Grampians Walks

Guide book for the Grampians Peaks Trail

Mt Difficult

Changes to the GPT campsite booking system

GPT campsite booking system to become fairer and easier

Parks Victoria is making long awaited improvements to the GPT booking system. These changes will make it easier to book and provide more flexibility.  As a result it will now be possible to do a single night booking, skip campgrounds and enjoy more rest days along the way.

Changes will include:

  • More single night options   
  • Skip a hike-in campground to hike longer distances in a single day
  • Hike in either direction: north-to-south (recommended) or south-to-north
  • Options for an extra rest day(s) in Halls Gap (if hiking through)
  • Book easily using an interactive map (rather than set itineraries)
GPT hikers' camp at Djardij-djawara
The campsite at Djardij-djawara is one of the sites that has a fabulous communal shelter

It’s not happening straight away though!

The updates to the booking system will be implemented by September 2023. Therefore you can opt to book now or wait until the system offers more flexibility when booking for Spring.

The new updates will allow hikers to change their booking in line with the booking Terms and Conditions.

To book GPT campsites

Hikers’ campsites can be booked via Grampians Peaks Trail.

Bugiga campsite on the Grampians Peaks Trail
Platforms to pitch your tent at Bugiga camp

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Mt Difficult: Minor change to route for Walk 4

This change affects the GPT Day Walk from Longpoint E Access to Mt Difficult Rd.

The 4WD track at Longpoint E Access is no longer being maintained by Parks Victoria and is quite overgrown. The best way to deal with this is to start Walk 4 at Longpoint West Access, where you finished Walk 3.

Hiking in the Grampians
Expansive views on the GPT

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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!

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Red Centre – a guide book by the same authors

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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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