walking in the Grampians Archives

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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).