Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 962m
Min elevation: 896m
Total Ascent: 140m
Safety advice
This hike requires rock scrambling and is exposed in places. Be sure you have a head for heights before undertaking this remote hike.
Hike overview
Mount Thackeray is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the natural wonders of Grampians National Park. This 2.5km grade 4 hike offers stunning views and can be completed in around 1.5 hours.
Located on the western side of the park, Mount Thackeray is a popular choice for hikers. The trail winds through diverse terrain, starting with open forest and transitioning to fragrant mint bush and tea-tree as you approach the mountain's base. The track then ascends over rocks to the summit, rewarding you with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas.
The hike begins with a leisurely stroll through tall forest from the carpark. You'll then descend gradually down a rocky gully, with Mount Thackeray towering on your left and rocky outcrops lining your right. After roughly 1 kilometer, the path switchbacks and transforms into a rocky scramble up a terraced slope. While there are good hand and footholds, some higher sections require extra caution due to exposure. However, the effort is quickly compensated by the increasingly spectacular views with every step.
After another 500 meters, you'll conquer the summit, marked by a broken trig marker. Here, you'll be treated to some of the most captivating views in the Grampians. The mighty Fortress will stand out across the valleys, and you'll be able to set your sights from Mount Zero in the north all the way to Mount Sturgeon in the south. Take your time, savor a leisurely lunch, and soak in the panoramic beauty before retracing your steps back to the carpark.
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
Max elevation: 962 m
Min elevation: 896 m
Total climbing: 140 m
Total descent: -140 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Grampians National Park.
The Victoria Range Road access track can be rough and is steep. If you have a high clearance vehicle there should be no issue but it would be slow going with a standard car.
Closest towns to this walk: Ararat, Cavendish, Dadswells Bridge, Dunkeld, Halls Gap, Horsham, Landsborough, Pomonal, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Wartook, Wartook Valley
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 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.
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.
4 Reviews on “Mount Thackeray Hike (2.5km)”
A fun hike this one, even though it’s short