The Grampians: Victoria’s Most Outstanding Natural Landscape
Renowned for its rugged mountain ranges, rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenic views, the Grampians is the ideal destination for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Sometimes referred to by its Aboriginal name, Gariwerd, the Grampians are one of Victoria’s most outstanding natural features, one of its best bushwalking locations and world famous as a site for abseiling and rock climbing. Well known for its spectacular scenery, the 168,000 hectare Grampians National Park is also regarded for its ecological diversity and south-eastern Australia’s highest concentration of Aboriginal rock art. The Grampians boasts more than a third of Victoria’s flora with over 1,000 wildflower species blooming with stunning colour, especially during spring. Visitors also delight in the active population of kangaroos, wallabies, emus, reptiles and birds. When it comes to walks and hikes there are many to choose from, for all capabilities, taking you to spectacular waterfalls, lookouts, rock formations and escarpments.
The Grampians offer many different experiences for tourists. Day trips take in the spectacular Mackenzie Falls and the Balconies rock formation. Longer stays offer bush camping, wildflower studies, exploration of the Victorian Valley over the mountains from Halls Gap and overnight hiking trips in the south of the park. Experienced rock climbers come from around the world to tackle the challenging rock forms in the park and also at the nearby Mount Arapiles.
The best time to visit the Grampians is during the months of October to December, when wildflowers carpet the landscape, the weather is mild, and summer crowds have yet to arrive.
Top Things to Do in the Grampians
Halls Gap
Nestled in the heart of the Grampians National Park, Halls Gap is a little tourist village with a permanent population of just 300 people. It offers adventure and tour providers, activities, attractions, restaurants, cafes, shops and a host of accommodation. Wherever you stay you’ll be surrounded by stunning views and inquisitive wildlife including kangaroos, emus, wallabies and birds. You will also find 160 kilometres of walking tracks both around the town and throughout the National Park.
Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre
Start exploring the Grampians with a visit to Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre, where you will discover the Park’s exceptional environment and Aboriginal culture and history. The centre’s building is extraordinary, with an undulating roof resembling the sweeping wings of a cockatoo. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, the centre also features a bush food café, retail outlet and the Grampians National Park Information Centre. Take time to enjoy an interpreted walk through the native garden, the Gariwerd Dreaming Theatre and Rock Art Tours.
The Centre is open every day from 9am to 5pm.
Grampians Walks
The Grampians is well known for its variety of walking tracks. You can choose from short, leisurely strolls, day-long explorations or more challenging overnight expeditions. A few of the short walks in the Grampians are listed below.
The Pinnacle Lookout … a strenuous walk to a famous peak
Distance: 5.5 km return
Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Grade: Medium to Hard
Start: Wonderland carpark
This climb takes you past the eerie stone corridors of the Grand Canyon and Silent Street to the Pinnacle lookout which offers breathtaking views over the valley and surrounding plains. The rocky climb is suitable for fit and energetic walkers as it requires climbing up steep steps and over rocky outcrops.
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Directions: Cross the footbridge into the spectacular Grand Canyon. At the top of the steps, turn left and follow the signs up the rock platforms. The steady ascent winds through rocky woodland, past Bridal Veil Falls (best after rain), through Silent Street and on to the awe inspiring Pinnacle Lookout.
Return by taking the Wonderland Forest Loop Track. The track passes over rocky outcrops and through low forest before it connects back to the track north of Bridal Veil Falls. Before descending to the Grand Canyon take the track marked to your left. Follow markers through rocky outcrops on the south side of the Grand Canyon back to the Wonderland car park.
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Grand Canyon Loop … towering rock walls
Distance: 900 metres circuit
Time: 20 – 40 minutes
Grade: Medium
Start: Wonderland car park
If you want to see towering rock walls, take this short, strenuous walk, suitable for fit and energetic walkers, through the magnificent Grand Canyon. It can involve several water crossings, slippery track surfaces and some rock-hopping. Steps and handrails are provided in some areas. After leaving the Canyon, turn right and return to the Wonderland car park down rocky terraces.
The Balconies Lookout … cliff line views overlooking Victoria Valley
Distance: 2 km return
Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Grade: Easy
Start: Reeds Lookout car park
The track climbs gently from the car park, through rock outcrops and a stringybark forest to the Balconies lookout. From this lookout there are panoramic views over the Victory Valley.
