Grade 4

The Fortress Hike (6.5km)

Grampians National Park

Victoria

6.5km

3 hrs

Grade 4

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the mythical Fortress in Victoria's wild Grampians ranges on this challenging 6.5km, grade 4 return hike. Conquer the towering, weathered cliffs and discover hidden caves as you ascend from Victoria Range Road. This trail is perfect for experienced hikers seeking adventure, offering breathtaking views and the chance to scramble to the summit of the Fortress. Remember, this hike is not recommended in wet or poor weather conditions.

Max elevation: 854m

Min elevation: 716m

Total Ascent: 457m

Hike overview


Walk map and GPX file

The Fortress Hike (6.5km)


A note about sharing


Each trail on this site has been personally mapped and documented to support the hiking community across Australia. While some hike descriptions include information from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal work in curating, refining, and improving the details. Please don’t republish this content elsewhere (including AllTrails) without acknowledging Trail Hiking Australia as the source. This site is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.

Getting there


Closest towns to this walk: Ararat, Cavendish, Dadswells Bridge, Dunkeld, Halls Gap, Horsham, Landsborough, Pomonal, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Wartook, Wartook Valley

Getting to the trailhead in Grampians National Park.

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Access conditions


About the region


Similar trails nearby


Looking for hikes and trails in Grampians National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

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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.

Explore safe


Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists


What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know


Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

The Fortress Hike (6.5km)


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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

The fortress hike (6. 5km)

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.