Grampians Peak Trail Highlights

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. 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 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 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

Meals; B, L, D

This morning you will pick up the trail again at Stapylton, where you visited the previous day. From here you begin a hike up to and over the ridge line which will take you to Coppermine track 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 creak and passing by Barigar hikers 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 (if open), located just outside Halls Gap where you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards and mountains.

Overnight: Halls Gap

Meals: B, L, D

Today we drive south to explore a whole different section of the Grampians and the dramatic Serra ranges. We begin with an easy walk of 2.6km from the road to the Griffin fireline, passing through heathy forest that is resplendent with many wildflowers in the spring. After the Griffin fireline we walk through beautiful Austral grass tree forest until we come to the ridgeline of the Serra range which we’ll be following for most of today’s walk. The track passes through a saddle with great views of the rugged Victoria range to the west and passes over steep gullies below. The track eases as we join a 4WD track to Djardji Djawara campground and from there we meet the end of our walk shortly afterwards at Cassidy Gap Road.

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, 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

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 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 5pm).

Meals: B

• Guided Grampians 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
• 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

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.