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Length: 5.2km
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Duration: 3hrs
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Grade: 4
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Style: Return
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Start: Victoria Range Fireline
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End: Victoria Range Fireline
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Location: Grampians National Park
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Closest Town: Cavendish
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Distance from CBD: 343km
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State: VIC
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Latitude: -37.31561554
Longitude: 142.3121981
Keep the Trail Access info current...

Select items to indicate conditions for access to the trail.


2WD Access


4WD Access


Public Transport


Bitumen Road


Gravel Road


Steep Road


Winding Road


Speed Bumps


Vehicle Ford


Entry Fee


Large Car Park


Small Car Park


Accessible Parking


Accessible Toilet


Public Toilets


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Picnic Shelter


Picnic Table


BBQ Facilities


Campfire Pit


Camping Area
Keep the Trail Features current...

Grampians National Park...
Select items to indicate features found along the trail.


Concrete Path


Timber Boardwalk


Gravel Path


Sandy Trail


Rough Trail


Undefined Trail


Prams & Strollers


Manual Wheelchair


Motorised Wheelchair


Bicycle Trail


Mountain Bike Trail


Historic Rail Trail


Dog Friendly


Urban Walk


Coast & Beach


Historic Lighthouse


Waterfalls & Lakes


Rainforest Walk


Goldfields & Mining


Heritage Walk


Aboriginal Art


Alpine Region


Alpine Huts


Exposed Ledges


Rock Scrambling


Steep Terrain


Bush Bashing


River Crossings


Scenic Viewpoints


Well Marked


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Fishing Spots


Swimming Spots


Overnight Campsites


Trail Running


Horse Riding
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
Max elevation: 844 m
Min elevation: 716 m
Total climbing: 264 m
Total descent: -174 m
Hikes Nearby
24 thoughts on “The Fortress (5.2km)”
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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 https://www.trailhiking.com.au/the-fortress-from-harrops-track/
Melissa Mathews
Jessica Raslan
Add to our list
Nicholas Shaw
Looks good
I wanna go
Jane McGrath, I can see Aden at the top
Should we do this? Abigail DacanayMilton Jr SpehxKath Ren
Meaghan
Smith Jo Jo Damn, I got excited until I read it was in Vic. ☹
Meaghan we will get there