Grampians National Park, also known as Gariwerd, is a place of profound cultural significance, with deep connections to the Traditional Owners of the land. Parks Victoria honours the ongoing role that these communities play in caring for the land, a role that has spanned thousands of years and continues today. The landscape, rich in Aboriginal history, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, providing a powerful backdrop for those who venture into this rugged terrain.
One of the standout experiences in the Grampians is the Grampians Peaks Trail, a challenging 164-kilometre route that takes hikers through the heart of the park over 13 days and 12 nights. This iconic trail stretches from the northernmost point at Mount Zero, winding its way south through some of the park’s most striking landscapes. Along the way, you’ll ascend the summit of Gar (Mt Difficult), traverse dramatic ridgelines, and pass through iconic locations like Redman Bluff, Mount William, Major Mitchell Plateau, Signal Peak, and the steep ascents of Mt Abrupt and Mt Sturgeon. The journey ends in the picturesque town of Dunkeld, where the Grampians meet the southern plains.
The trail offers something for everyone, whether you're hiking solo, with a group, or as part of a fully guided tour with a licensed operator. You’ll find unique, hike-in campgrounds that provide a chance to rest after a day of climbing rocky peaks and hiking along rugged ridgelines. The diversity of plants and wildlife along the way is incredible, and the chance to immerse yourself in the ancient Aboriginal culture of the region adds a spiritual element to the physical challenge of the trail.
While the full Grampians Peaks Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it's not for the faint of heart. This is a demanding Grade 4 and Grade 5 trail, with steep, often challenging terrain that requires a high level of fitness and hiking experience. Those who take on this adventure will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment that comes from tackling one of Australia’s most challenging and rewarding hikes. With sections marked on the topographic map (N1-N4, C1-C5, S1-S4), the trail offers a variety of hiking experiences, each more rewarding than the last, but it’s important to be prepared and committed for the journey ahead.
Grampians Peaks Trail Full Traverse Itinerary
This itinerary provides a detailed overview of the Grampians Peaks Trail, a stunning hiking experience in Victoria, Australia. Each day offers unique landscapes, rich flora, and opportunities for exploration. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect on your journey.
Day 1: Mt Zero to Barigar Hike-in Campground
Distance:Â 12.1 km |Â Grade:Â 4
Begin your adventure at the Mt Zero Picnic Area. The hike features a mix of ridgeline paths and rocky slabs, offering breathtaking views of the Stapylton Amphitheatre and the iconic Taipan Wall. As you traverse through low forests and dense shrubbery, keep an eye out for seasonal wildflowers and the striking Bird Rock. The trail leads you to Barigar Hike-in Campground, where you can enjoy the serene surroundings.
Safety Information:
- Serviced water tanks are available at Mt Zero Trailhead and Coppermine Track Crossing.
- A rainwater tank is located at Barigar Hike-in Campground.
Day 2: Barigar to Gar Hike-in Campground
Distance:Â 11.3 km |Â Grade:Â 4
Starting from Barigar, this section takes you uphill through grassy woodlands, culminating in a stunning ridgeline vista of the Mt Difficult Range. The trail features steep rocky steps and cliff edges, leading to Gar Hike-in Campground, nestled among the mountains.
Safety Information:
- Rainwater tanks are located at both Barigar and Gar Hike-in Campgrounds.
- A serviced water tank is available at Gar Trailhead (Roses Gap Rd).
Day 3: Gar to Werdug Hike-in Campground
Distance:Â 14.0 km |Â Grade:Â 4
This day offers a scenic hike around the horseshoe-shaped mountain range encircling Lake Wartook. Expect open rock slabs and elevated views as you make your way to Werdug Hike-in Campground, perched on a knoll with panoramic views of the lake below.
Safety Information:
- Rainwater tanks can be found at Gar and Werdug Hike-in Campgrounds.
- A serviced water tank is located at Mt Difficult Rd Crossing (North).
Day 4: Werdug to Halls Gap
Distance:Â 13.0 km |Â Grade:Â 4
From Werdug, ascend to Lake Wartook Lookout for sweeping views before descending through tall wet forests filled with winter and spring wildflowers. This transition from dry rocky terrain to lush greenery is captivating. Upon reaching Halls Gap, you will need to arrange your own accommodation for the night.
Safety Information:
- A rainwater tank is available at Werdug Hike-in Campground.
- Fill up on water here as there are no serviced tanks until Halls Gap.
