Grade 4
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.
Gar and Werdug 3-day/2-night hiking itinerary
This section of the Grampians Peaks Trail has not been affected by recent bushfires in the national park.
Along this hiking itinerary in the northern section of the Grampians Peaks Trail, you'll witness seasonal waterfalls, climb mountain summits and enjoy clifftop camping.
The track is an overall Grade 4 walk with steep and uneven terrain, suitable for fit and experienced hikers.
Gar (meaning ‘big mountain’) is the highest on the western side of the range, an optional side trip on day two will reward you with spectacular 360-degree views. On day three you’ll reach Lake Wartook Lookout (829m) which is one of the highest points on the eastern side of the Mount Difficult Range with sweeping 360-degree views of Gariwerd.
This section of the Grampians Peaks Trail is particularly spectacular in winter, spring, and after rain, when clifftop rockpools and seasonal waterfalls are at their best.
Distance: 34km
Duration: 3 days
Elevation: 1526m
Grade: 4
Northern Grampians Peaks Trail map – Gar and Werdug
Hike options
- Self-guided: the trail is free to self-guided hikers, but camping fees apply to stay overnight. Book campgrounds.
- Fully-facilitated: book a Northern Peaks Experience through a Licensed Tour Operator. Find out more.
Getting there
This section of the trail begins from Gar Trailhead on Roses Gap Road.
From Melbourne, it’s around 3.5 hours' drive.
From Halls Gap, drive north on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) for 1.2km. Turn left onto Mt Zero Road (unsealed) and drive for 21km to Roses Gap Road. Turn left onto Roses Gap Road and drive for 3.8km to Gar Trailhead.
This itinerary requires a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for pick-up/shuttle options.
Gar and Werdug 3-day itinerary highlights
Day 1 – Gar trailhead (Roses Gap Road) to Gar Hike-in Campground
Distance: 7km
Duration: 4 hours
Elevation: 544m
Begin your hike at the Gar Trailhead on Roses Gap Road (N2 on GPT topographic map). Along the 7.3-kilometre rugged, rocky track you'll experience steep climbs and panoramic views including the seasonal waterfalls of Gar.
As the trail zig zags upwards, you’ll see uninterrupted views to the north. You will climb through stunted eucalypt forest, past boulders and over rocky slabs on the edge of the Mount Difficult escarpment taking in views over nearby mountains, Wartook Valley, Asses Ears and the Black Range (Burrunj).
Arrive at the Gar Hike-in Campground, perched on a spectacular cliff top high above the valley below, where you’ll spend the night camped along the rocky terrace.
The climb to Gar Hike-in Campground
Day 2 – Gar Hike-in Campground to Werdug Hike-in Campground (via Gar)
Distance: 17km
Duration: 7 hours
Elevation: 738m
From the hike-in campground, take a side trip to the rocky summit of Gar (Mount Difficult). Enjoy the sunrise before traversing south towards Lake Wartook along rocky ridgelines.
The trail rises and falls over highpoints and through mountain saddles, before finishing on a high knoll at Werdug Hike-in Campground. The campground provides views over Lake Wartook and across the Mount Difficult Range.
Sunrise from Gar
Day 3 – Werdug Hike-in Campground to Halls Gap
Distance: 13km
Duration: 3.5 hours
Elevation: 244m
Start the morning off with a steady climb to Lake Wartook Lookout for spectacular views and a morning tea break.
To the west is Lake Wartook with Bear Island in the middle, the western Mount Difficult Range, Asses Ears and the Black Range (Burrunj) in the far distance. To the south, Mount William (Duwul) dominates the skyline, curving from The Sentinel at the northern tip around to the highest mountains in the park - Redman Bluff and including Mount William (Duwul) and the Major Mitchell Plateau massif.
Leaving the Lake Wartook lookout, make the descent passing rocky outcrops through lower vegetation with the last views over the Mount Difficult Range. Leaving the dry and rocky northern Grampians and moving onto the wetter eastern slopes, the trail gently descends through a canopy dominated by Messmate and Brown Stringybark with an open understorey featuring ferns, grasses, wattles and tea trees.
