rd to Old Mill RdCassidy Gap Rd closed from Cassidy Gap GPT Trailhead to Serra Fireline (MVO)Geerack TrackOslers Track between Red Gum Lease and Pines RdRoad Closures
Mitchell Road is closed between Redman Road and Mt William Picnic Ground Road.Seasonal Closures
Launders and Sanders Tracks are closed.Moora Moora Track is partially closed in the southern section, from Homestead Track intersection to Glenelg River Road.Grampians Peaks Trail – Trailhead Access
Road access (Griffin Track) to the Griffin Trailhead for the Grampians Peaks Trail is open to 4WD vehicles only. Walkers can access the GPT on foot via the Griffin Track from the Grampians Tourist Road.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 - 26.04.2024 (274KB)
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Grampians National Park - Autumn planned burn season underway
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – Autumn Planned Program UnderwayForest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) have commenced the Autumn Planned Burning Program in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and surrounding reserves.These planned burns have been nominated and approved as part of the FFMVic three-year Joint Fuel Management Program for the Wimmera Fire District. Each burn has been designated to a year and season, though this may change depending on burn objectives and seasonal conditions. You can view the three-year plan at https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/bushfire-fuel-and-risk-management/joint-fuel-management-programThe map attached, outlines the burns programmed for this year. Detailing the exact date and time of ignition can be difficult and the final decision to proceed may only be made on the day of the burn - once resources, weather conditions and local fuel moisture levels are deemed suitable. Once a burn is scheduled for ignition, FFMVIC will send out regular notifications.Some of the planned burns this Autumn may involve the temporary closure of visitor sites, roads and campgrounds within Grampians Gariwerd National Park and other reserves. This may include detours or closures of hike in campgrounds along the Grampians Peaks Trail, and other vehicle-based campgrounds.· Closures will be enforced for the duration of ignition and may remain in place for some days. Visitor sites will re-open once the burn is declared safe.· We recommend that you seek information and stay informed about the status of the planned burns scheduled near you.Stay informed about this Autumns planned burns schedule:Visit & Sign Up:Sign up to Planned Burns Victoria to set up automated notifications about upcoming planned burns on public land near you. There is no charge to sign up to receive text messages.
Sign up via Planned Burns Victoria at www.vic.gov.au/plannedburnsDownload: the VicEmergency AppSet up a watch zone and choose to be notified about planned burns in the ‘alerts’ settingsCall: the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and request an interpreter or assistance for hearing difficulties via the National Relay ServiceEmail: For specialist advice about planned burns in the Wimmera District you can contact Horsham FFMVic Office at wimmera.fuelmanagement@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone the office on (03) 8508 1222.For Information about park closures and campground bookings within Grampians National Park:Visit the Parks Victoria website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park#change-of-conditionsVisit: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058or for bookings and cancellations advice contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.au