Grampians Walks

Guide book for the Grampians Peaks Trail

GPT updates

Autumn burning off in the national park

Parks Victoria is conducting it’s Autumn burning off in quite a few parts of the national park. There will be smoke visible from some of the walking tracks.

Planned burning will close sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail and key visitor sites at short notice from March to June, 2022. It is important you consider this interruption when planning your trip.    

Planned burning is a critical part of park management and reducing bushfire risk in the Grampians National Park. The right weather conditions are needed for a safe and effective burn- cool to warm temperatures, very little wind, no rain. These are the same great conditions for a trip to the park! Because planned burning is so dependent on the right weather conditions, we cannot give exact dates or times when they will occur.

 

Stony Creek burn update

All visitor access areas now open. Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) ignited the Stony Creek burn on Friday 25 March. Crews are continuing to monitor the burn and manage any issues associated with the burn.

Boroka Lookout burn update

The weather conditions were not favourable to undertake the Boroka Lookout burn that was scheduled on Sunday 27 March. FFMV will continue to monitor this area over the next few weeks for favourable weather conditions, outside of high visitor times. 

 

Cranages Road Burn – Ignited Tuesday 29 March 2022

Now open:

  • MacKenzie Falls walking tracks and visitor site
  • Zumsteins walking track, between Zumsteins and the base of MacKenzie Falls, including Fish Falls
  • Smiths Mill Campground
  • Lake Wartook Rd into Lake Wartook
  • Chinaman Track
  • Mt Difficult Rd between Boroka Lookout and Lake Wartook
  • Rose creek Road between Mt Victory Road and Old Mill road
  • Old Mill Road between Smiths Mill Campground and Boroka Lookout 

Staying informed – How can I find out about a burn near me?

Sign up to receive free automated SMS and email notifications about any upcoming FFMVic and CFA planned burns at www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns.

Click here to opt-in for email updates from the Wimmera Fire district about scheduled planned burns in the Grampians National Park.

If travelling in the local area, to seek advice about detours or other areas see, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, or a local Visitor Information Centre surrounding the park.

Call – For information and advice on campground bookings and cancellations contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.

For general planned burn information you can also contact The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226

Smoke and Your Health You may see and smell smoke from planned burns. For advice on how this may impact your health, visit https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/smoke

Dial 000 IN AN EMERGENCY

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Red Centre – a guide book by the same authors

While staying in the area, check out the accommodation, dining and activities that can be done at Grampians Tourism.

New peaks on the GPT

Redman Bluff on the GPT
The summit cairn on Redman Bluff

The Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT) has opened up a whole lot of previously inaccessible terrain. There are new peaks to be climbed where there was previously no walking track. Here are a couple of the new peaks on the GPT:

Redman Bluff – one of the new peaks on the GPT

This peak is accessible from the Mt William Carpark, pretty much in the centre of the Grampians. From the carpark, follow the GPT in a generally northerly direction. Along the way, pass Duwul Hikers’ Camp, located in a sheltered position on the slopes of Mt William. The track continues via a delightful alpine tarn before the final summit push to Redman Bluff. There’s a large cairn on top and stunning views over Lake Bellfield, the Wonderland Range and Serra Range in one direction and back towards Mt William in the other.

Signal Peak – another one of the new peaks on the GPT

This peak is located in the Serra Range in the southern part of the Grampians. There are now two ways of accessing Signal Peak. The shortest but steepest is from Cassidy Gap. The track climbs steadily via numerous rock steps and provides excellent views over the Serra Range to the north and, for those with good eyes, you can even pick out some of the infrastructure at Djardji-djawara Hikers’ Camp. The other access is via the Mt Abrupt walking track, starting at Grampians Rd. This route is a bit easier but lacks some of the “wow” of the Cassidy Gap access. If you’re looking to make a day of it, start at Cassidy Gap, climb Signal Peak and continue along the range to climb Mt Abrupt. After some lunch, retrace your route back to the car.

Hand crafted steps on the way to Signal Peak
The Serra Range dominates the view on the way up Signal Peak

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Red Centre – a guide book by the same authors

While staying in the area, check out the accommodation, dining and activities that can be done at Grampians Tourism.

