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.
Along the Gar and Werdug 3-day hike, you'll witness seasonal waterfalls, mountain summits and clifftop camping. The track is an overall Grade 4 walk with steep terrain, suitable for fit and experienced hikers.
Itinerary highlights
This section of the trail is particularly spectacular in winter, spring and after rain, when clifftop rockpools and seasonal waterfalls are at their best. Gar (meaning "big mountain") is the highest on the western side of the range, rewarding walkers with spectacular 360-degree views. Lake Wartook Lookout, at 829m, is one of the highest points on the eastern side of the Mount Difficult Range with sweeping 360-degree views of Gariwerd.
Day one: (N2) Gar Trailhead (Roses Gap Road) to Gar Hike-in Campground (7.3 kilometres)
Begin your journey at the Gar Trailhead (Roses Gap Road; N2 on GPT topographic map). Along the 7.3-kilometre rugged, rocky adventure you'll experience steep climbs and panoramic views including the seasonal waterfalls of Gar. As the trail zig zags upwards, uninterrupted views to the north are revealed. 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. You'll be spending the night camped along the rocky terrace, perfect for watching the sunset.
Day two: (N3) Gar Hike-in Campground to Werdug Hike-in Campground (14.1 kilometres)
From the hike-in campground, take a side trip to the rocky summit of Mount Difficult (Gar). 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.
Day three: (N4) Werdug Hike-in Campground to Halls Gap (13.0 kilometres)
Start with a steady climb to Lake Wartook Lookout for spectacular views and a morning tea break. Enjoy the sweeping views to the North, west and southern of Gariwerd. 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. The Grampians Peaks Trail crosses these high mountains in the Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day Hike. 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.
Bookings and itinerary information
This 3-day hiking itinerary connects with the Barigar overnight hike to the north, as well as other connecting tracks to allow you to step on and off from various points throughout Gariwerd. If you are planning on staying longer to do more sections of the walk, you can add other itineraries to your booking. The trailhead for this itinerary is signposted with temporary car parking at Troopers Creek Campground and you can also find its location in the official maps for Grampians Peaks Trail. You can find out how to get there via the map above. 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 Gar Hike-in Campground and second night at Werdug 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 costs are:
$100.80 for up to two people on a tent pad (either 3.5m x 3.5m or 5.0m x 5.0m)
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 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
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. 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 is not available within the Wartook Basin, but you may get some along ridgelines and high points and lower elevations. 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.
Prepare for your adventure
Water safety
Plan and prepare
7 Things You Need To Know About Hiking the Grampians Peaks Trail
Laura Waters, long distance hiker and author, was one of the first hikers on the trail, setting out on the first day of the GPT opening.
How to get there
Gar and Werdug 3-day Hike
From Horsham/Wimmera River Bridge (53.5km, 25mins): Drive south-east on the Western Highway (A8) for 40.5km. Turn right onto Roses Gap Road and drive for 13km to Gar Trailhead.
From Halls Gap (36km, 40mins): 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.
From Melbourne (270km, 3hrs and 15mins): Drive west on the Western Highway (A8) through Ararat and Stawell to Roses Gap Road. Turn left and follow Roses Gap Road for 13km to Gar Trailhead.
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.
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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)
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Grampians Planned Burn advice - Re-openings for ANZAC Day and weekend
FFMVIC has recently conducted 5 planned burns within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.With a cool change passing through on Tuesday night (23rd April), ignition has now ceased and crews are now completing hazard assessments in preparation for the burn areas to re-open.Planned burns will be patrolled over the coming weekend until officially declared safe. Under regulations, visitors are not permitted to enter burn areas that remain closed.Millstream Creek burn (3km East of Smiths Mill Campground, 20km West of Halls Gap)Smiths Mill Campground was recently closed to support planned burn operations. Ignition has now ceased and crews are now completing hazard assessments in preparation for the burn areas to re-open.With mild weather conditions forecast over the coming days, visitors may still see minimal fire activity and may be impacted by smoke. For advice on how this may impact your health, visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/smokeFFMVIC crews will continue patrolling the burn area east of the campground into the weekend.Partial Re-opening Wednesday April 24th 17:00hrsBoroka LookoutLake Wartook LookoutMt Difficult Road between Boroka Lookout and Lake WartookPartial Reopening - Thursday April 25th 08:00hrsSmiths Mill Campground *Note - Vehicle access is available only via Mt Victory Road and Lake Wartook Road. Arrivals tonight to be supported by FFMVIC CrewsOperational closures throughout the coming week:Old Mill Road (Between Smiths Mill and Boroka Lookout)Rose Creek Road (North between Mt Victory Road and Old Mill Road)Ricky Track (MVO)For any further information on the burn operations please contact Wimmera Fire District (03) 8508 1222For bookings or cancellations advice please