Take a short detour to Chatauqua Peak (Bim) before descending through tall forest, rich with birdlife and wildflowers, completing your journey in Halls Gap.
Lake Wartook Lookout
This 3-day hiking itinerary connects with the Barigar overnight hike to the north, as well as other tracks, so you can step on and off from various points throughout Gariwerd.
Gar and Werdug hike-in campground information
On this itinerary, you’ll spend your first night at Gar Hike-in Campground, and second at Werdug Hike-in Campground.
These campgrounds can be booked together as a 3-day/2-night itinerary at a cost of $103.60 for up to two people on a tent pad. Book now.
These fees contribute towards the operation and maintenance of this unique hiking experience and help to protect the environmental values of this heritage-listed national park.
We recommend booking your 3-day hike well in advance of your planned departure to ensure there is tent pad availability at each campground.
Each campground has been individually designed to fit within the surrounding landscape.
Both campgrounds have timber tent platforms (either 3.5m x 3.5m or 5.0m x 5.0m) with steel chains that can be used to secure your tent. Additional guy rope may be needed for tent vestibules or tunnel style tents.
There is an unpowered communal area for meal preparation with basic toilet facilities and water collection points. The use of fuel stoves in all hike-in campgrounds is permitted but open campfires are not allowed.
Please take your rubbish with you on the entire journey and dispose of it when you return home or finish your walk.
Important: mobile phone service is not available within the Wartook Basin, but you may get some along ridgelines and lower elevations.
Communal area at Werdug Hike-in Campground
Prepare for your adventure
Water safety
Plan and prepare
Change of park conditions
During the summer of 2024-2025, widespread bushfires impacted over 135,000 hectares in the central, west and south-eastern sections of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. For up-to-date information on what’s open and closed along the Grampians Peaks Trail, view change of conditions on the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park page. For further information on the phased fire recovery program in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park please visit the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Fire Recovery page.
How to get there
Gar and Werdug 3-day Hike
Need to know
Gar and Werdug 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.
-
Strachans Campground
Strachans Campground – Temporary Closure – 13 April – 22 May 2026
Strachans Campground will be closed to visitors for major upgrade works from 13 April to 22 May 2026.For further information contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap (Ph 8427 2058). -
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Autumn 2026 Planned Burns – Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) has scheduled 3 planned burns within the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park throughout Autumn 2026.During these burning operations, there may be temporary closures to visitor sites, campgrounds, walking tracks and roads within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park to allow for on ground burn operations and the safe movement of vehicles, heavy machinery and aircraft.Closures will remain in place temporarily, for the duration of ignition, the following 12-24 hours, or until the whole burn unit is declared ‘safe’- this period of time could be one day or multiple days.The re-opening of roads, walking tracks and visitor sites will be communicated by FFMVic once burn areas have been assessed and declared ‘safe’. Until then visitors are urged to follow the advice of on ground signage and remain clear of burning operations.
