length
7 Days
difficulty
Challenging
trip cost
From $2190pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Overview
Grampians Peaks Trail 7 day Self-Guided
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. Gariwerd has its own special energy that feels visitors feel and this is a thrilling journey through the heart of this timeless, heritage-listed National Park, showcasing so many spectacular vistas and dramatic peaks in this ancient and rugged landscape. It is a challenging trail in parts that is best suited to hikers with good fitness and experience.
Our 7-day self guided trip offers the highlights of the trail, it takes in the very best of the accessible walking in the Northern, Central and Southern sections rom the start of the trail at Mount Zero in the North to the finish at Dunkeld in the South. Along the way you’ll discover historic Indigenous sites while traversing through rugged mountain ranges and in the valleys. 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. Our driver will provide you with a one-way transfer each day to the trailhead and you return with your own car (dropped on the way).
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 there is opportunity to visit one of the Indigenous shelters and rock art sites dotted throughout the area.
Please note: Prices quoted for self-guided trips are based on low season or standard rates. Travelling in peak periods or public holidays may attract higher prices from local accommodations and suppliers and will be quoted on application.
Highlights
Grampians Peak Trail
- Highlights of the North, Central and South Grampians
- Dramatic walking on sandstone and granite escarpments
- Daily one-way transfers / own vehicle return
- Prolific wildlife and flora
- See the famous Taipan Wall, Pinnacles and Wonderland
- Climb several peaks: Mount Stapylton, Mount Rosea and Mount Sturgeon
Itinerary
DAILY DETAILS
Your day begins at the northernmost point of the Grampians Peaks Trail at the Mount Zero Car Park. There is an option to climb nearby Mount Zero which takes you to the most northerly peak in the Grampians. This walk will add 2.5km to your day.
Start ascending the Grampians Peaks Trail to the top of Mount Stapylton. You’ll pass some incredible eroded rock formations and have views back over the plains. Continue along the escarpment before you descend through a gorge and towards the Stapylton Campground. You then return 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.
Overnight: Halls Gap
Meals: Lunch
This morning you start at Stapylton Campground. You can start your day with an optional 1.1km walk to Ngamadjidj Shelter to see ancient rock art, one of the few art sites in the Grampians open to the public. After meeting up with the trail from yesterday’s walk, you begin a hike up to and over the ridgeline, which will take you to Coppermine Track and road intersection. You 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 pass by Barigar Hikers Camp. 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.
Overnight: Halls Gap
Meals: B, L
Your day will start with a transfer to near Werdug Hikers Camp and a climb to Lake Wartook Lookout. At 829m, it is one of the highest points in the Mount Difficult Range and offers incredible views of Mount William and the Black Range in the distance, and the evocatively named Asses Ears Mountains and Wartook Basin below you.
After descending back to Mount Difficult Road you cross over onto the eastern side of the range again, skirting cliffs with views of the plains below. Then you begin a steep descent on a stone staircase through a pass in the cliffs and walk through a forest of messmate stringybark, which after several kilometres brings you to Chatauqua Peak and Clematis Falls – both short side trips where you can take your lunch. The last section descends into Halls Gap and your centrally located accommodation in town.
Overnight: Halls Gap
Meals: B, L
NOTE: If you are a group of 5+ then we will need to substitute this day for another on the Grampians Peaks Trail, such as the Mount William section or another suited to your group’s desire and ability. (The dirt road on this day is not suitable for the buses we use for groups.)
Today you can start your walk straight from the centre of Halls Gap as you tackle the central Grampians. The trail starts with a climb via Venus Baths and continues on towards Splitter Falls. After viewing the falls, return to the main track and continue on to the Grand Canyon and Wonderland. (The track through the Grand Canyon is closed due to storm damage; there is a diversion in place.) 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 Mount William are magnificent.
Continue south following the signs to Lakeside Lookout. There is an option to add on a walk to Sundial Peak Lookout, which is an additional return walk of 3.4km (1 hour 15 minutes) before continuing to the Rosea Car Park which is the finish of today’s hike. Today’s route offers stunning views with some steep ascents, rocky sections and walking through some narrow rock tunnels.
Overnight: Halls Gap
Meals: B, L
Today involves some easy sections of hiking and tougher sections as you walk on a cross-slope track. Throughout the day you will have great views of the rugged and majestic Serra Range.
You will shuttle to the start of today’s walk at Jimmy Creek Road (having left your car at Yarram Gap Road). There is a gentle uphill of 2km, which becomes steeper as you ascend further up the trail. You’ll reach today’s high point, which is a saddle of 670m, before descending towards the impressive Yarram Hikers Camp tucked away in a gully. After this, the trail descends more steeply before ending on an undulating trail section of a few kilometres to reach the intersection and your endpoint at Yarram Gap Road.
