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fortress

  • Length: 5.2km

  • Duration: 3hrs

  • Grade: 4

  • Style: Return

  • Start: Victoria Range Fireline

  • End: Victoria Range Fireline

  • Location: Grampians National Park

  • Closest Town: Cavendish

  • Distance from CBD: 343km

  • State: VIC

  • Latitude: -37.31561554

  • Longitude: 142.3121981

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Grampians National Park...

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The Fortress is a 5.2km, grade 4 return hike, located in the Grampians National Park, Victoria. The hike should take approximately 3hrs to complete.

Hike 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 from Harrops Track 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.

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.

GPX File

Total distance: 2607 m
Max elevation: 844 m
Min elevation: 716 m
Total climbing: 264 m
Total descent: -174 m
Download file: The Fortress.gpx

Hikes Nearby

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The Scenic Rim and River via Link 1 (16km)

24 thoughts on “The Fortress (5.2km)”

    1. 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.

  8. 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.

    1. 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

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