Day 5: Halls Gap to Bugiga Hike-in Campground
Distance:Â 8.9 km |Â Grade:Â 4
Starting from the Halls Gap Trailhead, this hike features fascinating sandstone gorges and weathered rock formations in the Wonderland Range. As you approach Bugiga Hike-in Campground, enjoy views of Mt Rosea's rugged cliff-line.
Safety Information:
- Serviced water tanks are located at Sundial Carpark and Bugiga Hike-in Campground.
Day 6: Bugiga to Barri-Yalug Hike-in Campground
Distance:Â 14.7 km |Â Grade:Â 4
This section involves a steep climb through tall forests leading up to Mt Rosea's ridgeline. After reaching the summit, descend through lush forest before crossing Grampians Tourist Road towards Barri-Yalug.
Safety Information:
- A serviced water tank is available at Bugiga Hike-in Campground.
- Rainwater is collected at Barri-Yalug Hike-in Campground.
Day 7: Barri-Yalug to Duwul Hike-in Campground
Distance:Â 13.2 km |Â Grade:Â 4
The trail climbs toward Seven Dials before ascending Redman Bluff, providing stunning views along the way. This section features significant elevation changes as you make your way towards Duwul Hike-in Campground.
Safety Information:
- Rainwater tanks are located at both Barri-Yalug and Duwul Hike-in Campgrounds.
- Serviced water tanks can be found at Redman Rd Crossing and Mt William Road.
Day 8: Duwul to Durd Durd Hike-in Campground
Distance:Â 14.5 km |Â Grade:Â 4
Climb to Mt William for breathtaking views before navigating through undulating terrain across rocks and steel mesh walkways. The landscape transitions into open grassy woodlands reminiscent of alpine meadows as you approach Durd Durd.
Safety Information:
- Rainwater tanks are available at both Duwul and Durd Durd Hike-in Campgrounds.
- A serviced water tank is located at Mt William Summit.
Day 9: Durd Durd to Yarram Hike-in Campground
Distance:Â 11.9 km |Â Grade:Â 4/5
As you descend from the peaks into sheltered valleys, enjoy spectacular views of wildflowers and rugged ridgelines. This section showcases some of the most pristine landscapes in the area, making it a highlight of the trek.
Safety Information:
- Rainwater tanks can be found at both Durd Durd and Yarram Hike-in Campgrounds.
- Serviced water tanks are available at Jimmy Creek Rd Crossing and Jimmy Creek Campground.
Day 10: Yarram to Wannon Hike-in Campground
Distance:Â 11.1 km |Â Grade:Â 4/5
This day’s hike includes ancient old-growth forests and diverse wildlife habitats as you navigate through rolling hills and scenic landscapes towards Wannon Hike-in Campground.
Safety Information:
- Rainwater tanks are located at Yarram and Wannon Hike-in Campgrounds.
- A serviced water tank is available at Yarram Gap Rd Crossing.
Day 11: Wannon to Djardji-djawara Hike-in Campground
Distance:Â 16.3 km |Â Grade:Â 4
Travel through diverse ecosystems featuring important habitats for native mammals while enjoying stunning views along the way. This section is particularly vibrant with spring wildflowers.
Safety Information:
- Serviced water tanks are available at Griffin Trailhead, Wannon, and Djardji-djawara Hike-in Campgrounds.
Day 12: Djardji-djawara to Mud-Dadjug Hike-in Campground
Distance:Â 8.1 km |Â Grade:Â 4
Experience new trail sections that wind through stunted eucalypt forests as you approach the rocky summits of Signal Peak and Mt Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug). The steep track offers excellent vantage points along its route.
Safety Information:
- A serviced water tank is available at Djardji-djawara Hike-in Campground.
Day 13: Mud-Dadjug to Dunkeld Township
Distance:Â 14.8 km |Â Grade:Â 4
Conclude your trek by descending from Mud-Dadjug through varied terrain towards Dunkeld Township, where you can reflect on your journey through this breathtaking landscape filled with rich biodiversity and stunning views.
Safety Information:
- Rainwater tank at Mud-Dadjug Hike-in Campground
- Serviced water tanks at Dunkeld Reservoir Rd Crossing and Sturgeon Rd Crossing MVO
This itinerary provides an immersive experience in one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks, ensuring both adventure and appreciation for nature's wonders along the Grampians Peaks Trail. More information can be found on the Parks Victoria website.
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11 Reviews 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.