The Mount Difficult (Gar) Plateau Circuit is a challenging but rewarding 24km hike in Grampians National Park, Victoria. Taking 1-2 days to complete, this circuit traverses the Mount Difficult Plateau and leads you to the summit of Mount Difficult (Gar) and the breathtaking northern viewpoint of Briggs Bluff.
The adventure begins at Troopers Creek Campground. You'll follow the scenic Gar Waterfalls Walk as it gradually ascends the escarpment towards Briggs Bluff. Prepare for a long and steep climb that winds its way past several waterfalls.
Reaching the escarpment, an approximate 2km return walk takes you across the rocky plateau to Briggs Bluff. Here, the awe-inspiring north-east facing cliffs rise 400 meters, offering a vertigo-inducing view down over the Wimmera Plains. But the true highlight is the view back along the Mount Difficult Range towards Halls Gap, with the Mount Stapylton Complex adding to the panoramic grandeur.
Returning to the previous junction, head east towards Mud Creek Bush Camp to begin the circuit section. The path continues along the Grampians Peaks Trail towards Gar Hike-in Campground and ultimately, Mount Difficult. The summit rewards you with some of the most spectacular views in northern Gariwerd.
After basking in the panorama, the circuit ventures east via Longpoint West and Longpoint East before turning north towards Briggs Bluff to complete the loop. To return to the trailhead, simply follow the Gar Waterfalls Walk back down to Troopers Creek Campground.
If you plan on making this an overnight walk, Longpoint West Hike-in Camping Area is a good choice at approximately 12.5km from the trailhead.
Troopers Creek Campground - Trailhead
Set amongst tall Eucalypts and heathy shrubland, Troopers Creek Campground offers spectacular views of the Mt Difficult escarpment.
The campground features shared fireplaces with BBQ hotplates and picnic tables throughout. Make sure you bring your own firewood as firewood collection is prohibited in the national park. There are pit toilet facilities and there are two large group camping areas suitable for up to 16 people. All sites must be booked online in advance.
Troopers creek is just down the road from the Beehive Falls trailhead where trails to Briggs Bluff, Gar / Mount Difficult and Beehive Falls are all accessible, and is also next to the trailhead for section two of the Grampians Peaks Trail.
Campfires
- Please use fuel stoves only in all hiker campsites areas.
- During Summer and Autumn Total Fire Bans are common; this means no fires are to be lit including portable cooking appliances.
- Always check for Total Fire Bans and fire conditions prior to your walk and carry a small radio or mobile phone.
- Being aware of a Total Fire Ban is your responsibility.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 24260 m
Max elevation: 786 m
Min elevation: 264 m
Total climbing: 1232 m
Total descent: -1232 m
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Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Grampians National Park.
Troopers Creek Campground is in the northern Grampians off Roses Gap Road. Follow the road west from Roses Gap for 3.5kms and find the campground on your left.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Small Car Park
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Ararat, Cavendish, Dadswells Bridge, Dunkeld, Halls Gap, Horsham, Landsborough, Pomonal, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Wartook, Wartook Valley
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 views, 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.
Looking for more walks in or near Grampians National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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6 Reviews on “Mount Difficult Plateau Circuit (24km)”
Has this been reopened?
Here you go Irene!
Hi guys the walking track is now closed from troopers creek campground (which is also closed) due to fire damage. You have to start the walk at beehive falls trailhead. Check http://www.parks.vic.gov.au for updated track notes.
Jenna Louise…I’ll meet you at the top
Kylie Zelley have you done this one?
Lauren Christian …
Instead of looping back, you can also hike from briggs bluff down to beehive falls carpark and back to troopers via roses gap rd , about 6km, but its all uphill.
Nooo! We didnt do this one, drove past it to other hikes we did up there. Have you done it??
Oliver Bonaccorso
I went to do this hike in 7/2020 but the starting point is closed and not accessible (theres a wooden sign on the side of the road oppositie where the access point used to be). It looked as though the original camp site was planted over. This also closes access to Talwinda Falls. Troopers Ck Camp Ground is about 5km further north and the trail up to the eacarpment is still in place but currently closed due to Grampians Peak Trail work. I found the trail and followed it briefly but turned around at the fences.
Mount easy ?
No. Unfortunately it is permanently closed from Troopers Creek. You have to access Mt Difficult from the north. Guess they ran out of funding. http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/621246/Grampians-National-Park-Update.pdf
7hr circuit, unless we get lost and go rock climbing instead Vicy ?