Grampians Peaks Trail Overnight Hikes

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    Overnight Hikes

    Grampians National Park

    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.

    Barengi Gadjin Land Council

     

    Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation

    Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation

    Hike during the day and camp 1-night under the stars to experience a little bit more of what the Grampians Peaks Trail has to offer. Choose from three 2-day hike options and explore the ancient, rugged landscape of Gariwerd. All itineraries require a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, contact a Grampians Peaks Trail Licensed Tour Operator for transport services or visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for other pick-up or hiking options.

     

    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.

     

    Barigar

    This overnight hike takes in the dramatic Stapylton Amphitheatre with the magnificent orange wave of Taipan Wall, Bird Rock, Mt Stapylton, panoramic ridgeline walking, wildflowers, seasonal creeks and a hidden waterfall located not far from Barigar Hike-in Campground.

    Grade: 4

    Length: 16.0km  Day 1: 12.1km  Day 2:3.9km

    Start: Mt Zero Picnic Area (N1 on GPT Topographic map)

    Finish: Gar Trailhead (Roses Gap Road)

    Pick up and drop off: Short vehicle shuffle between Mt Zero Picnic Area and Gar Trailhead or arrange a bus transfer with Licensed Tour Operator. 45min round trip.

    How to get there: From Melbourne (290km, 3hrs and 15mins), drive west on the Western Highway (A8) through Ararat, Stawell and Dadswells Bridge to Wonwondah-Dadswells Bridge Road. Turn left and follow for 6.4km to Winfields Road (unsealed), turn left and follow for 1.2km to Mt Zero Road (unsealed), turn left and follow for 2.2km to Mt Zero Picnic Area.


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    Bugiga

    Start the morning in Halls Gap before traversing the Wonderland and northern section of the Serra Ranges on this overnight hike. Follow the cascading Stony Creek upstream through the Grand Canyon, climb to the Pinnacle and continue along the trail to camp below Mt Rosea at Bugiga Hike-in Campground. Wander through tall forest to rocky outcrops and incredible views on Mt Rosea, then take the long descent to the finishing point at Borough Huts Campground.

    Grade: 4

    Length: 22.3km  Day 1: 9km  Day 2: 13.3km

    Start: Halls Gap (C1 on GPT Topographic map)

    Finish: Borough Huts Campground (C2)

    Pick up and drop off: Short vehicle shuffle from Borough Huts Campground back to Halls Gap or arrange a bus transfer with Licensed Tour Operator.

    How to get there:

    • From Melbourne (253km, 3hrs), 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.

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    Mud-Dadjug

    Starting from Cassidy Gap Road, hike uphill through rocky shrubland before climbing up to Signal Peak and across escarpments to the rocky exposed summit of Mt Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug). Enjoy sweeping views across the Serra Range and Southern Grampians, before camping at Mud-Dadjug. On the second day cross over Bainggug (The Piccaninny) and take the steady climb up Mt Sturgeon (Wurgarri) before descending down the rocky slope to meander through an open Red Gum woodland. Cross bridges and follow directional signage into the small town of Dunkeld.

    Map of the Mud-dadjug overnight hike

    Grade: Grade 4

    Length: 22.1 km  Day 1: 7.3km  Day 2: 14.8km

    Start: Cassidy Gap Road. Limited parking available, drop offs are encouraged.

    Finish: Dunkeld

    Pick up and drop off: Short vehicle shuffle between Dunkeld and Cassidy Gap Road or arrange a transfer with a Licensed Tour Operator. 15min round trip.

    How to get there:

    • From Melbourne (273km, 3hrs 20mins): Drive west on the Western Highway (M8) to Ballarat. From Ballarat take the Glenelg Highway (B160) west to Dunkeld. Turn north onto Victoria Valley Road (C216). Drive 2.6km and turn right on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) to Halls Gap. Drive 7.6km then turn left onto Cassidy Gap Road. Drive three minutes to the GPT trail crossing.
    • From Dunkeld (10.8km, 13mins): Leave Dunkeld village to the east on the Glenelg Highway (B160). Drive 200m and turn north onto Victoria Valley Road (C216). Drive 2.6km and turn right on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) to Halls Gap. Drive 7.6km then turn left onto Cassidy Gap Road. Drive three minutes along the dirt road to the GPT trail crossing.
    • From Halls Gap (54.5km, 40mins): Drive south on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) towards Dunkeld. After 54km turn right onto Cassidy Gap Road. Drive three minutes along the dirt road to the GPT trail crossing.

