Grampians National Park - Central

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    Central Grampians

    Grampians National Park

    The central Grampians is the most popular area of the national park, boasting a variety of short walks, lookouts, waterfalls and picnic areas. Hikers flock to the Wonderland Range, while a memorable car tour from the pretty town of Halls Gap takes in the Balconies, Boroka Lookout, MacKenzie Falls and Zumsteins.
    The Grampians between Halls Gap, MacKenzie Falls and Zumsteins is home to many of the most famous sights of this celebrated national park. There are epic landscapes and a mix of easy and challenging trails to explore them. See majestic waterfalls and take a memorable scenic drive over mountains and through valleys.

    Traditionally known as Gariwerd, the Grampians and the surrounding region has a fascinating Aboriginal history. Make Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre in Halls Gap your first stop. Here you can explore what Gariwerd-Grampians means to Aboriginal people and find general information about visiting the Grampians National Park.

    Grampians is most famous for its spring wildflowers, Aboriginal culture and cascades and waterfalls. Take a short journey to the iconic and enduring MacKenzie Falls. Or venture deeper along trails into the rugged landscape to discover the slither of Silverband, cascades of Fish or Turret Falls.

    Bushwalking in the Wonderland from its carpark near Halls Gap is aptly named. A hike to the Pinnacle is very popular despite being a strenuous walk. An easier and no less spectacular view can be had by walking the Lakeview Loop from Sundial Carpark. Venus Baths is a delight for all with its refreshing spa-like rock pools. It is another easy walk from Halls Gap along the Stony Creek.

    If you’re an experienced walker you’ll enjoy the unique challenge of the park’s overnight hikes. A section of the iconic Grampians Peaks Trail starts at Halls Gap. Visit the website for further details.

    There are lakes here too! Go fishing, canoeing, kayaking or sailing. Lake Wartook, Lake Bellfield and Moora Moora Reservoir all have access.

    The Grampians is a special place for nature lovers and there is something to see in all seasons.

    Things to do

     
    Two friends take in the view from Boroka Lookout at sunset.

    Boroka Lookout

    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. The lookout is located 15km from Halls Gap and is easily accessed via sealed roads.
    A couple take in the views from Reeds Lookout

    Reeds Lookout

    Great views overlooking the Victoria Valley. Follow the path around the gate and along the sealed road to the summit of Reeds Lookout. From this magnificent lookout you will receive breathtaking views over Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range,
    A young couple cross the stream on rocks in front a the spectacular MacKenzies Falls.

    MacKenzie Falls

    An easy stroll from the MackKenzie Falls carpark leads to a viewing platform overlooking the picturesque Broken Falls. To reach the base of MacKenzie Falls, follow the signs. Take care as this walk has many steps and is steep, slippery and strenuous in sections.
    A couple enjoy a picnic by the MacKenzie river at Zumsteins Historic Area.

    Zumsteins Historic Area

    Zumsteins Picnic Area is located on the banks of the MacKenzie River and is the site of an historic settlement. It provides a great opportunity to relax in the natural setting of the Grampians, enjoy the wildlife, a barbecue and a short stroll.

    Brambuk The National Park and Culture Centre

    Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap began with the building of the Brambuk Cultural Centre in 1989 to acknowledge, protect and share the cultures of the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung Peoples.
    A young man offers his hand to his walking partner at the summit of The Pinnacle in the Grampians National Park.

    The Pinnacle walks

    Choose from two different routes up to The Pinnacle lookout – an easy to medium walk from Sundial Carpark and a more challenging climb from Wonderland Carpark.

    Boreang Campground

    There are many locations for camping in the central region of the Grampians National Park including, Smiths Mill Campground, Borough Huts Campground, Boreang Campground and Jimmy Creek.
    A family camps at Borough Huts in the Grampians National Park

    Borough Huts Campground

    Borough Huts Campground is set in a tranquil forested area adjacent to Fyans Creek. It is close to Halls Gap, The Wonderland Range and a starting point for walks to Lake Bellfield and Mt Rosea.
    A family of four enjoy afternoon tea at a picnic table at Smiths Mill Campground.

    Smiths Mill Campground

    Smiths Mill Campground is positioned within heath woodland at the site of an old sawmill. It is centrally located a kilometre from Mackenzie Falls, and only a short drive to Boroka Lookout, Reed Lookout and Zumsteins Picnic Area.

