Overnight Hikes

Two hikers arrive at the summit of signal peak taking in big expansive views

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Overnight Hikes

Grampians (Gariwerd) 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.

 

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.

Map of Barigar on the Grampians Peaks Trail

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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Gar

From Gar Trailhead, a gentle walk through dense bushland soon begins to climb along Dead Bullock Creek, passing by impressive seasonal waterfalls before opening up onto the rocky escarpment of Gar (Mt Difficult).

Enjoy breathtaking views before continuing to climb further, ending your day with a stunning sunset view at Gar Hike-in Campground. To enjoy an impressive sunrise, follow the track for 1.4km over steep rocky slabs to Gar summit. Return to your destination, Gar Trailhead by descending back to Gar Hike-in Campground first, and then follow the same GPT route from the previous day.

Map of Gar on the Grampians Peaks Trail

Grade: 4

Length: 15km  Day 1: 7.5km  Day 2: 7.5km

Start: Gar Trailhead (N2 on GPT Topographic map)

Finish: Gar Trailhead

Pick up and drop off: Park car at Gar Trailhead or arrange a bus transfer with Licensed Tour Operator; 30min each way.

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Werdug

From the main car park in Halls Gap, walk past the pool, through the botanic gardens and head north towards Clematis Falls and Chatauqua Peak. From the saddle junction, the track climbs steeply transitioning from tall eucalypt forest into the dry rocky escarpments of the Mt Difficult Range. 
Cross over Mt Difficult Road, where your perspective changes westerly. Navigate through the rocky escarpments to Werdug Hike-in Campground and enjoy breathtaking sunset views over Lake Wartook and the surrounding peaks. Return via the same route the following day.

Map of Werdug on the Grampians Peaks Trail

Grade: 4

Length: 15km  Day 1: 7.5km  Day 2: 7.5km

Start: Halls Gap (N4 on GPT Topographic map)

Finish: Halls Gap

Pick up and drop off: Park car at Gar Trailhead or arrange a bus transfer with Licensed Tour Operator; 30min each way.

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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.

Map of Bugiga on the Grampians Peaks Trail

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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Barri Yalug

Starting at Mount Rosea Carpark, follow the trail to Mt Rosea, heading south through tall forest then onto rocky escarpments. After climbing the summit (Bugiga Mirgani), head south towards Borough Huts Campground then on to Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground, with incredible views north over Lake Bellfield.

Day 2 on this hike provides a challenging climb over Seven Dials and Redman Bluff before arriving at Duwul Hike-in Campground, perched high on the Mt William Range. A short 1.2km walk from here takes you to the endpoint at Mt William Carpark.

Map of Barri Yalug on the Grampians Peaks Trail

Grade: 4

Length: 28.4km  Day 1: 14.0km  Day 2: 14.4km

Start: Mount Rosea Carpark (C2 on GPT Topographic map)

Finish: Mount Rosea Carpark

Pick up and drop off:
Vehicle shuffle between Mount Rosea Carpark and Mt William Carpark (35 minutes each way) or arrange a transfer with a Licensed Tour Operator. Park your car at the Redman Road Trailhead. 

Please note, Mount William and the Major Mitchell Plateau are exposed areas with fast changing weather. During winter and wet weather, hikers can expect heavy driving rain, sleet and strong winds. Snow may occur between May and October. In July, the average temperature is 5 degrees Celsius and 170mm rain. Walkers should be well prepared for these conditions and should reconsider their need to cross the Plateau in bad weather conditions.

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Duwul

Starting at Redman Road Trailhead, the trail ascends through dense woodland then provides a challenging climb over Seven Dials and Redman Bluff before arriving at Duwul Hike-in Campground. Known for its impressive wildflowers and stunning mountain scenery from some of the highest mountain peaks of the park. Return via the same route the following day.

Map of Duwul on the Grampians Peaks Trail

Grade: 4

Length: 26.4km  Day 1: 13.2km  Day 2: 13.2km

Start: Redman Road Trailhead (C3 on GPT Topographic map)

Finish: Redman Road Trailhead

Pick up and drop off:
Park your car at the Redman Road Trailhead.

Please note, Mount William and the Major Mitchell Plateau are exposed areas with fast changing weather. During winter and wet weather, hikers can expect heavy driving rain, sleet and strong winds. Snow may occur between May and October. In July, the average temperature is 5 degrees Celsius and 170mm rain. Walkers should be well prepared for these conditions and should reconsider their need to cross the Plateau in bad weather conditions.

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Durd Durd

One of the most difficult sections (Grade 5) of the Grampians Peaks Trail – only suitable for very experienced and very fit hikers.

From the Mount William Carpark, follow the steep vehicle access road south-westerly toward the summit. At the towers take the gravel track southwards then drop steeply into Boundary Gap. Climb the steep exit and traverse across the Major Mitchell Plateau - the highest section of the trail. Enjoy the stunted sub alpine vegetation and far-reaching views before arriving at Durd Durd Hike-in Campground, nestled high on a west-facing gully. On day 2, a gentle decent takes you through towering trees to Jimmy Creek Campground, enjoying impressive mountain views along the way.

