length

4 Days

difficulty

Challenging

trip cost

From $1790pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

4 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Challenging

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

From $1790pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Guided Trip

our walk experts

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • On the trail
  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Inclusions
  • Unique stay
  • Signature camps
  • FAQ's
  • Private group tour
  • Exclusive Guide
  • Positive impacts

Overview

Grampians Peaks Trail Huts

This is a unique experience of the new Grampians Peak trail using purpose-built hikers huts which are for the exclusive use of hiking company clients. On this guided trip, we will take in the northern sections of the walk which offer some of the most spectacular scenery and spend a night in each of the hiker’s huts at Gar and Werdug. The camps are built in stunning locations with extensive views out over the ranges. Each camp has a communal shelter area to take meals in and the sleeping huts are separate to the main building. You will need to carry a backpack containing your sleeping bag and changes of clothes on 2 nights of this trip. An additional night is spent in Halls Gap accommodation.

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 and our guided trips allows you to tackle some of the best sections with the support of an experienced guide.

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 trip is now being offered on a private group only basis with 6+ walkers, you can have exclusive use of the huts and have us plan an itinerary to suit. Please contact us to discuss further details. 

Images credits: Parks Victoria & Dave Reynolds

Grampians peak trail Huts - Parks Victoria

Highlights

Grampians Peak Trail

  • Experience the new purpose-built Hiker’s huts
  • Incredible views over the Northern Grampians
  • Ridgeline walking and peaks of the GPT
  • Abundant wildflower species and wildlife
  • Spectacular views from your ‘signature walk camp’
  • Experience and taste local produce
Grampians peak trail - Parks Victoria 0048

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 and sloping rock slabs. There are some steep sections of walking as we ascend / descend various ridges and peaks on this trip.

Itinerary

daily details

Day 1: Transfer Melbourne to Grampians; Waterfalls of Mt Gar & Gar Huts (7.3km/9.9km with Mt Difficult)

After pickup at the Arts centre in Melbourne we drive approx. 3 hours to reach Halls Gap in the Grampians. We’ll enjoy a good lunch at a local cafe and then continue into the Wartook valley and the flanks of Mount Gar, where we will begin walking up a moderate inclining path following Dead Bullock creek that will take us past a series of 3 waterfalls and beautiful valleys back over the Wartook Valley and the Northern Grampians. You’ll pass wide sandstone ledges stained with colour which form the waterfall drops when the creek is running in the wettest times of year (winter, spring and after heavy rains). As we ascend there are a few short steep pitches which then lead to flat areas of heathland. We then start climbing up an area of open rock slab and steep gully towards Briggs Bluff and pass a small mountain lake.

We then traverse for a couple of km across the flanks of Gar, taking in the fantastic views of the surrounding mountain ranges across the Wartook valley and behind us towards Mount Stapylton. We arrive at the Gar campsite, perched on the edge of a ridge with expansive views to the valley below us. If we are lucky we will enjoy an amazing sunset as we sit and have dinner in the communal dining room that has been built here for hikers. The campsite has drop toilets, water tanks and we have exclusive use of the huts for sleeping. Your guide will prepare a wonderful, hearty dinner for you and make sure you are well fed after your exercise.

If the weather and time permits we may have a walk up nearby Mt Gar (Mount Difficult) to see the sunset or alternatively your guide may propose a walk the following morning. Meaning ‘Big Mountain’, Gar is the highest peak on the western side of the Grampians range and has extensive views from its summit (806m).

Overnight: Gar Huts

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Walk Gar to Werdug (14.1km)

After enjoying breakfast at Gar we begin what will be an excellent day of ridge walking along a horseshoe shaped ring of mountains to reach our next campsite at Werdug. We’ll have excellent views of the Lake Wartook valley on one side and the agricultural Plains on the other, with today’s high point being at 720m.

As we proceed along the ridgeline, we have some steep and downs over various saddles and a section where we walk on sloping rock slabs. We finish the day with a big ascent that will bring us up to the Mount Difficult road, from where it’s a short walk to finish at the beautiful Werdug camp. Werdug looks out over Lake Wartook below and is more sheltered than Gar. The layout of the camp includes some great sitting-out areas and a communal shelter tucked away from the elements. Your guides will prepare you a wonderful dinner while you relax and take in the views from the camp and your huts.

Overnight: Werdug Huts

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Walk Werdug to Halls Gap (12.9km)

After enjoying breakfast at the camp we head off onto today’s walk which will eventually descend us down to Hall’s Gap. First though we start with a climb to Lake Wartook Lookout at 829m, one of the highest points in the Mount Difficult range which offers incredible views with Mount William and the Black ranges in the distance and the evocatively named Asses Ears Mountains and Wartook Basin below you.

After descending back to Mt. Difficult road we cross over onto the Eastern side of the range again, skirting cliffs with views out onto the plains below. Then we begin a steep descent on a stone staircase through a pass in the cliffs and walk through a forest of messmate and stringybark which after several km brings us to Chatauqau peak and Clematis falls; both short side trips where we can take our lunch. The last section descends us down into Halls Gap and our centrally located accommodation in the town.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax in town or we can explore one of the nearby wineries, the located just outside Halls Gap where you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards and mountains. That evening we dine in one of Hall’s Gaps restaurants, a favourite of the locals.

