Grampians Peak Trail Highlights

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.

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

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

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

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

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

• 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

• 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

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.