FAQs for Grampians Peaks Trail
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I have to do the full 160km hike?No, there are lots of ways you can experience the Grampians Peaks Trail! Create your ideal experience and choose from various length hikes ranging from day walks to one-night and multi-day hikes through to the full 13-days/12-nights. Scroll up on this page to see the various trip itineraries available.
-
How difficult is the Grampians Peaks Trail?The Grampians Peaks Trail is a challenging long-distance hike. Most sections of the trail are classified as Grade 4, however, some sections vary from Grade 3 to Grade 5. The trail has been assessed along the full length, however surface changes due to weather impacts may at times make some sections of walk more difficult. It is important that all hikers are experienced, prepared and have a good fitness level if attempting the trail.
-
How much does it cost to hike the Grampians Peaks Trail?
We want parks to be open and accessible and there is no charge to hike the Grampians Peaks Trail. Some sections of the trail can be done as day walks for free. While the hike itself is free, the 11 hike-in campgrounds do have a charge, as do all bookable campsites in parks. 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, are well designed, sympathetic to the landscape and sustainable. As such, they are priced higher for the value they provide.
The majority of hikers will do shorter sections of the trail rather than the full hike, making it more accessible (easier to do) and more affordable (less of a cost outlay).
See the fees and charges schedule for more information on pricing.
-
Why are the overnight camping fees higher than other campgrounds in the park?
The cost of camping contributes to the operation and maintenance of this outstanding experience and to protect this heritage-listed national park.
Total costs are dependent on the number of nights hikers stay, with the majority of hikers expected to walk shorter itineraries, rather than the full 12 night/13 days.
Each hike-in campground is uniquely designed to be sympathetic with the natural environment with excellent amenities for a great experience for hikers. They all include basic toilet facilities, untreated water tanks and some have an unpowered communal shelter or gathering area for meal preparation. They are in remote locations, therefore the cost to maintain and service the campgrounds is higher than other campgrounds. The booking cost reflects this.
The majority of walkers will do shorter itineraries, rather than the full walk, making it more accessible (easier to do) and more affordable (less of a cost outlay).
See the fees and charges schedule for more information on pricing.
-
Why do some campgrounds have a different level of service but the same price?
The pricing of campgrounds is calculated along the full length of the trail, rather than by individual campground. Service costs are taken into account when calculating the price structure. The cost to service a campground relates not just to the level of facilities it offers, but also to its location. Some campsites with a lower level of facilities are in more remote areas which increases the cost to service them.
-
Where is water available on the trail?
Untreated water is available at tanks at campgrounds and trailheads. Hikers must have a reliable and easy way to treat water for drinking. Each hiker should carry at least 3 to 4 litres per day.
Further information on the precise locations of water tanks is available on the specific trail section and campground information on the Parks Victoria website.
-
Why can’t I book to walk from south to north?
To manage the number of people on the trail camping bookings can only be made from north to south. This reduces any potential congestion on the track and at campgrounds and creates a less crowded experience.
Walking north to south is also the best way to experience Grampians Peaks Trail. Many of the key features of the landscape unexpectedly and dramatically reveal themselves to the walker when travelling in this direction.
-
Why do I have to book all nights in a set itinerary? Ie: I can’t skip a night if I’m choosing to do a longer day and combine sections of the trail
In order to enable people to book camping along the entire trail, we’ve needed to set-up the booking system in blocks, otherwise there would be too many single-night gaps that would make it difficult for other people to book their hiking trip.
-
Can I do the Grampians Peaks Trail and choose other campgrounds within the national park to stay at?Hikers along overnight sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail must use bookable campgrounds to ensure visitor numbers are managed and the natural landscape protected. For experienced hikers and people who are very familiar with Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park it is possible to hike large sections of the trail and stay at other bookable campgrounds in the park. These campgrounds require you to walk further distance as they’re not located directly on the Grampians Peaks Trail and they may not have the same level of amenities or remote location, however, they are less expensive.
-
On the suggested full Grampians Peaks Trail itinerary, day 4 ends in Halls Gap, and then day 5 begins by walking to Bugiga. Is there a campsite for the end of day 4 walk?
No. With many accommodation options in Haps Gap and limited practical options to build new campsites within the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, it is required that walkers book separate accommodation or camping in Halls Gap for night 4. For help in booking 1-night accommodation in Halls Gap go to Visit Grampians (during weekends and peak times some hotels in Halls Gap have a 2-night minimum stay).
-
I plan on doing the full trail, but I want to have an extra break in Halls Gap. How do I book this?
It’s a great idea, as it not only gives you an extra rest day in Halls Gap but it will make booking accommodation in Halls Gap easier as some places have a 2-night minimum stay on weekends and peak times. To do this, you’ll need to build your hike using the overnight and 3-day hike itineraries.
For the first part of journey:
Start by booking the Barigar Overnight Hike. You can find this on the Overnight Hikes page. You will have the option to add more itineraries to your booking. Add the Gar and Werdug 3-day hike to your itinerary. Remember to start this 3-day itinerary on the same day you finish the previous itinerary.
For the second part of your journey:
Add the Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day hike for the date you’d like to restart your hike following your break in Halls Gap. Add the subsequent itineraries to your booking to complete the trail: Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day hike, Yarram to Wannon 3-day hike and Djardji-djawarra and Mud-dadjug 3-day hike. Remember to start each 3-day itinerary on the same day you finish the previous itinerary.
This can all be done in one transaction. The cost of the hike will be the same as booking the full GPT itinerary. If you have any questions, call our Customer Service Team on 13 1963 who can help with your booking.
-
Why can’t I book a hut? The system won’t let me
The huts at Gar and Werdug make up the Grampians Peaks Trail’s Northern Peaks Experience. The huts are only available to book by Licensed Tour Operators who are licensed to run facilitated walks on the trail.
To learn more about the various walking experiences on offer for the huts, please contact the Licensed Tour Operators directly. See more details of Licensed Tour Operators operating the Northern Peaks Experience.
-
Who can I contact to organise a guided walk, provide transport to start/end the hike and food?
There are several Licensed Tour Operators that offer products from fully guided experiences, to shuttle services and hiker support. See the Licensed Tour Operators page on the GPT section of the Parks Victoria website for a list of Licensed Tour Operators for the Grampians Peaks Trail.