Bugiga and Barri Yalug is a 24.5km, grade 4, one way hike located in the Grampians National Park, Victoria. The hike should take 3 days to complete.
Hike overview
Travelling south from Halls Gap, the Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day hike takes in some of the most iconic natural attractions in the central Grampians such as Venus Baths, Grand Canyon, The Pinnacle, Sundial Peak and Mount Rosea. The track is an overall Grade 4 walk, suitable for most experienced hikers. Alternatively this area can be reached from the Tunnel Walk Trailhead via the Tunnel walk, Lake Bellfield track and connecting at Borough Huts Campground. All itineraries require a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for other pick-up or walk options.
Ramble past boulders along the edge of Stony Creek then climb up through the Grand Canyon. Witness spectacular, panoramic views along the Mount William Range, Fyans Valley and dramatic cliff faces of Mount Rosea. Walk through wet sclerophyll forest, scramble over boulders and rocky outcrops. See heritage-protected, raised water fluming held up by dry stone pillars.
Day one: (C1) Halls Gap to Bugiga Hike-in Campground (8.9km)
Start your journey from either your Halls Gap accommodation or Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre. This section of the walk (C1 on GPT topographic map) involves stone staircases and footbridge crossings, following along Stony Creek towards the summit of The Pinnacle. There are impressive views from the Pinnacle all the way to Lake View Lookout.
Day two: (C2) Bugiga Hike-in Campground to Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground (14.7km)
Leaving Bugiga Hike-in Campground, you will start the steady climb through tall forest towards Mount Rosea, the most northern peak in the Serra Range. The cliffs on Mount Rosea are some of the highest on the trail. With a long descent that features a series of steep and windy steps to Borough Huts before reaching the Barri Yalug Hike-In Campground destination.
Day three: (C3) Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground to Barney Creek and Redman Road (800m)
Leave Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground and make your way down stone steps to cross Barney Creek and finish your walk at Redman Road Trailhead where you can meet a vehicle transfer back to Halls Gap. Ensure you organise this before your walk. The Grampians Peaks Trail then continues from here with the Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day hike to Seven Dials, Redman Bluff, Mount William (Duwul) and Durd Durd. If you are planning on staying longer to do more sections of the walk, you can add other itineraries to your booking.
This 3-day hike connects with other day walks and tracks to allow you to step on and off from various points throughout Gariwerd such as returning to Halls Gap, or adding an additional night at Borough Huts Campground. The trailhead for this itinerary is Halls Gap and access to the trail is signposted. Find out more about the central Grampians walks in the official map for Grampians Peaks Trail. You can find out how to get to Halls Gap via the map above. All itineraries require a car shuffle from start to finish. If you only have one vehicle, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for other pick-up or walk options.
Camping fees
The trail itself is free to hikers but camping fees apply to stay overnight. This itinerary includes two nights at two different, dedicated campgrounds: first night at Bugiga Hike-in Campground and second night at Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground. These are booked as an all-inclusive itinerary - all you need to do is choose the date of your first night to book. We recommend booking your 3-day hike well in advance of your planned departure to ensure there is tent pad availability at each campground.
Campground information
Both campgrounds have 3.5m x 3.5m timber tent platforms with steel chains that can be used to secure your tent. Additional guy rope may be needed for tent vestibules or tunnel style tents. Each campground has been individually designed the fit within the surrounding landscape. They feature an unpowered communal area for meal preparation, basic toilet facilities and water collection points. Mobile phone service is not available at Bugiga Hike-in Campground and along some sections of the walk. There is good service at Barri Yalug Hike-in Campground. The use of fuel stoves in all hiker camps is permitted but open campfires are not allowed. Please take your rubbish with you on the entire journey and dispose of it when you get home.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 993 m
Min elevation: 243 m
Total climbing: 1256 m
Total descent: -1160 m
Trail location
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Getting there
From Melbourne (253km, 3hrs): Drive west on the Western Highway (A8) to Ararat. From Ararat take the Ararat-Halls Gap Road (C222) for 48km through Moyston, Pomonal and onto Halls Gap.
From Dunkeld (65km, 45mins): Leave Dunkeld village to the east on the Glenelg Highway (B160). Drive 200m and turn north onto Victoria Valley Road (C216). Drive 2.6km turn right on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) and follow for 62km to Halls Gap.
Gallery
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About the region
Grampians National Park is part of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.
Explore the natural beauty of the Grampians from its world-famous hiking trails. Discover majestic waterfalls, dazzling spring wildflower displays and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas. Cross paths with kangaroos, wallabies, emus and native birds. Heritage-listed for its Aboriginal heritage, animal and plant life, and stunning natural beauty, the Grampians National Park is one of Australia's most recognisable places. The best way to appreciate it is on one of its many world-class walks or hikes or by taking a scenic drive.
Traditionally known as Gariwerd, this region is home to the largest number of significant and ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings and shelters in southern Australia. A visit to Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre will help you get the most of your trip to these rock shelters.
The Grampians draws walkers from around the world. Hike to the highest peak within the Grampians, Mount William, or explore the plethora of walks around Halls Gap and the Wonderland Range. Views from the Pinnacle are famous, but the steep walk should only be attempted by the fit. If you’re an experienced walker you’ll enjoy the unique challenge of the park’s overnight hikes. Choose from the iconic Grampians Peaks Trail, Major Mitchell Plateau or The Fortress and Mt Thackeray Overnight Hike.
There are more relaxing pursuits to enjoy in the Grampians, too. Go fishing, canoeing or kayaking at Lake Wartook, Lake Bellfield and Moora Moora Reservoir or one of the park’s many other streams and creeks.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.