contact Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963For local park information and advice please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre Phone 8427 2058Cassidy Gap GR-WIM-CAV-00071 (3km north of Dunkeld)Section S3 of the Grampians Peaks Trail and some day walks north of Dunkeld have been closed due to Planned burn operations. Ignition has now ceased and crews will new undertake risk treatments in preparation for the burn unit to open.With mild weather conditions forecast over the coming days, visitors may still see minimal fire activity in the range (west of Mud-dadjug and south of Cassidy Gap) and may be impacted by smoke. For advice on how this may impact your health, visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/smokeFFMVIC crews will continue patrolling the burn area into the weekend.Partial Re-opening of visitor areas Wednesday April 24th 17:00 hoursGrampians Peaks Trail Section S3 – Cassidy Gap to Piccaninny Car Park over Signal Peak to Dunkeld Reservoir RoadMud-dadjug Hike in CampgroundMt Abrupt day walkSignal Peak day walkCassidy Gap Road – From Grampians Road to Grampians Peaks Trail TrailheadDjardji-Djawara Hike in campground is open but depending on conditions may impacted by smokeMann’s Road east of the intersection with Victoria Valley RdOperational closures throughout the coming week:Cassidy Gap Road from closed from Cassidy Gap Trailhead to Serra Fireline (west side of the range)Serra Range Fireline is closed at the intersection of Vic Valley Road and Cassidy Gap RoadFor any further information on the burn operations please contact Wimmera Fire District (03) 8508 1222For bookings or cancellations advice please contact Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963For local park information and advice please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre Phone 8427 2058Oslers Track GR-WIM-HGP-0042FFMVIC have recently completed planned burning operations in the forest just south of Plantation Campground, 8km north of Halls Gap. Ignition has now ceased and crews will new undertake risk treatments in preparation for the burn unit to open.With mild weather conditions forecast over the coming days, visitors may still see minimal fire activity and may be impacted by smoke. For advice on how this may impact your health, visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/smokeFFMVIC crews will continue patrolling the burn area east of the campground into the weekend.Partial Reopening of visitor areas Wednesday April 24th 17:00hrsPlantation campgroundPines road openMt Zero RoadOperational Closures throughout the coming week:Oslers track (Between Red Gum Lease Track and Pines Road)Fire trails and bush camping in the burn area south of Plantation CampgroundFor any further information on the burn operations please contact Wimmera Fire District (03) 8508 1222For bookings or cancellations advice please contact Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963For local park information and advice please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre Phone 8427 2058Victoria Range GR-WIM-CAV-0009FFMVIC have recently completed planned burning operations in the Victoria Range area 36km north of Cavendish. Ignition has now ceased and crews will new undertake risk treatments in preparation for the burn unit to open.With mild weather conditions forecast over the coming days, visitors may still see minimal fire activity in the range immediately surrounding Strachans Campground and may be impacted by smoke.FFMVIC crews will continue patrolling the burn area into the weekend.Partial Re-opening of visitor areas Wednesday April 24th 17:00hrsGlenelg River RoadChimney Pots car park and walking trackDesignated climbing areas 100 – 104 in Victoria RangeDesignated Rock-Climbing Areas 92- 99 In the Southern end of the Victoria RangeSawmill TrackVictoria Range RoadFortress and Mt Thackeray overnight walkVisitor areas to re-open Thursday April 25th 2pm (depending on conditions)Strachans campgroundOperational closures throughout the coming week:NilNote - Mountain Lion Climbing area remains closed for management purposesFor any further information on the burn operations please contact Wimmera Fire District (03) 8508 1222For bookings or cancellations advice please contact Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963For local park information and advice please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre Phone 8427 2058Victoria Point GR-WIM-CAV-0064FFMVIC have recently completed planned burning operations in the Victoria Range area, 38km north of Cavendish. Ignition has now ceased and crews will new undertake risk treatments in preparation for the burn unit to open.With mild weather conditions forecast over the coming days, visitors may still see minimal fire activity in the range immediately surrounding Strachans Campground and may be impacted by smoke.FFMVIC crews will continue patrolling the burn area into the weekend.Visitor areas to re-open Wed April 24th 5pmGlenelg River RoadChimney Pots carpark and walking trackDesignated Climbing Areas 100 - 104 in the southern end of Victoria RangeDesignated Rock-Climbing Areas 92- 99 in the southern end of the Victoria RangeOperational closures throughout the coming weekGeerak trackFor any further information on the burn operations please contact Wimmera Fire District (03) 8508 1222For bookings or cancellations advice please contact Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963For local park information and advice please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre Phone 8427 2058Stay 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 park access 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 or call: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058Contact: For bookings and cancellations advice please call Parks Victoria Information Centre 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.auGrampians 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