Top 10 Hikes and Walks in the Grampians

The Grampians Walks book features 86 hikes and walks in the Grampians. The authors’ favourite walks have a yellow star in the book to help you choose which walks to do. In the same vein, we are describing our top 10 hikes and walks in the Grampians below (in no particular order).

Top 10 Hikes and Walks in the Grampians according to Monica & Phil

1) The GPT section from Redman Rd to Mt William Carpark

This hike is number 1 on the list but only fit and agile people are likely to enjoy it. This route starts out easily enough passing by historic fluming. You will see sections of metal half pipe mounted onto stone pillars. This was Stawell’s water supply in the early days. The route continues upwards across vast rocky slopes. As you climb, the views back over Lake Bellfield and the Wonderland Range are stunning. The real highlight is traversing a section along the Seven Dials. These “dials” (peaks) are rugged and for much of the way there’s no track. Don’t worry about that – just follow the yellow arrows and make your own way. Next, after dealing with the dials, there’s another climb across rocky slabs to the summit of Redman Bluff. We have described this top 10 hike as Walk 16 in the Grampians Walks book.

One of our top 10 hikes and walks in the grampians
A bit of agility goes a long way on this route

2) Gar Waterfalls

The Gar Waterfalls walk is a stunning walk during the cooler months and particularly after heavy rain. The falls come to life after a bucketing. There are three main falls and, after a dumping, several others falls make an appearance as well. It’s short and easy. We have described this top 10 hike as Walk 26 in the Grampians Walks book.

Gar waterfalls walk
The smallest of the three Gar Waterfalls

3) Stapylton Loop Walk

At the northern end of the Grampians, Mt Stapylton has always been one of our top ten hikes in the Grampians. Because the Grampians Peaks Trail is now open, it is possible to do an excellent circuit walk incorporating Mt Stapylton. As well as climbing Mt Stapylton itself, the new GPT section weaves its way around rocky boulders, over rock slabs and even through a natural rock tunnel. We have described this top 10 hike as Walk 19 in the Grampians Walks book.

Approaching the summit of Mt Stapylton
Approaching the summit of Mt Stapylton

4) Hollow Mountain

A short and sharp climb to a peak that is hollow inside. Hollow Mountain is well named. It is riddled with caves and hollows to explore. You’ll need to be comfortable with heights to enjoy this walk. Little kids and big kids alike love it! We have described this top 10 hike as Walk 16 in the Grampians Walks book.

Hollow Mountain is riddled with caves and hollows
One of the larger caves to explore

5) Cassidy Gap to the Piccaninny Carpark

One of the southern sections of the GPT, this route takes in two sizeable peaks. First there’s Signal Peak. The climb to the top of Signal Peak uses hundreds of hand placed rock steps. The views along the ridge line are some of the best in the Grampians. The second peak, Mt Abrupt lives up to its name. Up you go to the top. After that the descent off Mt Abrupt will leave your knees wobbling, due to the hundreds of rock steps to negotiate. We have described this top 10 hike as Walk 13 in the Grampians Walks book.

Mt Abrupt on the GPT
Mt Abrupt in the distance

6) Heatherlie Quarry

Now this is not really a hike. It’s a short stroll amongst numerous historic relics. With many interpretive signs you’ll learn about quarrying rock in the 1800s to build many of the magnificent sandstone buildings in Melbourne. We have described this top 10 hike as Walk 30 in the Grampians Walks book.

Heatherlie Quarry historic site is one of the top 10 walks and hikes in the Grampians
The “Silent Engine” is one of the many historic relics

Here’s an interesting article about Heatherlie Quarry.

7) Coppermine Track to Gar Trailhead on the GPT

For those looking for a fairly easy section of the Grampians Peaks Trail, Coppermine Track to Gar Trailhead would be a good choice. This section of trail trends mostly downhill. Besides that, none of the downhill sections are particularly steep. Along the entire section there are magnificent views towards Briggs Bluff and the Mt Difficult Range. We have described this top 10 hike as Walk 2 in the Grampians Walks book.