Reeds Lookout … rock formations and panoramic views
Distance: 100 metres return
Time: 10 minutes
Grade: Easy / Medium
Start: Reeds Lookout car park
From the magnificent lookout at the Reed Lookout car park you will receive breathtaking views over Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range, Lake Wartook and the Mt Difficult Range.
Take the short up-hill walk around the gate and along the sealed road to the summit of Reeds Lookout for an even higher view.
Boroka Lookout … spectacular views of Wonderland & Mt William Ranges
Distance: 90 metres one way
Time: 5 minutes
Grade: Easy
Start: Boroka Lookout car park
Boroka Lookout provides spectacular views of the Wonderland Range, Mt William Range, Fyans Valley, Lake Bellfield and the plains to the east of the Grampians. An easy stroll through open stringybark forest along a sealed track leads to two viewing platforms. The walk to the lookout is suitable for people with limited mobility. Access is via an unsealed path with a short, steep gradient.
Sundial Peak … spring wildflowers and views
Distance: 4.2 km return
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Grade: Medium
Start: Sundial car park
From the car park follow signs to Sundial Peak. Where the track forks 50m from the car park take the right hand track. Follow signposts through heathy forest, gradually ascending. One final climb up a rocky staircase will give you panoramic views over Mt Rosea and Lake Bellfield below. The Sundial area has a wide array of wildflowers on show during spring.
Grampians Waterfalls
There are several waterfalls in the Grampians National Park many of which are best seen during winter and spring or after the rains.
Mackenzie Falls
Victoria’s largest and most majestic waterfall, Mackenzie Falls can be visited anytime of the year. There are two walks to Mackenzie Falls – a lookout from the top or a strenuous walk to the base; the steep walk to the bottom of the falls is by far the best where torrents of water cascade over huge cliffs into a deep pool, sending fine sprays of rainbow mist high into the air above a stunning gorge. While swimming is prohibited at the base of the falls, you can dip your toes in the ice cold water. Beware of slippery rocks.
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Mackenzie Falls Lookout Walk … excellent views overlooking MacKenzie Falls
Distance: 1.9 km return
Time: 40 minutes
Grade: Easy
Start: Mackenzie Falls carpark
An easy walk through an open eucalypt forest to a viewing platform with magnificent views of Mackenzie Falls and the gorge is suitable for people with limited mobility. The Bluff Lookout provides sweeping views of MacKenzie Falls and the MacKenzie River from high above the gorge. The lookout provides the only opportunity to capture the multiple cascades of the MacKenzie River as it flows through the gorge, including a wonderful view of MacKenzie Falls. If you can’t make it to the base of the falls, this is the best alternative.
Bluff Lookout is accessed via a gently undulating, sealed walking track that wanders through a sheltered woodland. It is suitable for wheelchairs.
For the most spectacular view approach the viewing platform from the right-hand fork of the track.
Mackenzie Falls Walk … cascading waterfalls and flourishing ferns
Distance: 2 km return
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Grade: Medium (to base of Mackenzie Falls); easy (to Broken Falls)
Start: Mackenzie Falls car park
Broken Falls Lookout provides a sweeping view of the MacKenzie River as it cascades over Broken Falls. The cantilevered lookout sits on the edge of the gorge. The lookout is accessed via a short, sealed walking track from MacKenzie Falls car park.
To continue to the base of MacKenzie Falls, return to the main track intersection and continue along the signposted track past Cranages Lookout. Take care as this walk has many steps and is steep, slippery and strenuous in sections. Return the same route.
Swimming is not permitted at the base of the falls. Beware of slippery rocks.
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Silverband Falls … a delightful waterfall that disappears
Distance: 1.4 km return
Time: 25-40 minutes
Grade: Easy
Start: Silverband Falls carpark on Silverband Road
From Silverband carpark amble down a gently graded path through a shady, ferny forest. A sign along the way tells the story of a visit, many years ago, by an early naturalist. This area is also home to a large variety of colourful birdlife. Watch for the cheeky Yellow Robin or tiny Scrub Wrens. Cross the bridge then follow the track to arrive at the base of the falls.
Turret Falls … a winter waterfall
Distance: 2.2 km return
Time: 40 minutes – 1 hour
Grade: Medium
Start: Wonderland carpark
Starting at the southern end of the Wonderland carpark, follow the track as it climbs gradually through stringybark forest. Meander along Stony Creek and take the track to the lookout area opposite the waterfall. Turret Falls is best viewed after rain when water cascades over the rocky terrace.
