-
Length: 5.2km
-
Duration: 3hrs
-
Grade: 4
-
Style: Return
-
Start: Victoria Range Fireline
-
End: Victoria Range Fireline
-
Closest Town: Cavendish
-
Location: Grampians National Park
-
Distance from state capital: 343km
-
State: VIC
-
Latitude: -37.3156155445
Longitude: 142.3121980714
The Fortress is a 5.2km, grade 4 Return hike located in Grampians National Park Victoria. The hike should take approximately 3hrs to complete.
Summary
For many years the Fortress was regarded as a mythical destination, lost as it is deep in a wild mountain range in one of the most remote corners of the Grampians. Its massive grey buttress and sweeping cliffs rise high above the treetops to form a singular tower that dominates all other surrounding peaks.
This scenic hike climbs up to below the fortress and visits two popular camping caves along the way. It is a fairly strenuous hike but there are plenty of resting points along the way.
Should you have a head for heights and don’t mind a bit of rock scrambling it is possible to climb to the top of the Fortress. It is a reasonably challenging climb for experienced hikers only. Do not consider the climb in wet or inclement weather.
Max elevation: 844 m
Min elevation: 715 m
Total climbing: 265 m
Total descent: -175 m
Please note that you need to be registered and logged in to download GPX Files. If you aren't you will automatically be redirected to the registration/login screen before being returned to this page. Then click the download button again. By downloading any GPX files from this site you agree that its use, and reliance upon, is entirely at your own risk. These files are for non-commercial, personal use only. I will endeavour to ensure the accuracy and currency of the data, but accept no responsibility in this regard, or the results of any actions taken, when using the digital route files.
13 thoughts on “The Fortress (5.2km)”
You must log in to post a comment.
Brilliant walk thanks for the overview. I just stumbled on your website and I’m loving it congrats
Thanks heaps. Glad you like it.
Stephanie Walton
Hi planning to do this walk tomorrow, can you help us with the starting point? Where do we start the walk? Thank you
The walk commences from a small car park here. You may need a reasonable vehicle to access the track following the heavy rains. Start point is here: http://www.google.com.au/maps/place/37%C2%B018'56.2%22S+142%C2%B018'43.9%22E/@-37.3156155,142.3100094,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d-37.3156155!4d142.3121981
Heading there this weekend, hopefully get some good weather!
Love this magnificent rock formation and camping there??
Hello !
Thanks for your article, it is really great 🙂
I have visited the Grampians and it was amazing ! I wrote an article about this magical place on my website:
Marianne
That was one mean climb saddened by the fact I couldn’t find the climb to the top???
Hey Nicko. Glad you enjoyed the walk. To get to the summit you need to head up the gully to the left of the fortress. Once there head around the back and make your way up the rock face, starting on the left and making your way around the right to the summit.
Hey! just wondering if anyone has hiked the fortress approaching from the Harrop Track Carpark? Looking at my topo map it seems like quite a climb but was interested to see if anyone thinks it’s worth it? Thanks.
Hi Maree, Yes, I have done this. It is a gradual climb and not overly challenging. Just have to pick your way along the ridge line
You can check out this route here http://www.trailhiking.com.au/the-fortress-from-harrops-track/