Planned Burns within the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – Autumn 2026Please refer to the attached Autumn 2026 Planned Burns map.Dunkeld – Cooks Rd4km NW of Dunkeld, 216 haObjective - To develop a fuel reduced area to the North-west of Dunkeld.This burn will see a temporary disruption during ignition to Mount Sturgeon summit (from Victoria Valley road and the park boundary south of the summit) including the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT section S4). A detour will be in place to allow walkers access between Victoria Valley Trailhead, Mount Sturgeon car park and Dunkeld, via the Dunkeld loop walk.Grampians NP - Pomonal Fireline2km NW of Pomonal, 230 haObjective - To develop a fuel reduced area to the North-west of Pomonal.Boronia Peak Trail, Tunnel Walling Track and Pomonal Fireline will be closed during burning operations.The Fyans Creek Loop walk will remain open between Delleys Bridge and Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, as will the Terraces Fireline to Lake Bellfield and Barri-Yalug Hike in Campground.Grampians NP - Mt Zero Rd - South3km N of Halls Gap, 130 haObjective - To develop a fuel reduced area to the North of Halls Gap.Mt Difficult Fireline (North of the Watchtower area), and Mt Zero Rd (between Pines Rd to Red Gum Lease Track) will be closed but will have detours in place.The Grampians Peaks Trail from Mt Difficult Road (south of Werdug) to Halls Gap may have a detour in place via Mt Difficult Road, Boroka Lookout to Halls Gap.The Watchtower Climbing Area will be temporarily closed.Planned burning is a carefully planned and controlled process where fire is used to reduce dry vegetation such as leaves and branches that can build up over time and make forests more flammable. Without planned burning and other bushfire risk management works, bushfires will be bigger and harder for our firefighters to control.Autumn typically provides FFMV more opportunities to conduct planned burns, as the weather is more stable, and fire behaviour tends to be manageable and predictable. As soon as favourable weather and forest conditions arrive, we’ll make sure all available resources are delivering planned burning. Visit the Planned Burns Victoria website before you travel to make sure your trip isn’t affected.Stay informed about the Autumn planned burns schedule:Visit & Sign Up: Sign up to Planned Burns Victoria www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns Set up automated notifications about upcoming planned burns on public land near you. There is no charge to sign up to receive text messages.Download: The Vic Emergency App. Set up a watch zone and choose to be notified about planned burns in the ‘alerts’ settingsCall: The Vic Emergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and request an interpreter or assistance for hearing difficulties via the National Relay Service. IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 000Email: 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 2058 or for bookings and cancellations advice contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.auYou may see or smell smoke in the vicinity of the burn. For advice on how this may impact your health, visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/smokeAttachments: Autumn 2026 GNP Planned Burns (1,920KB)
Intersection of Lodge Rd and Red Rock Road – Temporary Closure – 27 April 2026
Roadworks are scheduled for Lodge Road on Monday 27 April 2026. This will involve an all-day closure at the intersection of Lodge Road and Red Rock Road. Asses Ears Road, Brimpaen Road and Glenisla Crossing Road will remain open and provide alternative routes to the Northern Grampians Road, Henty Highway and central/western areas of the Grampians National Park.For more information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at 277 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap. Open 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Contact Brambuk at (03) 8427 2258 or brambuk@parks.vic.gov.auGrampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 24.04.2026
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has some roads temporarily closed due to bushfire and flood impacts.Please be aware the movement of visitors in some areas of the National Park is restricted.Please refer to the attached up-to-date road report below.Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report - 24.04.2026 (221KB)
Invasive animal control program underway
Parks Victoria is conducting a conservation program in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, to reduce the impact of pest predators and herbivores on recovering vulnerable flora and fauna.The most effective method for controlling introduced pest animals is shooting. Pest animal control programs are carried out under strict conditions designed to ensure safe, effective, and humane practices are implemented. Contractors are expert marksmen and experienced shooters who have been through an assessment process prior to selection for operations. As part of the operation, contractors are using thermal and infrared drone technology to thoroughly sweep areas prior to commencing and suppressors will be used to reduce the sound of gun shots.Pest control activities are taking place from 6pm to 5am each night, commencing 6pm on the 26th of April and concluding at 5am on the 1st of May 2026.There will be no closures as part of this operation which is occurring in remote locations across the park.For further information, please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au
-
Chatauqua Peak Loop Walk
Chatauqua Peak Loop - Partial closure and detour
The Chatauqua Peak Loop south-eastern section (including Bullaces Glen) will be partially closed for track upgrades from Tuesday 21 April to Friday 5 June 2026.Track upgrades include stabilisation and drainage works.Chatauqua Peak and Clematis Falls will remain accessible for day walkers and GPT hikers via the Halls Gap Recreation Reserve.Please see the map below.
-
Mackenzie Falls Day Visitor Area
Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) – Closed for major construction works – 9 February 2026 to midyear 2026
Construction work at Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is underway and the carpark and precinct is closed to visitors.The works at Mackenzie Falls precinct includes the construction of a new viewing platform at the base of the falls, upgrades to the carpark and the Bluff Lookout Walk and other important safety improvements to stabilise rock and improve walking tracks.
