length

5 Days

difficulty

Challenging

trip cost

From $2490 pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

5 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Challenging

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

From $2490 pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Guided Trip

our walk experts

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Inclusions
  • On the trail
  • Your leaders
  • Exclusive Guide
  • PRIVATE GROUP TOURS
  • FAQ's
  • Positive impacts
  • Similar Walks

Overview

Grampians Peaks Trail Highlights

The new Grampians Peak trail is destined to become of Australia’s iconic walks. The 160km trail covers the length of the Grampians (Gariwerd) from the northernmost part of this incredible range at Mount Zero to the southernmost point at Dunkeld. Our highlights trip takes in the very best of the accessible walking in the Northern, Central and Southern sections.

Gariwerd has its own special energy. In the heart of this ancient, heritage-listed national park there are many spectacular vistas and dramatic peaks. Along the way you’ll discover historic Indigenous sites while traversing rugged mountain ranges. In the valleys enjoy visits to local rural producers and wineries. With stunning vistas of the region’s flat plains and weathered escarpments around every corner, the Grampians Peak Trail really does provide a varied and enjoyably challenging walk.

This journey will also give you the opportunity to gain insight into Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung people, who know the Grampians as Gariwerd and have walked and lived in this area for thousands of years. The park is home to 80% of Victoria’s rock art and we visit some of the Indigenous shelters and rock art sites dotted throughout the area.

Please note that the exact routes and distances walked on this trip may vary due to track and road closures or local conditions and your leader may vary the sections walked on the GPT accordingly.

Grampians hiking0022

Highlights

Grampians Peak Trail

  • The best trails and peaks of the North, Central and Southern sections, including Mt Stapylton, Mt Rosea, Mt William, Mt Sturgeon and Mt Abrupt
  • Dramatic sandstone and granite escarpments
  • One of the most ancient and rugged landscape of Victoria
  • Aboriginal rock art sites
  • Prolific wildlife and flora
  • Spectacular waterfall walks
  • Brambruk Cultural Centre at Halls Gap

Itinerary

Daily Details

Important info

To ensure your enjoyment on this trip, your leader may be required to make necessary changes to this itinerary based on local conditions, group safety, extreme weather or unforeseen difficulties.

Day 1: Melbourne to Grampians. Wonderland & the Pinnacle (9.5km)

After pickup at the Arts Centre in Melbourne we transfer (approx. 3-hour drive) to Halls Gap in the Grampians, where we stop for a delicious lunch. Today we can start our walk straight from the centre of Halls Gap as we tackle the central Grampians. The Peaks Trail starts with a climb via Venus Baths and continues on towards Splitter Falls.

After viewing the falls we return to the main track and continue on to the Grand Canyon. After the steep climb to the impressive rock formations, continue on through rocky woodland and the narrow rock canyon known as Silent Street to the famous Pinnacle lookout. Perched on the very edge of the range, the views from the lookout over the Grampians and Mt William are magnificent. We continue south following the signs to Lakeside Lookout and then onto Sundial carpark, where we meet our bus and driver. our bus will transfer us to our accommodation in Halls Gap.

Today’s walk offers stunning views along the way, with some steep ascents, rocky sections and walking through some narrow rock tunnels.

Overnight: Halls Gap

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Northern Grampians – Mt Stapylton Loop (11.7km)

This morning we transfer to the topmost northern part of the Grampians Peaks Trail for today’s walks. From Mt Zero carpark we climb over Flat Rock and pass through the Stapylton Amphitheatre looking up at the spectacular red cliffs of one of Victoria’s tallest and steepest former rock-climbing sites, the Taipan wall. We follow the Grampians Peaks Trail to the top of Mt Stapylton, passing some incredibly eroded rock formations and views back over the plains. We’ll continue along the escarpment with sweeping dramatic views of the Grampians range – over and under amazing rock formations until we descend through a gorge and finish back at the Stapylton trailhead. It’s a short loop to the Ngamadjidj shelter and Aboriginal rock paintings that date back thousands of years. We then transfer to a nearby olive farm for afternoon tea and coffee while we enjoy the sublime surroundings.

Time permitting we can walk 3.5km beside Mackenzie River past spectacular Fish Falls to one of the largest must-see falls in Victoria. Mackenzie Falls flows year-round.

Overnight: Halls Gap

Meals; B, L, D

Day 3: Northern Grampians – Copper Mine Trail Head via Barigar to Roses Gap Rd (9km). Winery Visit.

This morning you will pick up the trail  at Coppermine track,  from here  you begin a hike up to and over the ridge line which will take you to and road intersection and then climb up a fantastically eroded ridge, with great views of the central Grampians before you. Eventually, you will begin dropping down following a tributary of Briggs creek and passing by Barigar hiker’s campsite. From here it’s a further 4km to your finish at Roses Gap road. You’ll pass striking orange and grey cliffs and have wonderful views of the imposing Mount Difficult range in front of you.

