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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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2023
Seasonal road closures apply to areas within and tracks bordering this park from 15 June 2023. See MapshareVic for locations of the closures. Visit the seasonal road closures page for more information -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Grampians Gariwerd Landscape - Aerial Deer Management Program Temporary Park Closures
Grampians Gariwerd Landscape – Information UpdateParks Victoria will commence aerial and ground-based pest animal control operations across the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and Black Range State Park during October 2023.Informed by scientific research, this program is aimed at controlling/reducing introduced Goat and Deer populations that are threatening the important natural and cultural values of the Greater Gariwerd Landscape. Qualified and experienced contractors will undertake aerial based control operations across the landscape where these animals are impacting vegetation and cultural values.Parks Victoria staff will continue to support these efforts with staged ground-based operations throughout the year, including at Black Range Scenic reserve.The first aerial operation is scheduled to commence Tuesday 10th October, and conclude Thursday 12th October 2023. A Fact sheet showing the operation areas is attached showing approximate dates and times of temporary closures, and a list of these closures is shown below.- During operations, some key visitor sites including the
Grampians Peaks Trail and other walking tracks may be temporarily
closed (up to two hours) for visitor safety. See list below.
- Park closures will be clearly signposted and managed by
staff
- Visitors are asked to refrain from entering closed
areas, staying on designated walking tracks or modifying their plans to
visit outside of the hours of operation.
- Visitors may be able to see helicopters flying at low
levels and hear gunshots
All Parks Victoria’s conservation programs are thoroughly planned and implemented under strict protocols and oversight, ensuring that operations are safe, effective, humane and meet obligations of all relevant legislation, Codes of Practice and Standard Operating Procedures.For Further Information about this operation and temporary park closures please refer to the Deer Control Program Fact Sheet attached and Parks Victoria website, or call the Parks Victoria Information centre on 13 19 63.List of visitor sites and roads potentially impacted by temporary closures. Please note, the below times are best estimates and are subject to change. Parks Victoria will update the list of temporary closure times closer to the date.Day 1: Tuesday 10th October - Temporary closures may occur between 08:00 – 14:30pm(Bullawin Sector)Closed Visitor SitesFortress Walking TrackMt Thackeray Walking TrackHut Creek Walking TrackMt Thackeray and Fortress Overnight hiking campManja Art Shelter walking trackChimney Pots walking trackVictoria Range Rock climbing sitesClosed RoadsVictoria Range TrackGoat Track“Blind FirelineYanganaginj Njawai trackSites Remaining Open:Buandik Campground from Red rock roadBillimina shelterJadawadjali Falls walking trackStrachans CampgroundIngleton SpringsRed Rock RoadHarrops Track(Burrunj Black Range) SectorClosed Visitor SitesMount Byron Walking trackMudadgadjiin Picnic Area and Art shelter walkRock Escarpment Discovery walkWildman CaveClosed RoadsMuirfoot track (MVO)Black Range Road between Rees and Rocklands-Cherrypool RdSites Remaining Open:Rockland Cherrypool RoadRees RdDay 1: Tuesday 10th October - Temporary Closures may occur between 15:00 – 17:00pm(Boroka Sector)Closed Visitor SitesGrampians Peaks Trail from Mt Difficult road south Crossing to Halls GapBoroka Lookout Walking trackBullaces Glen walking trackChatauqua Peak Loop walking trackClematis Falls Walking TrackClosed RoadsMt Difficult Road - Gravel Section OnlySites Remaining Open:Boroka Lookout – from Mt Victory Road onlyDay 2: Wednesday 11th October - Temporary closures may occur between 08:30 – 14:30(Glenelg River Sectors)Closed Visitor SitesRed Gum WalkClosed RoadsMair Track (Seasonal)Henham Shortcut TrackChannel track(Moora Moora Sector)Closed Visitor SitesTower HillMoora Moora Outlet/Dam WallClosed RoadsSerra Henham Link TrackHenham TrackMoora Moora Track (Seasonal)Outlet TrackRosea Track (Seasonal)Remaining OpenPaddy’s CastleBoreang CampgroundBundaleer and Mt Rosea Rockclimbing areasGlenelg River Road(Wartook Sector) - Temporary Closures may occur between 15:00 -17:00Closed