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fortress

  • 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

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.

 

Total distance: 2607 m
Max elevation: 844 m
Min elevation: 715 m
Total climbing: 265 m
Total descent: -175 m
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The Scenic Rim and River via Link 1 (16km)

13 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.