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    Grampians Peaks Trail Experiences

    Find out more about other options for hiking experiences along the Grampians Peaks Trail.
    Two friends walk along the track south of Redmans Bluff with views of the Serra Range in the background on central section 3 of the GPT

    Grampians Peaks Trail

    The Grampians Peaks Trail (160km) is a world-class 13-day hiking experience from Mt Zero in the north, through Halls Gap and finishing at Dunkeld. It can also be completed in shorter sections.
    A group of walkers head along the trail in front of Gar on norther section 2 of the GPT

    Gar and Werdug 3-day Hike

    A rugged, rocky adventure with steep climbs and panoramic views in the Northern Peaks of the Grampians.
    The view, from inside a tent, of a women sitting nest to a tent at Bugiga Hiker Camp on the Grampians Peaks Trail

    Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day Hike

    Start the morning in Halls Gap before traversing the Central Peaks of Wonderland and Serra Ranges. Day one follows the cascading Stony Creek upstream to the Grand Canyon.
    A man sets up his tent at Duwal hiker camp at the end of central section 3 on the GPT

    Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day Hike

    Climbing through the Central Peaks, this tough walk traverses an exposed montane landscape and the highest mountains in the Grampians National Park.
    The view of the Serra Range which is traversed on Southern Section 2 of the Grampians Peaks Trail

    Yarram and Wannon 3-day Hike

    This secluded walk in the Southern Peaks of the Grampians explores previously untracked terrain on the southern reaches of the Mt William Range.
    A man passes a cup of tea to his partner at their tent set up below the communal shelter at Djardji-Djawara Hiker camp on southern section 2 of the GPT

    Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug 3-day Hike

    Scenic ridgeline and mountain walking all the way to Dunkeld, as you wander across the Southern Grampians skyline.

    Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre

    Before setting off on your Grampians Peaks Trail hike, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap for topographical maps and speak to knowledgeable staff for the latest park information.

    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

    Overnight Hikes

    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.

     

     

    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.

    • Grampians National Park

      Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Update 17.03.2023

      Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park was impacted by heavy rainfall and flash flooding during spring and early summer 2022. Multiple roads and some visitor sites are temporarily closed for assessment, repair works and upgrades. The movement of visitors in these parts of the National Park is restricted.
       
      Major Road/Track Closures

      Lodge Road is partly closed (section from Syphon Rd to Asses Ears Road).
      Red Rock Road, Mitchell Road and Bullawin Road are closed.

      Regional Roads Closure – Mt Victory Road Update
       
      With works to complete the final seal and finishing work at Mt Victory Road underway, the road has been operating under shuttle flow with traffic management in place. The final seal and finishing work are scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2023. Please plan your journey and follow the directions on all on-site signage. We thank the communities of Halls Gap, Wartook and surrounding areas for their continued patience while we carry out these vital works. For more information, call 133 788, email westernprojects@roads.vic.gov.au or visit Mt Victory Road west of Halls Gap | Regional Roads Victoria
         
      Seasonal Road Closures
       
      Seasonal road closures are in place due to flood damage. They have remained in place since November 2022. Seasonal roads will gradually reopen after repair works and final assessments are completed.
       
      **For updates, please see the latest road report for full road and track details at the bottom of this page. 
       
      Key Visitor Sites Closures
       
      Boroka Lookout
      The northern viewing platform at Boroka Lookout is temporarily closed for upgrades. Visitors can still access the southern viewing platform.
       
