Trail Fast Facts
Track Grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
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
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
Suggest an edit
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!
Weather
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.
1 Review on “Grampians Peaks Trail: End to End (164km)”
While I found certain aspects of the Grampians Peaks Trail enjoyable, I couldn’t help but feel that one notable aspect was the trail’s lack of remoteness. In comparison to other multi-day hikes we’ve undertaken, where the only way to truly experience the trail was through a multi-day commitment, the Grampians Peaks Trail was accessible for day hikes at all points. This led to frequent encounters with people along the way, and the presence of day trippers exploring the campgrounds, while great to see, diminished the ‘remote’ feeling.
While the tent platforms were a commendable idea, the campsite felt crowded when fully occupied. Having half the number of platforms, more widely dispersed, could have enhanced the overall camping experience and sense of isolation.
I found the communal huts at the campsites to be an unnecessary addition. Personally, I prefer self-reliance while camping and didn’t utilise the communal huts. Some hikers, however, spent their entire afternoon and evening in the huts, which isn’t my preferred way to experience the outdoors. Nonetheless, I recognise that others might appreciate the added comfort the huts provide.
Despite enjoying aspects of the Grampians Peaks Trail, I have reservations about its potential environmental impact. Over the multi-day hike, I noticed increased erosion along the trail, increased litter around campgrounds, and damage to vegetation around the campgrounds and toilets. These observations, coupled with the high number of hikers and day trippers, raise concerns about the trail’s sustainability. While accessibility is crucial, finding ways to balance it with environmental protection is equally important.
The Grampians region boasts stunning views, but ensuring its long-term health requires careful consideration. Managing public lands is undoubtedly a complex task, and I hope we can find solutions that benefit both visitors and the environment.
While the Grampians offer remarkable beauty, those seeking a remote wilderness experience may find the Grampians Peaks Trail lacking. It left me pondering whether staying in Halls Gap and embarking on a few day hikes might have been a more fulfilling option. Acknowledging my limited three-day experience on the GPT, I believe there are better places in Australia for a more remote long-distance hiking experience. Trails such as the Buller Huts Trail, Overland Track, and Larapinta offer a more secluded and authentic experience.
Overall, the Grampians offer breathtaking beauty, but careful considerations are needed for its long-term sustainability. Balancing accessibility with environmental preservation is crucial, and I appreciate the challenge of managing public lands. I hope we can find solutions that benefit both the visitors and the environment in the long run.