Trail summary
Hike overview
Commencing at School Road in Halls Gap the Pinnacle Track Circuit follows the Wonderland Loop Walk a short distance before reaching the Pinnacle Track on your left. From here the track steeply ascends along the face of the range and it climbs towards the Pinnacle. The trail is steep and rocky with steel staircases to assist with the climb. Along the way you will pass Mackeys Peak, Point Sunshine, Signal Peak and Relph Peak. On reaching the plateau it is then only a short distance to the awe inspiring views of the Pinnacle.
After leaving the Pinnacle head south west along the Wonderland Forest Loop and follow this trail along its length via Silent Street and the majestic Grand Canyon towards the Wonderland Car Park. Before reaching the car park turn right and follow the Wonderland Loop Walks towards Halls Gap. Take a short side trip to the soothing Venus Baths before continuing along the Venus Baths Walk back to School Road in Halls Gap.
Tips
The Pinnacle Track Circuit is suitable for fit walkers only. The track involves rock steps, several seasonal water crossings and some rock hopping.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 710 m
Min elevation: 244 m
Total climbing: 586 m
Total descent: -586 m
Getting there
To get to Halls Gap from Melbourne, follow the Western Highway through Ballarat and Ararat which will start your trip along 'The Inland Way 8', a network of driving tours that connect much of the Grampians region. When you arrive at Stawell, you will turn left from the Western Highway into the Halls Gap Road.
Photo gallery
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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.
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.
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Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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 “Pinnacle Track Circuit Hike (10km)”
David Osborne this one!?
A pleasant 4 hour hike, including plenty of stops for the views and lunch at the Pinnacle. We followed the recommended route (clockwise) and I can highly recommend taking that route (less crowded, as most appear to get to the Pinnacle from the short walk from the Wonderland Carpark.
It’s a moderate paced 90 minutes from Hall’s Gap up to the Pinnacle via this route, and then pretty much all downhill back to Hall’s Gap via Wonderland Carpark etc.
If you’re fit and pressed for time, you could easily do it in 3.5 hours.