Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 854m
Min elevation: 716m
Total Ascent: 457m
Hike overview
For years, shrouded in remoteness within the wild Grampians ranges, the Fortress held a mythical status. Its imposing presence, a massive grey buttress with sweeping cliffs, rises majestically above the treetops, dwarfing all surrounding peaks. This translates into a challenging 6.5km, grade 4 return hike in Grampians National Park, Victoria, taking roughly 3 hours to complete.
The scenic hike ascends from Victoria Range Road, leading you up towards the base of the Fortress and past two popular camping caves. While the hike itself is demanding, there are plenty of spots to catch your breath along the way.
For those with a head for heights and a love of rock scrambling, reaching the summit of the Fortress is a possibility. This challenging climb is recommended only for experienced hikers and should never be attempted in wet or bad weather conditions.
Dominating the landscape, the Fortress lives up to its name. Its towering cliffs resemble ancient, impregnable fortifications sculpted by the relentless hand of time. These weathered cliffs offer a playground for skilled climbers and scramblers. The truly adventurous can even navigate a maze of eroded caves and tunnels hidden within the cliffs.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 854 m
Min elevation: 716 m
Total climbing: 457 m
Total descent: -457 m
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Grampians National Park.
The trail head is located along the unsealed Victoria Range Road in the Southern Grampians. It is best accessed off the Glenelg River Road.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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 views, 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 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.
Find a place to stay
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Ararat, Cavendish, Dadswells Bridge, Dunkeld, Halls Gap, Horsham, Landsborough, Pomonal, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Wartook, Wartook Valley
Let someone know
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Grampians National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
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.