One of the top 10 hikes and walks in the Grampians starts at Coppermine Track
Looking towards Briggs Bluff in the centre and Mt Difficult on the right

8) Mt Thackeray

Mt Thackeray is a short but very hard walk in the rugged Victoria Range. It’s in our top 10 hikes and walks in the Grampians because of the magnificent panoramic view to be had from the summit. Accessing this area is difficult. It requires a 4WD and the 4WD track to it is subject to seasonal road closures in the winter period. Our advice is not to go here if you don’t love rock scrambling and exposed places! We have described this top 10 hike as Walk 82 in the Grampians Walks book.

Rock scrambling on Mt Thackeray, one of our top 10 hikes and walks in the Grampians
Not really much of a track but those views are to die for

9) Mt Rosea

Mt Rosea has always been a favourite. Maybe that’s because it’s just hard enough and long enough to turn off many tourists, but easy enough for good walkers to achieve. The GPT goes over the summit of Mt Rosea and then continues down the other side to Borough Huts picnic area. Therefore, there are many options. You can walk out-and-back from Rosea Carpark. Or out-and-back from Borough Huts. Or do a one-way walk if you can arrange a car shuffle. Whichever way you choose, it will be a memorable walk. We have described this top 10 hike as Walk 82 in the Grampians Walks book.

Hiking to the summit of Mt Rosea
Looking towards Bundaleer on the way up Mt Rosea

10) Halls Gap to the Pinnacle via the Grand Canyon

Lastly another all time favourite is the walk via the Grand Canyon to the Pinnacle. This track has been there for decades. It’s had some minor upgrades and is now a part of the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT). It’s a journey via many highlights including Venus Baths where you can soak your feet. Now that you’ve soaked your feet, there’s a side-trip to Splitters Falls. Then it’s onwards and upwards via the Grand Canyon. The next highlight is Silent Street where the canyon narrows considerably. The Pinnacle is pretty much everyone’s go to, so expect crowds at busy times. In our book we describe several ways of accessing the Pinnacle. And we have described this top 10 hike as Walk 40 in the Grampians Walks book.

The Pinnacle is one of the top 10 hikes and walks in the Grampians
The Pinnacle is one of the most visited hikes in the Grampians

Are there more than 10 top hikes and walks in the Grampians?

Yes there are many more. Unfortunately there are so very many more we’d love to add ……. MacKenzie River Walk, the Chimney Pots, Mt Sturgeon, Sheephills Track, Christabel Loop, Chatauqua Peak ……. Fortunately they, and many more, are all described in the Grampians Walks book.

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Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT)

The Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT) is getting busier as more people are discovering the wonderful terrain that has been opened up. The trail takes you past some of the old time favourites as well as into new areas that were not accessible on tracks before.

Some of our old favourites on the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT)

Some are unchanged but most have received an upgrade.

Mt Stapylton

This is the first of the peaks on the GPT. The track goes up Flat Rock for a stunning view over the Stapylton massif. Next there’s a climb up a very steep rock ramp. Along the way you can test your agility by climbing on top of Bird Rock. Next comes the summit bid, which is only suitable for those who enjoy a bit of exposure! So far that’s all been on old track but from here on it’s new track across vast rocky slabs, through a natural rock tunnel and on to Coppermine Track. This section of the GPT is described in detail in Walk 1 in the Grampians Walks book.

Approaching the summit of Mt Stapylton on the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT)
Approaching Mt Stapylton (Parks Victoria)

Mt Difficult

Further south the GPT takes you to Mt Difficult. It’s a long, but well-graded climb starting off on brand new track that heads via three dramatic seasonal waterfalls and several rocky ramps to the highest point in the northern Grampians. Nothing has changed on the last part of the track, where you have to pick your way up the rocky slopes. Keep a good eye open for those yellow markers and remember that you’ll have to retrace your route off the summit section. This section of the GPT is described in detail in Walk 3 in the Grampians Walks book.