Splitters Falls … a ferny oasis
Distance: 1.6 km return
Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Grade: Medium
Start: Wonderland car park
Follow the walking track and directional signs leading towards Halls Gap, cross the bridge over Stony Creek and follow the creek to another small foot bridge. Turn left at the intersection along a ferny gully, to the enchanting Splitters Falls. The waterfall is best viewed during winter and spring or after rain. Return by the same route.
Grampians Mountains
The Grampians National Park is famous for its rugged mountain peaks, many of which can be accessed on walking trails suitable for fit and energetic walkers.
Mt Stapylton … spectacular summit views
Distance: 4.6 km return
Time: 2 – 2½ hours
Grade: Hard
Start: Mt Zero Picnic Area
Signs and track markers guide the way up the steep rock slope of Flat Rock to a splendid vantage point overlooking a natural amphitheatre. The track descends to the base of Taipan Wall before continuing along rock terraces to an intersection. The view from the summit is spectacular, taking in much of the park and surrounding plains. Return by the same route.
Hollow Mountain … excellent mountain climb
Distance: 2.2 km return
Time: 1 – 1 ½ hours
Grade: Medium
Start: Hollow Mountain car park trailhead
From the car park, follow the sign-posted gravel track as it climbs gradually through a wide open gully surrounded by rocky cliffs. Once on rock, the track climbs steeply over rocky ledges and past wind scoured caverns to a rocky summit. Enjoy views over Mt Stapylton Amphitheatre and the Wimmera Plains. Return by the same route.
Mt Zero … lovely views of Mt Stapylton & Wimmera plains
Distance: 2.8 km return
Time: 1 – 1½ hours
Grade: Medium
Start: Mt Zero Picnic Area
From the picnic area, carefully cross the Halls Gap-Mt Zero Road and track markers will guide you up the rocky hillside. Near the top of the ridge the track becomes steeper to rock steps that lead up to the summit. Enjoy views of Mt Stapylton and the surrounding Wimmera plains. Return by the same route.
Mt Sturgeon … panoramic views over Dunkeld
Distance: 7 km return
Time: 2 ½ – 3 hours
Grade: Hard
Start: Intersection of Grampians Tourist Road & Victoria Valley Road
This walk provides panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and volcanic plains over Dunkeld. The walk, suitable for fit and energetic walkers, can involve water crossings, slippery track surfaces and rock hopping. Return by the same route.
Grampians Aboriginal Rock Art Sites
There are more than 100 Aboriginal rock art sites in the Grampians – the richest Aboriginal rock art area in Victoria. Five of these sites are open to visitors.
Gulgurn Manja Shelter … hands of young people
Distance: 1 km return
Time: 20 – 40 minutes
Grade: Easy
Start: Hollow Mountain car park trailhead
The Manja shelter is one of the best and easily accessed Aboriginal rock art sites in the Grampians where paintings include emu tracks and handprints. Handprints such as these are found only in the northern Grampians, and many here were created by children.
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Directions: Follow the sign-posted track from the car park as it gently winds its way up through Stringybark forest to arrive at a large rocky shelter. The track leads through a woodland rich in wildlife and other resources useful to the Jardwadjali.
The shelter means ‘hands of young people’. Return by the same route.
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Billimina Shelter … boulder with impressive Aboriginal rock art
Distance: 1.7 km circuit
Time: 45 minutes
Grade: Medium
Start: Buandik picnic area
The largest and most spectacular art site in Victoria, Billimina is an impressive, isolated boulder, with a smooth, steeply-angled rock overhang that forms an ideal canvas for the artwork.
Manja Shelter … hands of Aboriginal people
Distance: 2.6 km return
Time: 1 hour
Grade: Easy
Start: Buandik picnic area
With a total of ninety hands outlined in red against the shelter’s creamy walls, Manja has more hand stencils than any other rock art site in Victoria. Hand impressions are a common motif in rock art throughout the world. Signifying the artist’s presence, they are a way of saying “We are here, we are part of this place.”
Where are the Grampians located?
The Grampians National Park is located in central western Victoria, 260km west of Melbourne and 460km east of Adelaide.
The Grampians region is well serviced by major highways, whether travelling from Melbourne, Adelaide or the Great Ocean Road. There are also many public transport options operated by V/Line, including rail service to Ararat.
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