Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the rugged beauty of the Grampians National Park on the 18.3km Pinnacle and Devils Gap circuit, starting and ending in Halls Gap, Victoria. This Grade 5, circuit-style trail is a challenging 7-hour adventure featuring a rocky ascent up "The Elephant Hide" to Mackey's Peak, panoramic views over Halls Gap, and a descent over Bellfield Peak. Located just 253km from Melbourne, this trail is perfect for experienced hikers seeking a challenging day out in nature's playground.

Length:

18.3km

Duration:

7 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 717m

Min elevation: 231m

Total Ascent: 1058m

Start: Halls Gap

End: Halls Gap

Grampians National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Halls Gap

From state capital: 253km

Latitude: -37.1389206

Longitude: 142.51739501953128

Overview

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Important info

Important Trail Warning: The Pinnacle and Devils Gap circuit should be avoided. Both the Elephant’s Hide and Devils Gap sections of this hike are officially closed and no longer maintained. The Devils Gap track, in particular, is overgrown and poses a high risk of getting lost due to dense scrub and lack of signage. This trail remains listed for reference only, as it may still appear on third-party platforms without up-to-date safety information. Always check with Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for the latest trail conditions and maps before setting out.

Hike overview

The Pinnacle and Devils Gap circuit is a demanding 18.3km Grade 5 hike within Grampians National Park, Victoria. This challenging route, designed for experienced hikers with strong rock scrambling skills, takes approximately 7 hours to complete.

The trail begins in Halls Gap, following a well-maintained track to Venus Baths. Here, you'll cross the creek before tackling the rocky ascent known as "The Elephant Hide" to reach the summit of Mackey's Peak. After exploring the peak, descend to the southern saddle and rejoin the marked trail that traverses below the ridge line past Sunshine Point and on towards The Pinnacle.

Enjoy the panoramic views overlooking Halls Gap before merging with the Sundial Car Park track that leads over Bellfield Peak. As you descend from this peak, you'll encounter a signposted junction. Here, the official route diverges.

For a safe and enjoyable alternative route back to Halls Gap, follow the official signage from the junction. This section details an alternate route that is not recommended due to safety concerns.

Track grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

Walk map and GPX file
The Pinnacle & Devils Gap Hike (18.3km)

Total distance: 18301 m
Max elevation: 717 m
Min elevation: 231 m
Total climbing: 1058 m
Total descent: -1058 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Grampians National Park.

Grampians National Park is in western Victoria, 260km from Melbourne and 460km from Adelaide. Halls Gaps is 253km west of Melbourne.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Ararat, Cavendish, Dadswells Bridge, Dunkeld, Halls Gap, Horsham, Landsborough, Pomonal, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Wartook, Wartook Valley

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Grampians National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

Reviews
The Pinnacle & Devils Gap Hike (18.3km)

1 Review on “The Pinnacle & Devils Gap Hike (18.3km)”

Overall rating

Tammy Schoo

Just FYI both the Elephants Hide and Devils Gap walks are officially closed.. Check with Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre for maps and information on trails that are open and accessible prior to venturing out.

07/08/2025, 11:33

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1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Thanks Tammy. Really appreciate your comment. I wrote this one up when you could freely roam in the park and tracks were better maintained. I have updated the warning at the top of this page so note the hike should be avoided and that trail remains listed on my site for reference only.
  
  07/08/2025, 13:32
  
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Patrick Pearson

Sam Dunkley

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Trail Hiking

Great hike. The section through Devils gap is not easy to follow so good navigation is required

24/03/2022, 05:22

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1. Trail Hiking Australia
  
  Just a note to anyone thinking of doing this. The track via Devils Gap has not been maintained for years and is likely to be non existent. You will need good navigation skills and be prepared for some off trail bush bashing
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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Acknowledgement of Country

The pinnacle & devils gap hike (18. 3km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

August 7, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Important info

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
The Pinnacle & Devils Gap Hike (18.3km)