Mt Difficult walk on the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT)
A beautiful tarn on the way to Mt Difficult

The Pinnacle

The main walk tourists come to do. The GPT uses the existing track network, taking you via Venus Baths, Splitters Falls, Stony Falls, the Grand Canyon, The Pinnacle, Lakeview Lookout and down to Rosea Carpark. There have been some minor upgrades to tracks but it’s basically what’s been there for ages. Note that there’s a section of metal ladder at the end of the Grand Canyon that is closed for repairs / replacement. There are signs in place warning you of this. You should still walk into the canyon and then retrace your steps back out and via an alternative route. This section of the GPT is described in detail in Walk 6 in the Grampians Walks book.

The Pinnacle in the Wonderland Range
The Pinnacle that’s on every hiker’s bucket list (Tom Parkes)

Mt Rosea

Definitely one of our favourites. Nothing changed at all here. The delightful track weaves and wends its way around boulders, through gaps and over an awe inspiring chasm to the summit. From there the GPT continues down a long way to Borough Huts Campground. This section of the GPT is described in detail in Walk 7 in the Grampians Walks book.

Summit of Mt Rosea on the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT)
The airy lookout on top of Mt Rosea

Mt Abrupt

Down in the southern Grampians, this is the highest and steepest of the peaks. It’s an imposing sight when driving along the Grampians Road between Halls Gap and Dunkeld. The section of the GPT that includes Mt Abrupt has a lot of new track. It starts by climbing over Signal Peak which was not possible before the construction of the GPT. It then joins the old Mt Abrupt Track for the final push to the summit. Heading down the other side of Abrupt, you’ll be treated to an amazing set of hundreds of rock steps that were all built by hand. This section of the GPT is described in detail in Walk 13 in the Grampians Walks book.

Rocky steps on the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT)
Hundreds of rock steps that have been expertly placed

Mt Sturgeon

The last of the peaks on the GPT, Sturgeon dominates the view from Dunkeld. The old track to the summit is still as rough as it has always been. Once you head down the other side though it’s all newly constructed track. One section required them to bolt sections of steel steps and walkways to the steep cliffs! Back on flat ground again, the GPT finishes by meandering through farmland, crossing the Wannon River a couple of times. This section of the GPT is described in detail in Walk 14 in the Grampians Walks book.

Serra Range near Dunkeld
The southern peaks of the Serra Range

For information about booking onto the walk, contact Parks Victoria.

The next blog will be about the new peaks that can be reached on the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT).

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Camping on the GPT

Here is some information about camping on the GPT.

  • All camps must be pre-booked with Parks Victoria
  • There are 11 dedicated GPT Hikers’ Camps
  • There is no camp in Halls Gap so you’ll need to arrange your own camping or accommodation. Our advice is to stay in Halls Gap for 2 nights to allow for a rest day, re-stocking, showering etc. You’ll also find it much easier to get a 2 night rather than 1 night booking.
  • All camps have a water tank but Parks Victoria doesn’t guarantee there will be water available. We recommend you top up at streams and at water tanks located where the GPT crosses roads. These are clearly shown on maps in the Grampians Walks book.
  • There are communal shelter huts at some of the camps, BUT NOT ALL
  • Those that don’t have huts have outdoor tables and benches along with a wooden fence structure that is designed to block wind. Alas, some have been installed on the sheltered side!
  • The majority of the camps are located in exposed places that can become cold and windy – come prepared, especially to secure your tent
  • Most of the camps have timber platforms to pitch your tent on. However, there are some that only have sandy platforms. You’ll need extra cord and wide pegs.
  • All camps have long drop toilets – BYO toilet paper
  • Bring your own USB cable to charge your phone – all camps have charging points in the communal shelter or at the toilets (where there is no shelter)

Our book, Grampians Walks, provides full details on camping on the GPT.

Communal shelter at Gar Camp
Communal shelter at Gar, perched on the edge of the clifftop
Camping at Djardji-djawara
Camping tent pad at Djardji-djawarra with communal shelter above
Wannon Camp with a great view over the Serra Range
Wannon Camp – typical of a back country camp that doesn’t have a shelter

Tick off the GPT sections as you go

In Grampians Walks you will find a check list that you can tick as you complete each section of the track. Once you have completed the entire trail, email us and we will add you to our “End-to-Enders” page.