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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Our favourite Eats in the Grampians
Red Centre – a guide book by the same authors