Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 711m
Min elevation: 264m
Total Ascent: 713m
Hike overview
Gar Hike-in Campground is a 15 kilometre, grade 4, return walk in Grampians National Park, Victoria. Many walkers complete the trip over two days with an overnight stay at the campground, although strong and experienced hikers may choose to cover the distance in a long single day. The walk offers a rewarding introduction to the rugged country along the Gar range, combining forested creek lines, rocky escarpments and sweeping views across the surrounding landscape.
The track begins at Gar Trailhead and quickly settles into a steady rhythm through dense bushland. As the path follows the course of Dead Bullock Creek, the sound of running water accompanies much of the early section. After rain, several small waterfalls spill down the rocky slopes beside the creek, adding a welcome sense of movement and energy to the forest. The climb is gradual but consistent, with the track slowly gaining elevation as it threads through tall eucalypts and scattered rocky outcrops.
Higher on the range, the bushland begins to thin and the terrain becomes more rugged. The track emerges onto the rocky escarpment of Gar, also known as Mount Difficult, where the views open across the northern Grampians. From this point the landscape feels broader and more exposed, with sandstone slabs and weathered rock formations shaping the ridgeline. The final approach to the campground continues the steady climb before reaching Gar Hike-in Campground, a quiet place to rest and watch the changing light across the ranges.
Many walkers choose to continue beyond the campground to Gar summit, particularly at sunrise. The additional 1.4 kilometre stretch involves steep rocky slabs and requires careful footing, but the reward is a striking perspective across the surrounding peaks and valleys. After taking in the morning light from the summit, the return journey retraces the route back along the Grampians Peaks Trail, descending through the same forested slopes and creekside sections that shaped the climb the day before.
Gar Hike-in Campground
Gar Hike-in Campground sits high on the Gar range along the Grampians Peaks Trail and provides a well organised overnight stop for walkers travelling through this section of the park. The campground includes a series of timber tent platforms set among low vegetation and rocky ground, offering designated sites that help protect the surrounding environment. A communal shelter provides a place to rest, cook and escape the weather, while nearby facilities include a toilet, seating and a rainwater tank for collected water.
The Grampians Peaks Trail passes directly through the centre of the campground, linking the site with Barigar Hike-in Campground to the north and Werdug Hike-in Campground further along the range. Camp huts and a small tour guide space sit slightly away from the main tent platforms, helping spread use across the site while maintaining a sense of quiet in this exposed mountain setting.
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.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 711 m
Min elevation: 264 m
Total climbing: 713 m
Total descent: -713 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 located in the northern section of Grampians National Park, accessed via Roses Gap Road. From the locality of Roses Gap, continue along Roses Gap Road for approximately 3.5 kilometres. The road passes through open woodland and low hills typical of the northern Grampians before reaching the Troopers Creek Campground area, where parking and access to nearby walking tracks are available.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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
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.
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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.