This afternoon there is an option to visit a  wonderful local winery, located just outside Halls Gap where you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards and mountains as a reward for your earlier exertions!

Overnight: Halls Gap

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Southern Grampians – Mount Abrupt, Signal Peak and Piccaninny (11.9km, 5.5 hours)

Today we drive south to explore a whole different section of the Grampians. It is spectacular and challenging as we have steep climbs to the iconic summits of Signal Peak and Mt Abrupt. Both imposing peaks offering fantastic views northwards along the Serra Range and South to Dunkeld and Mt Sturgeon. From Mt Abrupt we descend a stone step staircase through amazing ancient forest and beneath towering cliffs to the Piccaninny.

Weather and time permitting we will then drive on the return to the carpark at Mount William (Duwul) and begin a 3.5km return walk to the summit. Rising to 1167m, Mt William is the Grampians’ tallest peak. Stunted eucalyptus trees give way to 360-degree views of jagged mountain ranges and open plains. In the later afternoon light we’ll see the landscape saturated in beautiful colours

Note: This day may be changed to a slightly less challenging walk from the Griffin Trailhead to the Cassidy Gap (12.6km) depending on the fitness of the group and the local conditions.

Overnight: Halls Gap

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Southern Grampians – Mount Sturgeon & Dunkeld (8.6km)

On our last morning we explore the southern section of the Grampians and one of the peaks that are visible from Dunkeld. We start a path of 2.6km and then a steady climb to reach the summit of Mt Sturgeon (582m) at the very southernmost edge of the range. After enjoying the views here we descend steeply via some new impressive metal stairways then meander on an easy walk through Red Gums by the Wannon river to arrive in Dunkeld.

We take lunch in town before starting the drive back to Melbourne, arriving in the late afternoon (approx. 5pm).

Meals: B

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Map

Explore

Halls Gap

The delightful township of Halls Gap is the gateway to the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and offers breathtaking views of the sandstone mountains. It’s used as a base to access the many hikes in area and has a good selection of accommodation, eateries and shopping for any supplies you might need. There’s inquisitive wildlife too, including emus, wallabies and birds.

CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
Pinnacle Lookout

The iconic Pinnacle Lookout is one of the most spectacular vantage points in the Grampians. The rocky outcrop, perched on the very edge of the range, offers magnificent views over the Grampians and Mt William.

Mount William (Duwil)

Rising to 1167m, Mount William (Duwil) is the Grampians’ tallest peak. It provides incredible 360-degree views of mountain ranges and open plains. As you make your way to the summit, tall eucalyptus trees on the lower slopes give way first to dwarfed trees and then to low, windswept bushes and grasses.

Dunkeld

The picturesque township of Dunkeld offers striking views of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt. Attractions include the 18-hectare Arboretum and the acclaimed Royal Mail Hotel, a destination in itself.

Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri)

Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri) is 582m and the first peak at the very southernmost edge of the Grampians range. From the summit there are wonderful views of the Serra Range to the north and Dunkeld in the south.

 

The Piccaninny (Bainggug)

On the way to the summit (448m) of The Piccanninny (Bainggug) you’ll walk through picturesque open forests that showoff colourful wildflowers in spring. From the summit there are breathtaking views of Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug) and Dunkeld.

Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug)

There is a steep climb to the iconic summit of Mount Abrupt, the most imposing peak in the south. It offers fantastic views back along the Serra range northwards and south to Dunkeld.

Mount Stapylton (Gunigalg)

Mount Stapylton (Gunigalg) is 518m above sea level and the view from the summit is spectacular, taking in much of the park and surrounding plains. On the descent through the Stapylton Amphitheatre you’ll see the spectacular red cliffs of one of Victoria’s tallest and steepest former rock-climbing sites, the Taipan Wall.

Lake Wartook

The lookout (829m) at Lake Wartook is one of the highest points in the Mount Difficult range. It offers incredible views with Mount William and the Black ranges in the distance and the evocatively named Asses Ears Mountains and Wartook Basin below.

Mount Zero (Mura Mura)

Mount Zero (Mura Mura) is the northernmost mountain of the Grampians range. The peak was named by Thomas Mitchell in 1836 because the temperature was 32 Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celcius) at dawn on the morning of the ascent.

Inclusions

What's Included?

