Grampians Walks

Guide book for the Grampians Peaks Trail

Grampians Peaks Trail

Make your Grampians walking comfortable

Grampians walking is an interesting and unique experience, somewhat different to walks in most other eastern seaboard locations. There are several considerations that can make your Grampians walking more comfortable.

Part of the Wonderland Range above Halls Gap
The Grampians offers stunning hiking on rocky terrain

Many rocky areas to cross

It’s no secret that people usually walk in footwear that’s comfortable and available, from lightweight runners to sturdy boots. A few years ago I happily walked 1200km on European walking tracks wearing a pair of running shoes, but I wouldn’t try such lightweight shoes in the Grampians. Here, I alternate between heavier sporting shoes and purpose-made walking boots with ankle protection and thick patterned soles. Which ones I use depends on how wet/dry I expect the route to be, whether I have blisters that need to be rested / protected, or how much loose rock I expect along my chosen walk. If you don’t know what to expect, I suggest that you simply adjust your footwear to something more durable than you’d usually use to help make your Grampians walking comfortable.

Many of our walk introductions have a comment on the walking track, so if it sounds like a tough one, I’d suggest proper walking boots from a specialist bushwalking store.

A section of rocky stair way near Dunkeld in the southern Grampians.
Many rocky steps take their toll, unless you wear sturdy boots

Steep terrain

While most of the new Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT) is well constructed, many of the older Grampians tracks have rough, uneven and heavily eroded segments. Take your time on all ups and downs, set a steady, comfortable pace and stick with that pace. We also recommend a walking pole or two for the steep downhill stuff, where a pole can be used to lessen the impact on tender knees.

Some track sections in the Grampians are little more than a rough route.
Walking poles will help with terrain like this. Use them to put weight onto them when
descending. When you are climbing up, put them behind you and use them for extra leverage.

Not a lot of tree cover or shade

In the warmer months, a combination of sunny days and rocky areas will often have you feeling like grilled toast. Though there is plenty of useful information out there about wearing hats, drinking water and applying sunscreen, my extra tip is to wear short trousers and a lightweight long-sleeve shirt with a stiff collar. Cotton or breathable synthetic are the best shirt materials.

Shirt collars protect necks from the sun, buttons can be adjusted to provide more/less cooling airflow and sleeves can be easily rolled up or down to suit the conditions. The bottom of the shirt can be tucked into trousers for more warmth, or worn loose for coolness.

Short trousers allow cooling airflow for more comfort. Zip-off legs provide the same benefit.

Historic fluming along a section of the GPT
Phil wears his hat and shorts all of the time, no matter what the weather throws at him

Written by Phil Coleman

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Our favourite Eats in the Grampians

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.

Mt Difficult Rd

The section of Mt Difficult Rd beyond Boroka Lookout is unsealed. It has recently been graded and has had new gravel spread in the worst places. We took a 2WD car along it today and it was fine. How long it stays that way is anybody’s guess!

There’s also a new roundabout on Mt Victory Rd where you turn right onto Mt Difficult Rd. This makes the turn much safer.

Which walks can be accessed from Mt Difficult Rd?

Whilst the road is in good condition there’s great access to various walks including:

Walk 5: GPT section down to Halls Gap

Walk 28: Mt Difficult the shortest way

Walk 29: Mt Difficult Loop Hike

Walk 42: Boroka Lookout from Wonderland Carpark

Mt Difficult circuit hike
Approaching Mt Difficult
On the GPT section on the Mt Difficult Range
Autumn fog on the GPT from Mt Difficult Rd to Halls Gap.
One minute there’s great views – the next it’s all gone!

Other blogs

GPT Updates

Other Grampians Walks Updates

Outdoor Equipment Stores

Walking Tour Operators

Our favourite Eats in the Grampians

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.

Hyperlapse video of hiking the GPT

Check this out! This guy has filmed the entire track and then created this hyperlapse video. In just 5.5 minutes you can view the entire track.

Parks Victoria – Grampians National Park

Other blogs

GPT Updates

Other Grampians Walks Updates

Outdoor Equipment Stores

Walking Tour Operators

Our favourite Eats in the Grampians

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

Other blogs

GPT Updates

Other Grampians Walks Updates

Outdoor Equipment Stores

Walking Tour Operators

Our favourite Eats in the Grampians

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.

Other blogs

GPT Updates

Other Grampians Walks Updates

Outdoor Equipment Stores

Walking Tour Operators

Our favourite Eats in the Grampians

Red Centre – a guide book by the same authors