Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 597m
Min elevation: 264m
Total Ascent: 717m
Hike overview
The Briggs Bluff via Gar Waterfalls hike is a challenging 14-kilometre circuit trail located in Grampians National Park, Victoria. Rated as grade 4, it is recommended for experienced walkers and typically takes around four hours to complete.
Beginning at Troopers Creek Campground, the trail steadily ascends alongside the creek for 1.8 kilometres. Hikers will encounter a small waterfall cascading from a wave-shaped rock formation before continuing the ascent towards the Mount Difficult (Gar) range. As elevation increases, expansive views of the western valley unfold.
The route then transforms into a circuit, leading to the summit of Briggs Bluff in the northern section of the park. The summit offers panoramic views as a rewarding highlight of the hike. Along the way, the trail features a series of seasonal waterfalls, particularly impressive after rainfall, and provides remarkable outlooks from rocky vantage points atop the plateau.
It is important to note that this hike includes steep sections with challenging rock steps and uneven terrain. Hikers will also navigate creek crossings, slippery rocks, and exposed cliff edges. The section beyond the waterfalls, leading to Gar (Mount Difficult) and Briggs Bluff, is classified as grade 4 (difficult) and is suitable only for fit, experienced, and well-prepared walkers.
Troopers Creek campground features shared fireplaces with BBQ hotplates and picnic tables throughout. Make sure you bring your own firewood as firewood collection is prohibited in the national park. There are pit toilet facilities and there are two large group camping areas suitable for up to 16 people. All sites must be booked online in advance.
Troopers creek is just down the road from the Beehive Falls trailhead where trails to Briggs Bluff, Gar / Mount Difficult and Beehive Falls are all accessible, and is also next to the trailhead for section two of the Grampians Peaks Trail.
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.
Trail features
- Waterfalls
- Rivers
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Exposed Ledges
- Rock Scrambling
- Steep Terrain
- Untreated Water
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 597 m
Min elevation: 264 m
Total climbing: 717 m
Total descent: -717 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Grampians National Park.
Troopers Creek Campground is in the northern Grampians off Roses Gap Road. Follow the road west from Roses Gap for 3.5kms and find the campground on your left.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Table
- BBQ Facilities
- Campfire Pit
- Camping Area
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Ararat, Cavendish, Dadswells Bridge, Dunkeld, Halls Gap, Horsham, Landsborough, Pomonal, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Wartook, Wartook Valley
About the region
The Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) is a place of deep cultural significance for Aboriginal Australians. Parks Victoria acknowledges the enduring connection Traditional Owners have to this land and their ongoing role as custodians.
Renowned for its natural beauty, the park offers a variety of experiences. Explore its world-famous walking trails, encountering majestic waterfalls, vibrant spring wildflowers, and inspiring mountain views. Look out for native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and birds. The park's Aboriginal heritage, diverse plant and animal life, and stunning landscapes have all earned it heritage listing. Whether you choose a scenic drive or one of the many walking or hiking tracks, the Grampians will leave a lasting impression.
Traditionally known as Gariwerd, the region boasts the highest concentration of significant and ancient Aboriginal rock art sites in southern Australia. Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre offers valuable insights into these sites, enriching your exploration.
Hikers of all levels are drawn to the Grampians. Challenge yourself by scaling Mount William, the park's highest peak, or choose from the numerous trails around Halls Gap and the Wonderland Range. The Pinnacle lookout offers exceptional views, but be aware that the climb is demanding. Experienced hikers can embark on overnight adventures like the iconic Grampians Peaks Trail, Major Mitchell Plateau hike, or The Fortress and Mt Thackeray Overnight Hike.
For a more relaxed pace, consider fishing, canoeing, or kayaking on Lake Wartook, Lake Bellfield, Moora Moora Reservoir, or the park's many waterways.
The Grampians' rugged sandstone ranges, spectacular wildflowers, diverse recreational activities, and rich Aboriginal heritage combine to create an unforgettable experience. These north-south ridges boast steep eastern slopes and gentler western inclines, a result of ancient earth movements that sculpted the landscape into a series of impressive peaks and valleys. Lookouts offer panoramic views, while waterfalls add a touch of grandeur.
Spring brings vibrant wildflower displays to the park, with the Grampians Boronia, Blue Pin-cushion Lily, and numerous other native plants painting the heathlands in colour. Keep an eye out for the park's abundant native wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, wedge-tailed eagles, and more.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the park's shelters containing ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings, a testament to the long-standing connection between Aboriginal people and this land. Billimina Shelter, Gulgurn Manja Shelter, and Manja Shelter are some notable examples.
Let the park's fresh air invigorate you. Hike, rock climb, fish, or canoe. Choose from a variety of walking tracks, whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging multi-day trek.
Halls Gap, nestled beside the Wonderland Range, serves as a convenient base for exploring the park. This town is also home to Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre, where you can delve deeper into the park's natural and cultural wonders.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Grampians National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Suggest an edit
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
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.




/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_34.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_29.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_31.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_6.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_12.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_47.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_41.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_11.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_55.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_48.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_54.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_14.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_58.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_3.jpg)
/Briggs-Bluff-Gar-Waterfalls-Hike_15.jpg)


4 Reviews on “Briggs Bluff - Gar Waterfalls Hike (14km)”
This hike offers a bit of everything: stunning waterfalls, challenging rock steps, and spectacular views from Briggs Bluff. The track includes steep sections, creek crossings, and some exposed cliff edges, which can make for a tricky and exhilarating experience. It’s important to note that the section beyond the falls, heading towards Gar (Mt Difficult) and Briggs Bluff, is rated Grade 4: Hard, designed for fit and experienced hikers who are well-prepared. Those up for the challenge will be rewarded with breathtaking views and a bit of adventure.