Gar and Werdug is a 36.5km, grade 4, one way hike located in the Grampians National Park, Victoria. The multi day hike should take 3 days to complete.
Hike overview
Along the Gar and Werdug multi day hike, you'll witness seasonal waterfalls, mountain summits and clifftop camping. The track is an overall Grade 4 walk with steep terrain, suitable for fit and experienced hikers. This section of the Grampians Peaks Trail is particularly spectacular in winter, spring and after rain, when clifftop rockpools and seasonal waterfalls are at their best. Gar (meaning "big mountain") is the highest on the western side of the range, rewarding walkers with spectacular 360-degree views. Lake Wartook Lookout, at 829m, is one of the highest points on the eastern side of the Mount Difficult Range with sweeping 360-degree views of Gariwerd.
Day one: (N2) Gar Trailhead (Roses Gap Road) to Gar Hike-in Campground (9.5 kilometres)
Begin your journey at the Gar Trailhead (Roses Gap Road; N2 on GPT topographic map). Along the 7.3-kilometre rugged, rocky adventure you'll experience steep climbs and panoramic views including the seasonal waterfalls of Gar. As the trail zig zags upwards, uninterrupted views to the north are revealed. You will climb through stunted eucalypt forest, past boulders and over rocky slabs on the edge of the Mount Difficult escarpment taking in views over nearby mountains, Wartook Valley, Asses Ears and the Black Range (Burrunj). Arrive at the Gar Hike-in Campground, perched on a spectacular cliff top high above the valley below. You'll be spending the night camped along the rocky terrace, perfect for watching the sunset. After setting up camp, you can take the short return walk (2km) to the summit of Mount Difficult.
Day two: (N3) Gar Hike-in Campground to Werdug Hike-in Campground (14 kilometres)
From the hike-in campground, take a side trip to the rocky summit of Mount Difficult (Gar). Enjoy the sunrise before traversing south towards Lake Wartook along rocky ridgelines. The trail rises and falls over highpoints and through mountain saddles, before finishing on a high knoll at Werdug Hike-in Campground. The campground provides views over Lake Wartook and across the Mount Difficult Range.
Day three: (N4) Werdug Hike-in Campground to Halls Gap (13 kilometres)
Start with a steady climb to Lake Wartook Lookout for spectacular views and a morning tea break. Enjoy the sweeping views to the North, west and southern of Gariwerd. To the west is Lake Wartook with Bear Island in the middle, the western Mount Difficult Range, Asses Ears and the Black Range (Burrunj) in the far distance. To the south, Mount William (Duwul) dominates the skyline, curving from The Sentinel at the northern tip around to the highest mountains in the park - Redman Bluff and including Mount William (Duwul) and the Major Mitchell Plateau massif. The Grampians Peaks Trail crosses these high mountains in the Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day Hike. Leaving the Lake Wartook lookout, make the descent passing rocky outcrops through lower vegetation with the last views over the Mount Difficult Range. Leaving the dry and rocky northern Grampians and moving onto the wetter eastern slopes, the trail gently descends through a canopy dominated by Messmate and Brown Stringybark with an open understorey featuring ferns, grasses, wattles and tea trees. Take a short detour to Chatauqua Peak (Bim) before descending through tall forest, rich with birdlife and wildflowers, completing your journey in Halls Gap.
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 Gar Hike-in Campground and second night at Werdug 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.
Book a Standard Tent Pad | Book a Large Tent Pad
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 within the Wartook Basin, but you may get some along ridgelines and high points and lower elevations. The use of fuel stoves in all hike-in campgrounds is permitted but open campfires are not allowed. Please take your rubbish with you on the entire journey and dispose of it when you return home or finish your walk.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 821 m
Min elevation: 244 m
Total climbing: 1651 m
Total descent: -1658 m
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Getting there
From Horsham/Wimmera River Bridge (53.5km, 25mins): Drive south-east on the Western Highway (A8) for 40.5km. Turn right onto Roses Gap Road and drive for 13km to Gar Trailhead.
From Halls Gap (36km, 40mins): Drive north on Grampians Tourist Road (C216) for 1.2km. Turn left onto Mt Zero Road (unsealed) and drive for 21km to Roses Gap Road. Turn left onto Roses Gap Road and drive for 3.8km to Gar Trailhead.
From Melbourne (270km, 3hrs and 15mins): Drive west on the Western Highway (A8) through Ararat and Stawell to Roses Gap Road. Turn left and follow Roses Gap Road for 13km to Gar Trailhead.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
Similar trails nearby
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
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
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.