Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 731m
Min elevation: 210m
Total Ascent: 1104m
Safety advice
The trail leading from Plantation campground to the top of the escarpment is not well defined and requires exposed rock scrambling and good way finding skills.
Hike overview
Mount Difficult Range - Briggs Bluff is a 20 km, grade 4 hike in Grampians National Park, Victoria. This challenging hike, which typically takes around nine hours to complete, offers a traverse through one of Victoria's most rugged landscapes.
The hike begins opposite Plantation Campground and ascends the steep and rocky Mount Difficult Range to the plateau. From there, the trail follows the Grampians Peaks Trail north along the ridge line of the escarpment to the northernmost point of Briggs Bluff. The route features panoramic views from Briggs Bluff and offers extensive walking through the wild sandstone country of Grampians-Gariwerd.
From Briggs Bluff, the trail descends via Beehive Falls and follows the walking track back to Roses Gap Road. The hike provides an excellent opportunity to experience the dramatic scenery and diverse terrain of the Grampians.
For those seeking an additional challenge, the hike can be extended with a side trip to summit Mount Difficult, which adds approximately 4 km to the journey. This option allows for even more exploration and spectacular views within this remarkable natural area.
Plantation Campground
Plantation Campground features fire pits with barbecue plates, picnic tables, non-flush toilets, bush showers, and a water tank/tap (not for drinking, seasonal water level). Campfires are only allowed in designated fireplaces, please bring your own fire wood. There are no rubbish collection facilities at this campground - please take all rubbish with you.
Campsites: Plantation Campground offers 30 campsites for tents, camper trailers, caravans, and campervans. All sites are unpowered. Maximum of 6 people per site.
Bookings: No bookings or fees are required for camping at Plantation Campground.
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Mount Difficult Range - Briggs Bluff (20km)
Max elevation: 731 m
Min elevation: 210 m
Total climbing: 1104 m
Total descent: -1139 m
Mount Difficult Range - Briggs Bluff and Mount Difficult (24km)
Max elevation: 786 m
Min elevation: 210 m
Total climbing: 1270 m
Total descent: -1304 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Grampians National Park.
Set among old Radiata Pine Plantation on the eastern edge of the Mount Difficult Range, Plantation Campground is your gateway to exploring the spectacular northern Grampians. Plantation campground is 9.5km north of Halls Gap on Mount Zero Road. This road is unsealed and suitable for two wheel drive vehicles.
Closest towns to this walk: Ararat, Cavendish, Dadswells Bridge, Dunkeld, Halls Gap, Horsham, Landsborough, Pomonal, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Wartook, Wartook Valley
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
- Camping Area
About the region
The Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) is a place of deep cultural significance for Aboriginal Australians. Parks Victoria acknowledges the enduring connection Traditional Owners have to this land and their ongoing role as custodians.
Renowned for its natural beauty, the park offers a variety of experiences. Explore its world-famous walking trails, encountering majestic waterfalls, vibrant spring wildflowers, and inspiring mountain views. Look out for native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and birds. The park's Aboriginal heritage, diverse plant and animal life, and stunning landscapes have all earned it heritage listing. Whether you choose a scenic drive or one of the many walking or hiking tracks, the Grampians will leave a lasting impression.
Traditionally known as Gariwerd, the region boasts the highest concentration of significant and ancient Aboriginal rock art sites in southern Australia. Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre offers valuable insights into these sites, enriching your exploration.
Hikers of all levels are drawn to the Grampians. Challenge yourself by scaling Mount William, the park's highest peak, or choose from the numerous trails around Halls Gap and the Wonderland Range. The Pinnacle lookout offers exceptional views, but be aware that the climb is demanding. Experienced hikers can embark on overnight adventures like the iconic Grampians Peaks Trail, Major Mitchell Plateau hike, or The Fortress and Mt Thackeray Overnight Hike.
For a more relaxed pace, consider fishing, canoeing, or kayaking on Lake Wartook, Lake Bellfield, Moora Moora Reservoir, or the park's many waterways.
The Grampians' rugged sandstone ranges, spectacular wildflowers, diverse recreational activities, and rich Aboriginal heritage combine to create an unforgettable experience. These north-south ridges boast steep eastern slopes and gentler western inclines, a result of ancient earth movements that sculpted the landscape into a series of impressive peaks and valleys. Lookouts offer panoramic views, while waterfalls add a touch of grandeur.
Spring brings vibrant wildflower displays to the park, with the Grampians Boronia, Blue Pin-cushion Lily, and numerous other native plants painting the heathlands in colour. Keep an eye out for the park's abundant native wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, wedge-tailed eagles, and more.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the park's shelters containing ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings, a testament to the long-standing connection between Aboriginal people and this land. Billimina Shelter, Gulgurn Manja Shelter, and Manja Shelter are some notable examples.
Let the park's fresh air invigorate you. Hike, rock climb, fish, or canoe. Choose from a variety of walking tracks, whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging multi-day trek.
Halls Gap, nestled beside the Wonderland Range, serves as a convenient base for exploring the park. This town is also home to Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre, where you can delve deeper into the park's natural and cultural wonders.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Grampians National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
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.
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
Suggest an edit
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
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.
8 Reviews on “Mount Difficult Range - Briggs Bluff Hike (20km)”
I suggest there should be no posts on the Grampians. Apart from the Halls Gap area, it’s largely closed due to bushfires.
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park#change-of-conditions
Richard Clarke great suggestion. I did consider this a lot as that was my immediate thinking too. After speaking with tourism agencies in the region, I was encouraged to continue sharing walks in the Grampians as they want people to continue planning for when the park reopens, whenever that may be. For now, the best thing people can do is check the link you shared to understand what is open, as that will progressively change
See parks victoria website for updates. This trail has closed from plantation campground and now starts at beehive falls.
Completed Mt Difficult yesterday. Track very over grown 2/3 of the way and difficult to spot at points, we did our best to clear some of it. Pay attention for piles of rocks on the way up that some legend(s) have left, they do an excellent job of keeping you on the right track. GPS coordinates downloaded from this site are excellent thanks a lot for proving them.