Grampians Peak Trail Highlights

After pickup at the Arts centre in Melbourne we transfer for approx 3 hours drive to reach Halls Gap in the Grampians. After lunch we will bus to the start of our river and waterfalls walk up the Mackenzie river (approx. 4Km total). We commence from the spectacular Mackenzie Falls, descending a series of stone steps to follow a riverside track to Fish Falls which cascades 60 metres over terraced rocks into a pool below yearround. We continue into the Wartook valley to reach the recreation area at Zumsteins, where we meet our bus and driver. Our bus then transfers us to the flanks of Mount Gar, where we will be walk up a moderate inclining path for 1.8km that will take us past a series of 3 waterfalls and beautiful views back over the Wartook Valley and the Northern Grampians. We return back down the same path and our bus will transfer us to our accommodation in Halls Gap.

Overnight Halls Gap (L,D)

This morning we transfer to the topmost northern part of the Grampians Peaks Trail for today’s walks. We will stop first at the Stapylton campground to visit the Ngamadidj shelter to see Aboriginal rock paintings dating back thousands of years. We will then walk on an easy track passing 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 walk to the Mount Zero carpark for morning tea and have an option to climb nearby Mount Zero the northernmost peak. We double back and continue following the Grampians peak trail to the top of Mount Staplyton, 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 before us until we descend through a gorge and we finish back at the trailhead we started from earlier.  We then transfer to a nearby Olive farm, for tastings and a coffee whilst we sit and enjoy the sublime surroundings.

Overnight Halls Gap (B,L,D)

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 Lookout, which is return walk of approx. 4km. Today’s walk offers stunning views along the way, with some steep ascents, rocky sections and walking through some narrow rock tunnels.

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.

Overnight Halls Gap (B,L,D)

Today’s walk starts back where we finished yesterday, beginning with an ascent through Messmate forest and continues through rock tunnels and sandstone cliffs, eventually crossing over the bridge via the Gate of the East Wind. Once you cross the bridge, it’s a short climb to the summit of Mt Rosea, where stunning views over the Serra and Mt William Ranges await you. After enjoying the views from the top, we begin a long descent through sheltered forest to finish at the Borough Huts Campground. The walk today is a mix of bushland and rocky terrain with some steep sections, including climbing over and under boulders and squeezing through defiles.

Weather permitting we will then drive to the carpark at Mount William (Duwul) and begin a 3.5km return walk to the summit. Rising to 1167 metres in height, Mount 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.

Overnight Halls Gap (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 the summit of Mount Sturgeon (582m) at the very southernmost edge of the range, and after enjoying the views here we descend and 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 4-5pm).

 (B)

• Guided Grampians hikes led by an experienced RAW leader
• Twin-share accommodation in an ensuite room
• 4 Nights in Halls Gap
• 4 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 x 2 course dinners and snacks
• Rest stops with refreshments
• Visits to local winery and Olive farm
• Return transfers from central Melbourne to the Grampians
• Daily trailhead transfers & local support driver
• National Park fees
• RAW Travel carbon offset for your trip and an Australian tree planted on your behalf
• 10% GST included

• Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 5
• Travel insurance
• Transport to / from Melbourne pick up point
• Alcohol with meals

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.