The MacKenzie River / Bun-nah Trail is a 10.5 kilometre Grade 3 walk through some of the Grampians' most culturally and historically rich landscapes. Winding through Grampians National Park, this trail follows the Bun-nah, the river known today as the Mackenzie, and offers a rewarding half-day hike that typically takes around three hours to complete. Suitable for both walkers and mountain bikers when conditions are dry, the trail can be accessed from either Wartook Valley or the Zumsteins Picnic Area.
If you’re considering extending your walk to take in the ever-popular Mackenzie Falls, it’s worth starting from Wartook Valley. This adds another 3.7 kilometres to your journey and allows for a smoother continuation to the falls. However, water levels play a role in determining the best approach. After rain, the Mackenzie River may become impassable at some points, so if the water is running high, you can still access the trail via Cooinda Burrong. For a shorter option to Mackenzie Falls via Fish Falls, you could also commence from Zumsteins Picnic Area.
This route carries layers of history beneath your feet. Once known as the Back Track, the trail served as the main thoroughfare from Wartook Valley into the central Grampians for more than a hundred years. It was travelled not just by early walkers, but also by horses, carriages, and bullock wagons transporting supplies, livestock, timber, honey, and beeswax. That history still lingers in the gentle curves of the track and the weathered stone beneath your boots.
Along the way, interpretive signage sheds light on the significance of the area to the traditional custodians, the Jadawadjali people. The name Bun-nah comes from their language, and the river remains a central figure in their cultural and spiritual heritage. It flows through country that features prominently in the Gariwerd Creation story, alongside the Walla Walla (Wimmera River). Walking here means stepping through a landscape shaped by both time and tradition.
The trail offers more than a walk; it's a chance to connect with the stories, people, and land that have defined this region long before the Grampians became a national park. Whether you're drawn by the natural beauty, the cultural significance, or the quiet solitude of the riverbanks, the MacKenzie River / Bun-nah Trail invites a deeper appreciation for the history and spirit of Gariwerd.
Fish Falls
Fish Falls is a picturesque waterfall set along the Mackenzie River, where water tumbles gracefully over a series of terraced rocks. While the falls flow year-round, they’re at their most striking after recent rain, when the volume swells and the sound of rushing water fills the valley. Spring is an especially rewarding time to visit, as the surrounding bushland comes alive with wildflowers. You’ll find Fish Falls downstream from the iconic Mackenzie Falls. There are two main ways to reach them: from the Zumsteins Picnic Area and Historical Site via a gentle riverside track, or from the Mackenzie Falls carpark via a steeper, rockier descent. Both routes offer scenic walking through classic Grampians terrain and give you the chance to enjoy the peaceful stretch of river that connects these two waterfalls.
History
For around a century, what is now known as the Bun-nah Trail was called the Back Track, serving as the main route from Wartook Valley into the heart of the Central Grampians. It was a vital link for the early communities living and working in the area, used not only by walkers but also by horses, carriages, and teams of bullock wagons. These wagons hauled supplies, livestock, and raw materials through the rugged terrain—timber from local mills, tannin bark stripped from wattles, and honey and beeswax gathered by beekeepers who lived close to the land.
This track runs alongside the Bun-nah, the river known today as the Mackenzie. It flows through Jadawadjali country, travelling from the northern reaches of Gariwerd down through the open plains before meeting the Walla Walla, or Wimmera River, near Horsham. These rivers are not just waterways but central elements in the Gariwerd Creation story. As you walk beside the Bun-nah, you’re retracing the path of ancestral beings—following in the steps of Tyingal (Tchingal) the emu and Waa the crow, whose movements shaped the land and stories of this region.
At times the Mackenzie River floods and the trail is impassable; in this instance it is best to access the trail at Cooinda Burrong.
- Steep Terrain
- Overnight Campsites
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Rosedale Picnic Area to Zumsteins Picnic Area (10.5km)
Total distance: 9945 m
Max elevation: 254 m
Min elevation: 200 m
Total climbing: 114 m
Total descent: -81 m
Zumsteins Picnic Area to Mackenzie Falls (3.7km)
Total distance: 3603 m
Max elevation: 367 m
Min elevation: 241 m
Total climbing: 195 m
Total descent: -79 m
Getting to the trailhead: Grampians National Park.
To reach the Rosedale Picnic Area in Wartook Valley, take the scenic route that traces the western foothills of the Grampians, offering a quieter and more intimate view of the range than the main highway. If you’re travelling to or from Horsham, this route makes a pleasant alternative to the Western Highway (A8). From Wartook, follow the sealed Roses Gap Road and Mount Victoria Road, which weave through the park past creeks, waterfalls, and peaceful picnic areas. Simply continue along Roses Gap Road to arrive at the Rosedale Picnic Area.
To access the trail from the Zumsteins Picnic Area, head south from Laharum along Northern Grampians Road for approximately 20 kilometres. Zumsteins is well equipped with accessible facilities, including toilets, compacted gravel paths, electric barbecues, and sheltered picnic areas. A timber boardwalk lines the edge of the Mackenzie River, offering an easy and inclusive way to experience the riverbank. The area is suitable for wheelchairs and offers a relaxed starting point for your walk.
Closest towns to this walk: Ararat, Cavendish, Dadswells Bridge, Dunkeld, Halls Gap, Horsham, Landsborough, Pomonal, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Wartook, Wartook Valley
- Drinking Water
- Camping Area
The Grampians National Park, also known by its traditional name Gariwerd, is a place where rugged peaks, sweeping plains and rich cultural stories converge. Located in western Victoria between the towns of Stawell, Horsham and Dunkeld, this vast 167,000-hectare landscape is a standout destination for nature lovers, walkers and anyone with an appreciation for the outdoors. Around 260 kilometres west of Melbourne and 460 kilometres east of Adelaide, the park is easily accessible yet offers a feeling of complete escape.
The Grampians are well known for their dramatic mountain ranges, ancient sandstone ridges and an ever-changing landscape that shifts with the light and weather. Whether you're drawn to quiet forest trails, impressive waterfalls, or panoramic views from rocky lookouts, there's something here for everyone. The network of walking tracks weaves through diverse terrain, from gentle bushwalks to more demanding climbs, revealing everything from cascading falls to distinctive geological features shaped over millions of years.
Driving is another great way to take in the park’s scale and variety, with sealed and unsealed roads connecting key sights, picnic areas and small townships. For those looking to deepen their understanding of the area, guided tours are available and provide insight into both the natural features and the significance of Gariwerd to the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples. Aboriginal rock art sites, some of the oldest in south-eastern Australia, offer a powerful connection to Country and a reminder of the cultural depth that lies beyond the surface.
As one of Victoria’s most iconic natural destinations, the Grampians attract everyone from seasoned hikers and road-tripping families to casual visitors looking to spend a day in nature. With its ever-present mountain backdrop and abundant wildlife, the park has a way of drawing people back time and again. Whether you’re here for a multi-day hike or simply to enjoy a quiet moment beneath towering gums, the Grampians leave a lasting impression.
Looking for more walks in or near Grampians National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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10 Reviews on “MacKenzie River: Bun-Nah Trail Walk (10.5km)”
Michael hiking week
Gary Singh next on the list?