Overnight: Dunkeld
Meals: B, L
This morning you explore the southernmost section of the Grampians and one of the peaks that is visible from Dunkeld. Start with a road transfer to the Piccaninny Car Park and walk a few hundred metres to rejoin the Grampians Peaks Trail as it climbs up around the back of the Piccaninny Peak, with an option to climb to the summit (448m). Descend from the Piccaninny for approx. 1km to cross Victoria Valley Road and start an ascent to nearby Mount Sturgeon, the first peak at the southernmost edge of the Grampians Range. After climbing 2.5km to Mount Sturgeon Peak (582m) you can enjoy the wonderful views of the Serra Range to the north and Dunkeld to the south, before descending on the trail in the direction of Dunkeld. The last section of the walk is easy going, meandering through red gums by the Wannon River to reach the town. Enjoy lunch in Dunkeld.
Alternate longer option: Mount Abrupt
If you are feeling energetic and would like an additional challenge today there is the option to extend your walk and instead begin your day by being dropped at the Mount Abrupt Car Park, a little further away from Dunkeld (talk to your driver the day prior to arrange this). There is a steep climb to the iconic summit of Mount Abrupt, the most imposing peak in the south. From the summit of Mount Abrupt you continue on the Grampians Peaks Trail southwards for several kilometres to reach the Piccaninny Car Park and begin the 11.1km route described above. Adding this option with Mount Abrupt would mean another 8.9km to reach the car park at the Piccaninny and a long, strenuous day of 20km with three peaks and an estimated 8 to 9 hours. It’s not to be underestimated and an early start is required. Don’t attempt this unless you are very fit and have adequate time and daylight hours.
Overnight: Dunkeld
Meals: B, L
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. Have a look around Dunkeld and check out the Arboretum and other attractions of this small and lovely town. Once you check out of your accommodation, your trip is at an end. We ask that you return your PLB to our Halls’s Gap driver’s office.
Meals: B
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?
- Twin-share accommodation in an ensuite room
- 4 nights in Halls Gap hotel, 2 nights in Dunkeld B&B
- 6 cooked breakfasts, 6 packed lunches
- Personal locator beacon for the duration of your trip
- Daily trailhead transfer and local support driver
- Pack of 3 Grampians hiking maps 1:50,000 scale
- RAW’s unique walking app for real-time navigation on trail
- National park fees
- Carbon offset for your trip and an Australian tree planted on your behalf
- 10% GST
- Weekend surcharges may apply at time of booking
- Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 7
- Dinners each night, selection of local restaurants to choose from
- Travel insurance
- Additional transfers
- Transport to / from Halls Gap
- Alcohol with meals
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 Mount Abrupt. The trail is well maked with signs and yellow trail markers along the way.
Navigation
FINDING YOUR WAY
Finding your way along the trail has become a lot easier with our exclusive APP, which has all your trip information and route guidance in one handy place. You still need to be self-reliant with wayfinding. For the best results, use a combination of road and trail signs, a backup paper map or guidebook, and our app. Knowing the daily distances, elevation changes and notable landmarks will enhance your navigation. Our app can pinpoint and confirm whether you’re still on the correct trail. Like with any phone app, it’s not intended to be used constantly as you walk. Read more about all the great features of the app and how to use it for navigation.
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.
TO/FROM YOUR WALK
Daily Transfers
If you do NOT have a car, your driver will transfer you to / from the start and end point of your walk each day (this will be additional transfer costs). If you DO have a car, you can drive and park your car at the start or end point of each day’s walk. If you leave your car at the start point, your driver will meet you at the end of your walk at a designated agreed time and transfer you back to your car each day. If leaving your car at the endpoint, your driver will meet you each morning at the endpoint of that day’s walk and transfer you to the start of the trail. You can then drive yourself back to your accommodation at the end of your day’s walk.
Experience tells us leaving your car at the END point of each day’s walk is the most convenient as it saves time waiting for a pick-up, therefore allowing you more time to enjoy the area.
FAQ's
Need to Know
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.
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.
Australia – Guided walks
Grampians Peaks Trail 5 day highlights: Guided
- 5-day guided highlights of the Grampians Peaks Trail
- Walk Northern, Central and Southern sections and peaks
- Stay in central location accommodation in Halls Gap
- Walk waterfall trails and mountain peaks
$2,650.00
Australia – Self Guided Walks
Grampians Peaks Trail 5 day Self-Guided
- 5-day self-guided highlights of the Grampians Peaks Trail
- Walk the Northern and Central sections and peaks
- Stay in comfortable accommodation in Halls Gap and Dunkeld
- Daily trail transfers, PLB, maps and navigation app included
$1,750.00
Australia – Self Guided Walks
Grampians Peaks Trail 8 day Self-Guided
- 8-day self-guided highlights of the Grampians Peaks Trail
- Walk Northern, Central and Southern sections and peaks
- Stay in comfortable accommodation in Halls Gap and Dunkeld
- Daily trail transfers, PLB, maps and navigation app included
- Includes Mount William / Duwul (1167m) ascent
$2,390.00
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- Walk the full length of the Great Ocean Walk
- Entry to the Cape Otway Lightstation
- Emergency satellite messenger beacon
- A moderate challenge from Apollo Bay to Twelve Apostles
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Australia – Self Guided Walks
Mornington Peninsula Full Circuit – Self-Guided
- Experience the 100km Mornington Peninsula Walk
- Climb over the famous vantage point of Arthur’s Seat
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$2,250.00
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