Grampians Walks

Guide book for the Grampians Peaks Trail

grampians

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

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

Grampians National Park Road Report

Grampians Walks brings you the Grampians National Park Road Report. It lists which roads and 4WD tracks are open and closed, and their condition. This information is particularly important if you are using a 4WD track to reach a walk in the Grampians National Park.

Many unsealed roads and 4WD tracks are closed over the wetter months of the year. This is usually from June to November, but this can change from year to year. The Grampians Walks guide book lets you know if you are likely to or will definitely need a 4WD to access the walks. The vast majority of the walks can be reached by 2WD but don’t get caught out.

We will endeavour to publish the latest Grampians National Park Road Report on this page.

Check the road report before driving to a walk in the Grampians National Park
Check the road report before driving to a walk in the Grampians National Park

Some walks that will benefit from using the
Grampians National Parks Road Report

One of our favourite walks is Mt Thackeray in the Victoria Range. It’s Walk 82 in the Grampians Walks book. This walk is best done in the warmer months. This is because the roads are usually open then. And it’s at a fairly high altitude so can be chilly during winter. We provide full details of a fabulous 4WD trip that allows you to combine the Mt Thackeray hike with nearby Walk 81 to the Fortress. It’s a full day outing that we love to take visitors on.

You’ll find the Grampians National Parks Road Report useful for accessing some sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail. Most of it is accessible by 2WD but, in wet weather, some unsealed roads and tracks become quite slippery. Once again, our book will detail these for you.

Other blogs

GPT Updates

Other Grampians Walks Updates

Outdoor Equipment Stores

Walking Tour Operators

Red Centre – a guide book by the same authors

Parks Victoria’s website has more information about Grampians National Park.