      MacKenzie Falls
       
      Access changes at the base of Mackenzie Falls
      The rock shelf area, opposite the base of the MacKenzie Falls and the large rock stepping stones crossing the river are now closed. Recent investigations at the Falls revealed a significant rock fall risk from the cliff above this area where visitors gather. Access to part of the base at the Falls is still available via the walking track, this may be crowded, especially over busy long weekends and Easter. For visitor safety, please to stay on the walking track and keep off rocks at the base as they can be wet and slippery. To avoid crowds, we recommend to visitors that they should consider visiting early morning or later in the afternoon.
       
      Planned Works – MacKenzie Falls will be temporarily closed from Wednesday 22nd to Friday 24th of March 2023
      These works include the removal of stepping stones from the McKenzie River at the base of the Falls. The walking track to the base of the Falls will be temporarily closed. Broken Falls and views to MacKenzie Falls from the Bluff Lookout walk will remain open during this time. Once the work is complete visitors will be able to visit MacKenzie Falls from the popular walking track at the MacKenzie Falls car park, and the Mackenzie Falls River walk from Zumsteins. Further improvements are planned as part of the MacKenzie Falls Revitalisation project
       
      Silverband Falls
      The Silverband Falls closure is in place due to flood damage. Visitors can access Clematis Falls and the Venus Baths loop as alternative walks.
       
      Current Campground closures due to closed roads
       
      Kalymna Campground is closed.

      Grampians Peaks Trail
       
      Grampians Peaks Trail sites impacted by closures

      Griffin Trail Head is Four-Wheel Drive access only. 
       
      For park information, visitors can contact 13 1963 or visit the Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap.

      Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) NP Road Report 17.03.2023 (186KB)

      MacKenzie Falls - Access Changes and Planned Works Closure

      MacKenzie Falls Update
       
      Access changes at the base of Mackenzie Falls
      The rock shelf area, opposite the base of the MacKenzie Falls and the large rock stepping stones crossing the river are now closed. Recent investigations at the Falls revealed a significant rock fall risk from the cliff above this area where visitors gather. Access to part of the base at the Falls is still available via the walking track, this may be crowded, especially over busy long weekends and Easter. For visitor safety, please to stay on the walking track and keep off rocks at the base as they can be wet and slippery. To avoid crowds, we recommend to visitors that they should consider visiting early morning or later in the afternoon.
       
      Planned Works – MacKenzie Falls will be temporarily closed from Wednesday 22nd to Friday 24th of March 2023
      These works include the removal of stepping stones from the McKenzie River at the base of the Falls. The walking track to the base of the Falls will be temporarily closed.  Broken Falls and views to MacKenzie Falls from the Bluff Lookout walk will remain open during this time. Once the work is complete visitors will be able to visit MacKenzie Falls from the popular walking track at the MacKenzie Falls car park, and the Mackenzie Falls River walk from Zumsteins. Further improvements are planned as part of the MacKenzie Falls Revitalisation project

    Similar experiences at other parks

     
    Three hikers walk along the beach at Wilson Promontory National Park.

    Wilsons Promontory Northern Overnight Hikes

    Up for more of a challenge? Try the Northern Circuit hiking and camping through the park.
    Two women walk along the track between granite rocks and grass trees on the Southern Circuit hiking trail at Wilsons Promontory National Park

    Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit Overnight Hikes

    Hike your way to overnight camping sites and sleep in bookable shady campsites with views of glassy torquoise water.
    A group of four hikers walk along the beach at Discovery Bay as part of the Great South West Walk

    Great South West Walk

    The Great South West Walk winds through the diverse landscapes of Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cobboboonee National Park and Cape Nelson State Park. Starting from the township of Portland in south west Victoria, the walk takes you on an unforgettable journey across rugged cliffs carved by the Southern Ocean, over remote beaches, past ancient, pristine lakes and through majestic, tall forest.
    A woman leads her partner across the Razorback track surrounded by stunning views of the Rubicon Valley.

    The Farmyard

    This campground is accessible to hikers only. It is located off the unsealed Razorback Ridge Track at the base of South Jawbone Peak.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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