Included
  • Guided hikes led by an experienced RAW Travel leader
  • Twin-share accommodation in an ensuite room
  • 4 nights in Halls Gap
  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 x two-course dinners and snacks (a surcharge may apply for complex dietary requirements)
  • Rest stops with refreshments
  • Visits to local winery and olive farm
  • Return transfers from central Melbourne to the Grampians
  • Daily trailhead transfers and local support driver
  • National park fees
  • RAW Travel carbon offset for your trip and an Australian tree planted on your behalf
  • 10% GST
Not Included
  • Weekend surcharges may apply at time of booking
  • Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 5
  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to / from Melbourne pick-up point
  • Alcohol with meals
  • Surcharge for complex dietary requirements (may apply)
  • Single supplement
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On the trail

The Experience

The Grampians Peaks Trail is extremely varied, with some high cliffs, steep slopes and descents, stone staircases, rocky platforms, sandstone outcrops, forest gullies, dirt tracks, sealed walking tracks and bridges. You will need to have a good level of fitness for the ascents and be comfortable with climbing up and over stacked granite rocks, squeezing through boulders, hopping over streams after rain and through exposed rocky areas. There are some steep sections of walking as we ascend peaks such as Mt Sturgeon and Mt Stapylton. The trail is well marked with signs and yellow trail markers along the way.

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Your leaders

Experienced Guides

Eric Ward leads most of our Grampians trips. He is passionate and knowledgable about the area, having led countless trips here. He loves showing people around the best parts of this extraordinary region. Lee Bryant is our long-term driver who is based on the Shipwreck Coast. He has been looking after our guided and self-guided clients for many years. RAW Travel owner Dave Reynolds occasionally leads our Grampians trips as he has walked in the area for many years.

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Exclusive Guide

Grampians Peaks Trail

More than a decade in the making, Victoria’s Grampians Peaks Trail is destined to become one of Australia’s iconic walks. On this trail, you will be rewarded with some of the best hiking trails and panoramic views in Australia. And with our unique itineraries, you don’t have to tackle the entire 160km. The trail extends over the ancestral lands of the Djab Wurrung and Jadawadjali people, and Parks Victoria has worked with traditional owners to guide the trail alignment and shape visitor information and stories. Discover inspiration, travel essentials, practical information and more in our free Destination Guide.

Download Now

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Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Fred and Lee were perfect hosts. Fred shared his vast knowledge of the area and the many plants we encountered. Lee was a colourful character, always cheerful and nothing was ever a bother always willing to help and had snacks and drinks ready at the end of the day. The walks were varied and challenging at times.

Jennifer Newell, Deniliquin (NSW) - April 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Challenging but not difficult, at a pace you can still smell the wildflowers. Great vistas once we reached the top of the peaks. Enjoyed the knowledgeable commentary from our guide and great weather.

David Vaughan, Merewether (NSW) - March 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

We had a very good RAW Travel team and a nice small group to walk with. Loved the ruggedness of the countryside and the views. We found the app to be essential and always accurate.

Jan Braaksma (The Netherlands) - March 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

A small group of 6 walkers all with the same walking ability being led across the Grampians was awesome. The guides were fabulously accommodating and sensibly changed the itinerary to match weather opportunities.

Cindy Davis, Reid (ACT) - May 2022

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Loved everything about the trip: the guides, the food, the great company and of course the experience of walking the magnificent Grampians. Guides Eric and Lee were great, knowledgeable and fun. The ability to alter planned walks depending on the weather made the most of what we could see. A great way to spend 5 days!

Janet Manley, Florey (ACT) - May 2022

Grampians Peaks Trail

PRIVATE GROUP TOURS

WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

This trip can be run as your own private tour! Get a group of friends or family together and share a memorable pack-free adventure. Private tours are the perfect way to celebrate special events and special people. And they are so much fun! Choose the pre-designed itinerary or we can customise the trip to suit your specific needs. It’s that’s easy. Contact us to get started.

FAQ's

Need to Know

How fit do I need to be?

This walk is challenging due to the ascents and descents involved, plus navigating your way over the rock plateau and narrow rock defiles in some places.The walks are mostly listed as Grade 4 by Parks Victoria with some sections as grade 3. It’s best suited to hikers of reasonably good fitness and confidence on a trail.

Grade 4 hike definition: Recommended for experienced hikers and a reasonable level of fitness. A grade 4 hike includes rough ground and very steep sections. These trails are suggested for people with experience hiking. They may be any length, but physically more demanding.

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Positive impacts

Social and environmental

All our adventures are fully carbon offset so that you know your travel has minimal impacts. Hiking itself is a low impact activity but we offset the cost of all our office operations and food production as well, so you can be satisfied that you have chosen a form of travel that is both good for you and good for the planet. Each year we also plant trees on behalf of every customer who has travelled with us, aiming to build towards a carbon positive effect with our operations.

As a B-Corp a focus on local community is an important part of who we are. We are committed to buying locally and source our produce from growers here on the Mornington Peninsula. We care about people in our community and for every meal pack you buy with us we donate a meal to a homeless support charity, to spread some love and share good food with those who need it most.

 

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TRIP date selection

when would you like to travel?

Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed

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single occupancy
dates
18/03/2024 - 22/03/2024
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Cancelled
price
$2,590
single occupancy
$850
dates
06/05/2024 - 10/05/2024
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price
$2,490
single occupancy
$850
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09/09/2024 - 13/09/2024
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single occupancy
$850
dates
21/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
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$2,490
single occupancy
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