Grade 5

Grampians Peaks Trail: End to End (164km)

Grampians National Park

Victoria

164km

13 days

Grade 5

One Way

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Trail summary

Quick overview: Discover the heart of Grampians National Park in Victoria with the challenging Grampians Peaks Trail. This 164km journey takes 13 days from Mt Zero Picnic Area to Dunkeld, close to the charming town of Halls Gap. Experience Grade 5 difficulty terrain, rich in Aboriginal history, and abundant in native flora and fauna. Prepare for the adventure with essential planning and be rewarded with panoramic views of breathtaking landscapes.

Safety advice


Hike overview



Tips


Map and GPX file

Grampians Peaks Trail: End to End (164km)


Getting there


Closest towns to this walk: Halls Gap, Stawell, Ararat, Pomonal, Wartook

How to get to Grampians National Park
Directions on Google Maps

About the region


Similar trails nearby


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

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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


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

Grampians Peaks Trail: End to End (164km)


1 Review on “Grampians Peaks Trail: End to End (164km)”

Overall rating
  • 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.

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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

Grampians peaks trail: end to end (164km)

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.