The Mackenzie Falls carpark and all walking tracks in the precinct including Broken Falls Walk, Mackenzie Falls Walk to the base (from the carpark) and the Bluff Lookout Walk are all closed. We anticipate that construction work will finish in the second half of the year.The carpark will be a construction site throughout the works period with large machinery operating and materials being stored on site. There will be no access for all vehicles or visitors at Mackenzie Falls Precinct during construction.Zumsteins Picnic Area ParkingDuring construction parking at the popular Zumsteins picnic area will be limited. It is not recommended for large passenger coaches and long caravans to visit during construction. Similarly, they should not travel between Mackenzie Falls and Zumsteins due to the narrow winding road.A small amount of parking for campervans, small motorhomes and cars with trailers is available opposite the Zumsteins Picnic Area car park, however, may not be available on busy weekends and public holidays.Zumsteins to Fish Falls – This popular walk to the beautiful Fish Falls is a 1.5 to 2 hour return walk (Grade 3) – walkers should have a reasonable fitness level, carry water and wear sturdy walking shoes as the track can be rocky with uneven surfaces and some steep sections.Mackenzie River Walk – There will be no access to the base of Mackenzie Falls from Zumsteins Picnic Area from 27 April 2026 until construction works are complete. Fish Falls will still be accessible from Zumsteins Picnic Area.For further information on the Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) project visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/mackenzie-falls-revitalisationPopular day visitor sites such as Reeds Lookout, the Balconies, Boroka Lookout, Silverband Falls and various walks with large bus carparking will still be available.For further information contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap (Ph 8427 2058).Please keep up to date with closures through the Change of Conditions page for Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Grampians Peaks Trail – Hike-in Campground Reopenings (sections C3-C5 & S1-S2)
Five hike-in campgrounds along the Central and Southern sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail reopened to hikers on 2 March 2026.(GPT central section C3-C5) Barri Yalug, Duwul and Durd Durd hike-in campgrounds(GPT south section S1-S2) Yarram and Wannon hike-in CampgroundsThis means the full 164km Grampians Peaks Trail experience (from Mt Zero (Mura Mura) Trailhead in the north to Dunkeld township in the south) will be available for hiking and overnight camping. Redman Road Trailhead is also open for vehicle access.These hike-in campgrounds were damaged by the 2024/25 bushfires and have required significant repair and replacement works to reopen.Please remember, the Grampians landscape was recently impacted by bushfire and is recovering. Stay on formed tracks and be mindful that walking track and surrounding forest conditions have changed· Before attempting the Grampians Peaks Trail, please see the Plan and Prepare Guide for detailed information on how to plan and prepare for the hikePlease note:· Drinking water is untreated and is only available at serviced water tanks located at selected trailheads, road crossings, access points and some hike-in campgroundsTo stay up-to-date with what's open and closed in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park see our Change of ConditionsIf you are visiting the area and require more detailed local information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at 277 Grampians Rd Halls Gap, open 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can call (03) 8427 2258 or email brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au -
Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre
Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Building Upgrades in 2026
The Cultural Centre is closed for refurbishment.Parks Victoria is working with a strategic partnership committee of Gariwerd Traditional Owners from Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to ‘reimagine’ the future of Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre.Building upgrades are essential to ensure the centre meets current services requirements, accessibility, and compliance to current building regulation. New visitor experiences and activation opportunities including Aboriginal arts, community events and cultural exhibitions are being explored as Brambuk moves towards operation by a Gariwerd Traditional Owner entity.The National Park Information Centre and gift shop remain open.For up-to-date national park information, brochures, maps, permits and access advice contact information staff at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre info@parks.vic.gov.au or phone 8427 2058For Junior Ranger School holiday programs visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/junior-rangersFor a list of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Licensed Tour Operators Visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/ltoFurther details on the Brambuk Reimagining project can be found on the Parks Victoria website https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/brambuk-cultural-centre-upgrade
Add more Grampians Peaks Trail hikes to your itinerary
Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike
Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike
Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day Hike
