Trail Fast Facts
MacKenzie River / Bun-nah Trail is a 10.5km, grade 3 hike in the Grampians National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 3 hrs to complete.
Hike Overview
The Mackenzie River/Bun-nah Trail is a historic 10.5km Grade 3 hike located within Grampians National Park, Victoria. This route, suitable for walkers and mountain bikers during dry conditions, takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
The trail can be accessed from either Wartook Valley or Zumsteins Picnic Area. If you're aiming to continue onwards to Mackenzie Falls after your Bun-nah Trail experience, starting at Wartook Valley is recommended. This section adds an additional 3.7km to your journey.
Originally known as the Back Track, this path follows the scenic Mackenzie River, named Bun-nah by the traditional Jadawadjali people. Interpretive signage along the way details the area's rich history and cultural significance to the Jadawadjali people.
Be mindful that the Mackenzie River can flood at times, rendering the trail impassable. If you encounter high water levels, access the trail from the alternative starting point at Cooinda Burrong.
For over a century, the Back Track served as the main route from Wartook Valley into the heart of the Grampians. It was used by walkers, horses, carriages, and even bullock wagon teams transporting supplies, livestock, timber, and local produce like honey and beeswax.
The Bun-nah (Mackenzie River) holds a special place in Jadawadjali culture, flowing through their land and featuring prominently within the Gariwerd Creation story, alongside the Walla Walla (Wimmera River). As you traverse this path alongside the Bun-nah, you're essentially walking amongst the steps of this creation story.
History
For 100 years, the 'Back Track' was the main road from Wartook Valley into the Central Grampians Ranges. The Back Track was traversed by walkers, horses, carriages and bullock wagon teams. The track was used to transport supplies, animals, timber from mills, tannin bark from wattle stripping and honey and beeswax collected by local beekeepers. Bun-nah (Mackenzie River) runs through Jadawadjali country, from the northern part of Gariwerd down through the plains to its confluence with Walla Walla (the Wimmera River) at Horsham. Both rivers form a key part of the Gariwerd Creation story. As you follow the track along Bun-nah, you are following the creation story of Tyingal (Tchingal) the emu and Waa the crow.
Track Grade
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.
Tips
At times the Mackenzie River floods and the trail is impassable; in this instance it is best to access the trail at Cooinda Burrong.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 289 m
Min elevation: 201 m
Total climbing: 150 m
Total descent: -115 m
Trailhead
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Getting there
Wartook Valley runs along the Grampians' western foothills, giving a completely different perspective of the mountains. Heading to or from Horsham, this is the scenic alternative to the Western Hwy (A8). From Wartook, the sealed Roses Gap Rd and Mount Victoria Rd pass through the park, and there are lots of unsealed roads and tracks passing little creeks, waterfalls and idyllic picnic spots.
This trail reopened in 2018 so the GPX file may not be completely aligned with the newly aligned trail.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
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.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Grampians National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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
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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.
3 Reviews on “Mackenzie River: Bun-Nah Trail Walk (10.5km)”
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