The Grampians Peak Trail - Stage 1 is in the central section of the Grampians Peaks Trail and allows you to complete a three day hike through some of the park's most famous scenery. Planning and construction will continue on the remaining sections of the trail until late 2019 when the full 13-day experience will be complete.
DAY ONE - HALLS GAP TO BUGIGA | (8.6km - 5 hours)
Starting from the carpark in Halls Gap, walk past the swimming pool, cross the road and follow signs to the walking track near Stony Creek. Follow the creek along the formed track to Venus Baths. Just before the rock pools at Venus Baths, take the track towards Splitters Falls. Once on the track you will come to a track junction where you can take a small detour to view the falls. Return to the main track and climb up through a rocky gully to the Grand Canyon. At the top of the steps turn left, and follow the signs up the rocky platforms. The steady steep ascent winds past rocky woodland and through the rocky corridor of Silent Street then onto the famous Pinnacle lookout. From this lookout views of Mount William, Halls Gap and Fyans Valley are astounding.
Follow the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT) signs south to Lakeside Lookout and then to Sundial Carpark. Much of this track is near the ridge that provides views along the way. At Sundial Carpark take the track towards Sundial Lookout for 250m. Turn right and take the track towards Rosea Carpark. After 1.1km turn left onto the Bugiga Link track to your camp at Bugiga for your first night's stay. Alternatively, keep following the track down further to the Stony Creek group Hikers Camp.
DAY TWO - BUGIGA TO BOROUGH HUTS CAMPGROUND | (13.8km - 5 to 6 hours)
Take the track to Rosea Carpark, cross Stony Creek Road to start an ascent through tall Messmate forest. On the ridge, carefully follow track markers through a maze of sandstone outcrops, to cross a bridge over the Gate of the East Wind. Continue the climb up windswept terraces to a sign posted intersection, turning left to the summit of Mount Rosea. Enjoy amazing 360-degree views over the Serra and Mount William Ranges. Follow the markers down and veer left, through a sheltered forest. Track markers will guide you through rocky outcrop and forested gullies before reaching Borough Huts Campground for your second night's stay.
DAY THREE - BOROUGH HUTS TO HALLS GAP | (13.6km - 5 to 6 hours)
From the campground, carefully cross the Grampians Tourist Road and follow the track to Bellfield Track, then continue along the Terraces Fireline. Follow this track to the Tandara Road intersection, turn left and walk to Tandara Road. Continue to the end of the road and cross over to the sealed walking track that will take you back to Halls Gap.
To get to Halls Gap from Melbourne, follow the Western Highway through Ballarat and Ararat which will start your trip along 'The Inland Way 8', a network of driving tours that connect much of the Grampians region. When you arrive at Stawell, you will turn left from the Western Highway into the Halls Gap Road.
- 2WD Access
- Public Transport
- Speed Bumps
- Accessible Toilet
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Shelter
- BBQ Facilities
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
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.
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.
Looking for things to do in Grampians National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
1 Review on “Grampians Peak Trail: Stage 1 Hike (36km)”
Great little hike. The views from the Pinnacle were incredible. Mt Rosea would have been too, if the visibility wasn’t reduced to a few hundred metres. Bugiga is quite flash. I had the place to myself, so I slept under the large communal shelter rather than setting up the tent. The last day would have been pretty boring if not for all the wildlife you see along the fire trail. Would recommend chucking a sickie and doing this over a long weekend
Sean Roche
Shannon Lingard life goals!!
Sheree McKenzie
Should do that for New Years
Still real hiking for me
Super keen
then time to finish I reckon…..
Therese Dalmau I think we should aim for this one in September/October. Good warm up.
This could be a fun 2-day, easy pace. Prefer 1 day though
This would be good
Thomas Woods what he said. I believe in you!
Tim Alexander remember that dude???? I reckon he’s still sitting at the bottom of those stairs ?
Tim Gu there’s toilets on track
Tim Hartwig next challenge???
Tim Joyce it’s calling us
Trevor Gale…..36kms, THREE DAYS!!
???
Wade Mcdonald – next adventure?
We can do it in a day
Why are you showing me this…
Yep, I’d be in that. What about you Allison Parkinson
Mark Chaney
Marky Marc 🙂
Martin Au Thomas Woods Aaron Cardy fancy a multiday anyone? ?
Maryanne Kepui
Matthew Rigby
May Ling Yong
Maybe ask google…
Maybe when its warmer and ive had a chance to get kitted out…
Michael Read Frank Albrecht
Mmmmmmm
Must be leisurely pace ?
My wife and I just completed this hike with our 11 month old. The first two days are quite spectacular and I would agree that the Borough Huts camp ground is a little underwehelming. I suggest doing the last leg back to town. It is quick, easy and gives you many views of the other side of the valley you don’t get a chance to see any other way. This was the first time we had walked Mt Rosea and that is by far my favourite to date!
Nelson Petrovski Kevin Tran only 3 days
Never been there. Any huts? ?
Omw
one for the road Sophie Jarman!
Ooh Fantastic
Rebecca Fogarty
Rebecca Oower
Road trip!
#teamovernighter