The Fortress from Harrops Track (11km)

Summary

For many years the Fortress was regarded as a mythical destination, lost as it is deep in a wild mountain range in one of the most remote corners of the Grampians. Its massive grey buttress and sweeping cliffs rise high above the treetops to form a singular tower that dominates all other surrounding peaks.

This scenic hike climbs from Harrops Track up to below the fortress and visits two popular camping caves along the way. It is a fairly strenuous hike but there are plenty of resting points along the way.

Should you have a head for heights and don’t mind a bit of rock scrambling it is possible to climb to the top of the Fortress. It is a reasonably challenging climb for experienced hikers only. Do not consider the climb in wet or inclement weather.

Getting there

Follow National Highway M8 and A8 to Wonwondah-Dadswells Bridge Rd in Laharum. Merge onto M1, Keep right to stay on M1. Continue onto Western Ring Rd/M80. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto High St/Western Hwy/A8. Take Northern Grampians Rd/C222 and Brimpaen-Laharum Rd to Henty Hwy/A200 in Brimpaen. Turn left onto Wonwondah-Dadswells Bridge Rd. Turn left onto Northern Grampians Rd/C222. Turn right onto Brimpaen-Laharum Rd. Turn left onto Henty Hwy/A200. Follow Billywing Rd to Harrops Track. Turn left onto Billywing Rd. Turn right onto Red Rock Rd. Turn left onto Harrops Track. Destination will be on the left

 

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