Visitor SitesGrampians Peaks Trail from Mt Difficult Rd Crossing sth – Old Mt Difficult Loop intersection Grid Ref e629933 n5903971Long Point West Hike-in campgroundLong Point East Hike Hike-in campgroundWartook Lookout walking trackClosed RoadsWartook East Fireline (MVO)Mt Difficult Road – Gravel SectionOld Mill RoadRicky North track (MVO)Sites Remaining Open:Werdug Hike in Campground – movement to and from may be delayedBoroka LookoutThursday 12th October - Temporary Closures may occur between 08:30 – 10:30am(Briggs Sector)Closed Visitor SitesBeehive Falls Walking TrackGrampians Peaks Trail from Troopers Creek campground intersection to Gar Hike in campgroundBriggs Bluff walking trackMt Difficult Walking track – from Mt Difficult road /Carters track intersectionGar Waterfalls TrackLong Point West Hike in CampgroundClosed RoadsCarters-Longpoint track (MVO)Long Point Fireline (MVO)Sites Remaining Open:Gar Hike in CampgroundHeatherlie QuarryThursday 12th October - Temporary Closures may occur between 10:30 – 12:30(Boronia Sector)Closed Visitor SitesTunnel walking trackBoronia Peak walking trackClosed RoadsMt Cassell fireline (Seasonal)Terraces Fireline (MVO)* Grampians Peaks Trail return to Halls Gap sectionSites Remaining Open:Fyans Creek Loop walking trackDelleys Bridge walking trackTunnel visitor site eastLake Bellfield Track(Seven Dials Sector)Closed RoadsRedman Rd – between GPT/Redman road trailhead and East Park BoundarySeven Dials Track (MVO) *rock climbing areasSites Remaining Open:Grampians Peaks Trail(Wannon Sector)Closed RoadsAll internal seasonal and management vehicle only tracksLynches Crossing trackChilds LanePark Boundary tracks near gooseneck swamp and Brady SwampAttachments: Grampians Deer Management Fact Sheet_final (1,792KB)
- During operations, some key visitor sites including the
Grampians Peaks Trail and other walking tracks may be temporarily
closed (up to two hours) for visitor safety. See list below.
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Grampians National Park
Grampians Peaks Trail - Helicopter Air-Lift Operations - Thursday 5/10/2023 & Friday 6/10/2023
Helicopter Air-Lift Operations are scheduled along Grampians Peaks Trail from Thursday 5th- Friday 6th October 2023 at Gar, Werdug, Barri Yalug, Duwul, Yarram, Mud-Dadjug Hike-in campgrounds.Temporary walking track and road closures (of up to half an hour) may be required as staff work to remove toilet pods and transfer trail surfacing materials into and out of Hike-in Campgrounds.Signage will be installed at Trailheads and staff will be on ground to assist with any closures. Please follow advice of signage and remain clear of closed areas during operations.Temporary closures will be in place at:· Gar, Werdug, Barri Yalug, Duwul, Yarram and Mud-Dadjug hike-in campgrounds· Walking tracks and Management Vehicle Only tracks north and south of hike-in campgrounds.· Gar, Wartook, Brambuk, Mt William and Piccaninny Helicopter Landing Sites· Piccaninny East Carpark· Fyans Creek Loop Track southern end (includes the bridge crossing near Brambuk and eastern side of the open area)· Apiary (Bee) Site 20m east off Grampians Road (approx. 4.5km south of Jimmy Creek Campground)This operation will only take place under favourable weather conditions. Should the operation be suspended, the works will re-commence when conditions are deemed favourable.For further information, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call Parks Victoria on 13 1963.Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 03.10.2023
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has several roads temporarily closed for repair works and upgrades. Please be aware the movement of visitors in these parts of the National Park is restricted.Road Closures
Mitchell Road, Mt William Picnic Ground Track are closed.Partial Road Closures
Mafeking Road from Emmet Road intersection to Mt William Picnic Ground Road.Pohlner Road from North Link Track to Winfields Road.Grampians Peaks Trail - Access Closures
Road access (Griffin Track) to the Griffin Trailhead for the Grampians Peaks Trail is currently closed to vehicles due to poor road condition. Walkers can access the GPT on foot via the Griffin Track from the Grampians Tourist Road.Redman Road Trailhead carpark is currently closed. The nearest site for parking is at Borough Huts Campground.
Seasonal road closures apply to areas within and tracks bordering this park from 15 June 2023. See MapshareVic for locations of the closures. Visit the seasonal road closures page for more informationPlease 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 03.10.2023 (180KB)