Overnight: Halls Gap

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Mt Stapylton Walk (5km); Return to Melbourne

This morning we transfer to the topmost northern part of the Grampians Peaks Trail for our last walk. From the Mount Zero carpark we start ascending 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 at the Stapylton campground trailhead. We will visit the nearby Ngamadidj shelter to see Aboriginal rock paintings dating back thousands of years.

We then transfer to a nearby olive farm, for a light lunch and tastings while we sit and enjoy the sublime surroundings as a fitting conclusion to our trip. We then drive back to Melbourne, arriving late afternoon back at the NGV drop-off point.

Meals: B, L

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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
Chatauqau Peak

The Chatauqau Peak section is a lovely part of the Grampians. The track passes through open forest to the foot of Clematis Falls, a 20m waterfall between massive sandstone cliffs.

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 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.

Mount Gar

Gar, meaning ‘big mountain’, is the highest on the western side of the range, rewarding walkers with spectacular 360-degree views.

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 hiking supported by two experienced RAW leaders
  • Return transfers from central Melbourne to the Grampians
  • 2 nights in the Gar and Werdug hikers’ huts (multi share)*
  • 1 night twin-share accommodation in Halls Gap
  • 2 trail breakfasts, 2 trail lunches, 2 trail dinners and snacks /drinks
  • 1 cafe breakfast, 2 cafe lunches and 1 restaurant dinner
  • 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 included

* Huts are 4 beds to each hut. If you’d prefer to have a hut on a twin share basis as a couple, this may be possible by paying a supplement providing there is availability.

Not Included
  • Breakfast on day 1
  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to / from our Melbourne pick-up point
  • Drinks with restaurant meals
Grampians huts hiking0000

Unique stay

The Huts

The hikers huts at Gar and Werdug make up the Grampians Peaks Trail’s Northern Peaks Experience. The huts are only available to book by Licensed Tour Operators such as RAW. Each hut can accommodate 4 people with dorm-style berths with a sealed foam mattress. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. The huts are secure and weatherproof. There are 3 huts at each campsite and while quite simple in layout the locations of the huts are superb.

Grampians huts hiking Gar

Signature camps

The communal areas

We will take meals in the spacious communal shelters which have bench seats, tables, food preparation space, USB ports for phone chargers, lights and offer great views and shelter during bad weather. There are also wooden recliners outside for you to take in the wonderful views or lie out and stargaze at night!

FAQ's

Need to Know

How fit do I need to be?

This walk is a challenging one best suited to hikers of good fitness and confidence walking on an exposed trail. You’ll need to carry a pack with your sleeping bag, toiletries and change of clothes for two nights. The terrain of the GPT is also demanding; there are ascents and descents involved, plus navigating your way over a rock plateau and narrow rock defiles in some places. The walks are mostly listed as Grade 4 by Parks Victoria. It is a very enjoyable challenge for those who are suitably prepared and experienced with walking in mountains.

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’.

What equipment is needed?

Hiking gear

  • Hiking pack – 40-60L size is ideal but go with what works
  • Sleeping bag – rated 3 or 4 season depending on colder / warmer months
  • Inflatable pillow or pillow case (put clothes inside)
  • Hiking poles (recommended with rubber stoppers on the ends for grip on rock surfaces)
  • Ability to carry minimum of 2 litres per day of water (Bladder or bottles)
  • Head torch with spare batteries or USB rechargeable (huts have USB points)
  • Waterproof bag for your backpack – your sleeping bag and warm clothing must be waterproof; use dry compression bags or just a heavy-duty garbage bag
  • Camera /phone (optional)
  • Water filter (optional) – there is tank water available at the campsites and your guide will carry a filter unit for use

Footwear and clothing

  • Hiking boots/shoes with ankle support recommended
  • 3-4 pairs of good hiking socks
  • Comfortable footwear for the evening (optional)
  • 1 or 2 hiking shirts
  • 1 pair of hiking shorts
  • 1 pair of hiking pants
  • Light warm layer for daytime
  • Heavy warm layer for nighttime
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Waterproof pants (optional but recommended)
  • 1 x set of thermal base layers for evenings
  • Sun hat for walking
  • Beanie for evenings
  • Sunglasses
  • Warm gloves (in colder months)

Medical / toiletries

  • Toothbrush/paste
  • Mini sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • Small face cloth for freshening up
  • Lip balm
  • Headache tablets
  • Anti-inflammatories tablets or gel

Your guides will be carrying a well-stocked first aid kit, but we suggest you bring basic personal first aid supplies, including blister dressings, band aids, pawpaw cream, and any usual medications. They should all fit into a sandwich size zip lock bag. Also pack a small waterless hand sanitiser and a stash of emergency toilet paper.

Grampians, Victoria

Private group tour

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! Contact us to get started. It’s that’s easy.

Grampians Peaks Trail Guide Cover 318x450

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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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.

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

SELECT PREFERRED DATES

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