The Chimney Pots is a 3.7km, grade 4 hike located in the Grampians National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 1.5 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
The Chimney Pots is a great hike for those who want to get away from the crowds. The walk takes you up a unique rock stack. The summit offers great panoramic views.
The Chimney Pots hike starts casually enough strolling along a good trail, crossing a dry creek and then climbing gently until you reach a junction where you can either circle Chimney Pots in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. We went clockwise, which was really silly as we panted up the steep track in full sun and came down in shade.
Heading clockwise, you bump along the bottom of a cliff for a short distance and then climb steeply until you crest a shoulder and traverse around the north side still climbing. Another junction is reached and a short scrambly side trip leads out to a fine viewpoint on a big prow of rock just below the final cliffs of the Chimney Pots. It was interesting to see Mount Abrupt and Mount Sturgeon, both of which I had walked up from this angle and there are many interesting rock outcrops on the hillside north of Chimney Pots.
Back at the junction, the track climbs a short distance to crest the ridge and then heads downhill through a shady, green and very pretty valley to the main track.
The Chimney Pots is a challenging hiking track located in Grampians National Park which is best known for its spectacular views and great scenery.
The track to the summit only covers 3.7kms, but the track is considered hard as it is steep and parts of the path are rocky which requires some careful manoeuvring.
The best way to describe the Chimney Pots is that they are a giant formation made of sandstone whose distinct cliffs and ledges rise up into the sky. The pinnacle sits at 320 metres above sea level and is very popular with rock climbers. That said, novice hikers can make the trek if they are prepared.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 746 m
Min elevation: 452 m
Total climbing: 432 m
Total descent: -432 m
Trail features
- Gravel Path
- Rough Trail
- Exposed Ledges
- Rock Scrambling
- Steep Terrain
- Off Trail
- Scenic Viewpoints
Trail location
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Getting there
Parking for the beginning of the walk is located off Glenelg Valley Road. The road is unsealed and there are no facilities located at the carpark.
About the region
Renowned for rugged mountain ranges, rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenic views, the 168,000 hectare park is ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities. The many walking tracks will take you on a journey to waterfall vistas, ancient geological rock features and forests. There are guided tours, and with a large network of roads available, car touring is a great way to explore. Renowned as the major attraction in the region, the Grampians National Park is a must-visit destination for all travellers, backpackers and day-trippers in Victoria. The spectacular setting of the mountainous landscape boasts a wide array of attractions and activities for visitors to the region. The Grampians National Park (also Gariwerd), commonly referred to as The Grampians, is a national park located in the Grampians region of Victoria, Australia. The 167,219-hectare (413,210-acre) national park is situated between Stawell and Horsham on the Western Highway and Dunkeld on the Glenelg Highway, 260 kilometres west of Melbourne and 460 kilometres east of Adelaide.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
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Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
3 Reviews on “The Chimney Pots Walk (3.7km)”
A comfortable 3 hours with a break for lunch up top. Definitely recommend heading ‘clockwise’ for a nicer route up i.e. when you get to the first directions sign at a junction, stay on the path you’re on rather than turning right.