Map of Durd Durd on the Grampians Peaks Trail

Grade: 5

Length: 20.6km  Day 1: 13.3km  Day 2: 7.3km

Start: Mount William Carpark (C4 on GPT Topographic map)

Finish: Jimmy Creek Campground (C5)

Pick up and drop off:
Vehicle shuffle between Mt William Carpark and Jimmy Creek Campground (25 minutes each way) or arrange a transfer with a Licensed Tour Operator.

Please note, Mount William and the Major Mitchell Plateau are exposed areas with fast changing weather. During winter and wet weather, hikers can expect heavy driving rain, sleet and strong winds. Snow may occur between May and October. In July, the average temperature is 5 degrees Celsius and 170mm rain. Walkers should be well prepared for these conditions and should reconsider their need to cross the Plateau in bad weather conditions.

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Yarram

Starting at Jimmy Creek Campground, the upsloping trail criss-crosses the range, featuring sections of cross slope walking and rock hopping.  Enjoy views over distant wetlands and farmland plains before passing a helipad and shortly after arriving at the stunning Yarram Hike-in Campground. Nestled in a gully amongst old stringybark forest enjoy peace and tranquillity and stunning night skies. Day 2 follows a steep descent through gullies and lower mountain slopes before arriving at Yarram Gap Road Trailhead.

Map of Yarram on the Grampians Peaks Trail

Grade: 4

Length: 12.6km  Day 1: 8.0km  Day 2: 4.6km

Start: Jimmy Creek Campground (C5 on GPT Topographic map)

Finish: Yarram Gap Road Trailhead (S1)

 

Wannon

From Yarram Gap Road, walk parallel to the road through Callitris forest and climb onto the ridgeline. Rolling up and down through six knolls and saddles, you’ll see a series of wetlands to the east. Descend a spur into taller forest, before entering open grassland and arriving at Wannon Hike-in Campground. Follow the track through cleared land before crossing the Wannon River. Travel through swampy river flats and heathy under-storey before intercepting with Grampians Tourist Road. Meander up a gentle slope through sandy, heathy forest for 2.6km to Griffin Trailhead.

Map of Wannon on the Grampians Peaks Trail

Grade: 4

Length: 12.1km  Day 1: 6.5km  Day 2: 5.6km

Start: Yarram Gap Road Trailhead (S1 on GPT Topographic map)

Finish: Griffin Trailhead (S2)

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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 Mud-Dadjug (Mt Abrupt). Enjoy sweeping views across the Serra Range and Southern Grampians, before arriving at Mud-Dadjug Hike-in Campground. On the second day cross over Bainggug (The Piccaninny) and take the steady climb up Wurgarri (Mt Sturgeon) 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 Mud-dadjug on the Grampians Peaks Trail

Grade: Grade 4

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

Start: Cassidy Gap Road Trailhead. 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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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.

Plan and prepare

Before setting off, read the important Plan and Prepare Guide and visit Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap for topographic maps and speak to knowledgeable staff for the latest park information. You can also order Grampians Peaks Trail topographic maps over the phone from Brambuk, call 8427 2058 (open 9am-5pm daily; except Christmas Day).

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.

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 (Gariwerd) National Park

    Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusion

    Significant 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 Rock Climbing in Gariwerd link below.

    Temporary Closure of Mt William Road – 11 December & 12 December 2024

    Mt William Road will be closed from the Grampians Tourist Road intersection to the summit carpark from 9:00am to 2:00pm on Wednesday 11 December 2024 and Thursday 12 December 2024 while park management works take place.  

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 06.12.2024

    The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has several roads temporarily closed for repair works, upgrades, and recent fire impacts. Please be aware the movement of visitors in these parts of the National Park is restricted.

    Mitchell Rd between Redman Rd and Mt William Picnic Ground Rd.

    Temporary Road Closures
    Mt William Rd will be closed from the Grampians Tourist Rd intersection to the summit carpark from 9:00am to 2:00pm on Wednesday 11th December and Thursday 12th December 2024, while park management works take place.

    The Mudadgadjin Picnic Ground Access Track is temporarily closed for maintenance works.

    Seasonal Roads
    Seasonal Roads reopened on Thursday 31st October 2024.
    The following seasonal roads require further management and remain closed:
    ·      Moora Moora Track
    ·      Launders Track
    ·      Mt Cassell Fireline
    Seasonal road closures are necessary to maintain water quality, protect public safety and prevent erosion during the wetter months, making them vulnerable to damage.

    Grampians Peaks Trail – Trailhead Access
    Road access (Griffin Track) to the Griffin Trailhead for the Grampians Peaks Trail is open to 4WD vehicles only. Walkers can access the GPT on foot via the Griffin Track from the Grampians Tourist Road.

    Please 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 - 06.12.2024 (219KB)

  • Mudadgadjiin Picnic Area (Black Range State Park)

    Mudadgadjin Picnic Ground Access Track & Picnic Ground – Temporary Closure

    Mudadgadjin Picnic Ground Access Track and Picnic Ground are temporarily closed for access track maintenance works.

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

Walk the diverse landscapes of Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cobboboonee National Park and Cape Nelson State Park. Starting from Portland, the walk travels through majestic tall forests, meanders alongside the World Heritage Glenelg River, remote ocean beaches, past ancient lakes and culminates along rugged ocean clifftops.
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.
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