For years, shrouded in remoteness within the wild Grampians ranges, the Fortress held a mythical status. Its imposing presence, a massive grey buttress with sweeping cliffs, rises majestically above the treetops, dwarfing all surrounding peaks. This translates into a challenging 6.5km, grade 4 return hike in Grampians National Park, Victoria, taking roughly 3 hours to complete.
The scenic hike ascends from Victoria Range Road, leading you up towards the base of the Fortress and past two popular camping caves. While the hike itself is demanding, there are plenty of spots to catch your breath along the way.
For those with a head for heights and a love of rock scrambling, reaching the summit of the Fortress is a possibility. This challenging climb is recommended only for experienced hikers and should never be attempted in wet or bad weather conditions.
Dominating the landscape, the Fortress lives up to its name. Its towering cliffs resemble ancient, impregnable fortifications sculpted by the relentless hand of time. These weathered cliffs offer a playground for skilled climbers and scramblers. The truly adventurous can even navigate a maze of eroded caves and tunnels hidden within the cliffs.
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.
Total distance: 6345 m
Max elevation: 854 m
Min elevation: 716 m
Total climbing: 457 m
Total descent: -457 m
Download
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
The trail head is located along the unsealed Victoria Range Road in the Southern Grampians. It is best accessed off the Glenelg River Road.
- 4WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
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 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.
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
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.
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.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? 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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