    How to get there

    Central Grampians

    Grampians National Park is located in Western Victoria, a three-hour (260km) drive from Melbourne and a five-hour (460km) drive from Adelaide. The central Grampians is easily accessed from the villages of Halls Gap and Wartook and is a scenic day trip from the regional towns of Hamilton, Horsham, Stawell and Ararat. It is also a key destination on the internationally renowned Great Southern Touring Route.
    Central Grampians

    When you're there

    The Central Grampians Day Trip enters the park via Halls Gap before visiting Boroka and Reed Lookouts, the dramatic Balconies rock formations, MacKenzie Falls and historic Zumsteins Picnic Ground. The Grampians Road and Touring Map covers car touring and is an essential tool to help plan your route. The Grampians Iconic 4WD brochure details a popular easy-medium route. Download the Grampians National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.

    Accessibility

    A Trailrider all-terrain wheelchair and Sherpa Volunteers are now available for park visitors with limited mobility to explore the natural beauty of Grampians National Park. The Grampians has two TrailRiders available for visitors and both of these chairs are fitted with electric motors to assist operators on steeper sections of track. Passengers must wear a helmet.

    The TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair and Volunteer Sherpa service is free of charge however please book a week in advance. To book the TrailRider please contact Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre on (03) 8427 2058. To book a Volunteer Sherpa please contact the Volunteer Sherpa Coordinator on (03) 8427 3541 or volunteersherpa@parks.vic.gov.au

    Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

    Nearby Events

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    Need to know

    Central Grampians

    Change of Conditions

    Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

    • First Wannon Hike-in Camping Area (Grampians National Park)

      Major Mitchell Plateau Partial Closure

      The Major Mitchell Plateau walking track is closed between First Wannon Hike-in Camping Area and Jimmy Creek Campground due to Grampians Peaks Trail construction works.
      First Wannon Hike-in Camping Area remains open and accessible from Mt William Carpark and Kalymna Campground as a return walk.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Grand Canyon Staircase Closed

      The steel staircase at the south-eastern exit of the Grand Canyon is closed due to an engineering issue. The Grand Canyon remains open as a return walk from Wonderland Carpark. The Pinnacle walk remains open via the canyon bypass walking track.

      Mt Victory Road closure: 8th to 12th February 2021

      Mt Victory Road closed between Halls Gap and Reed Lookout: 8th to 12th of February 2021
       
      Due to roadworks from the 8th to the 12th of February 2021, Mt Victory Road will be closed to all traffic between Halls Gap and Reed Lookout.
       
      Access to visitor sites in and around the Central Grampians will be impacted during this period. Walking Tracks in the Wonderland Range will only be accessible from Halls Gap or Lake Bellfield Dam Wall.
       
      Visitor sites not accessible to vehicles:
      Wonderland Carpark
      Sundial Carpark
      Rosea Carpark

      Walking tracks only accessible by walking from Halls Gap:
      The Pinnacle
      The Grand Canyon
      Sundial Peak
      Lakeview Lookout
      Splitters Falls
      Turret Falls
       
      Visitor sites only accessible from the western side of the park (not accessible from Halls Gap):
      Zumsteins Picnic Area (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Mackenzie Falls (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Smiths Mill Campground (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Boroka Lookout (via Old Mill Road - unsealed, AWD recommended)
      Reed Lookout and the Balconies (via Northern Grampians Road)
      Boreang Campground (via Rose Creek Road)
      Stony Creek Group Camping Area (via Rose Creek Road and Glenelg River Road).
       
      Download the attached PDF map for alternative access routes to open sites in the Central Grampians from Halls Gap.
       
      For further information please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, 2.5km south of Halls Gap, Ph: (03) 8427 2058.

      Attachments: Mt Victory Road Closure - Alt accces map (1,686KB)

      Stay safe this summer around waterfalls

      It is not safe to swim under or near waterfalls. The pool at the base of a waterfall can be deep and very cold with the risk of hypothermia, and the force of the falling water can cause difficulties for even strong swimmers. Rocks around waterfalls are often wet and slippery so it is easy to slip and fall in the water or down a cliff, leading to serious injuries. Always heed warning signs and advice even if you are not planning to go in the water and be aware of changing weather conditions. Stay behind safety barriers around waterfalls –they are there to keep you safe.

    • Grampians National Park

      Mitchell Road Closed

      Mitchell Road is closed until further notice due to storm damage to a concrete causeway.

      Park Access Update - 6/01/21

      Download the latest Park Access Update for information on closures or access issues within Grampians National Park.

      Attachments: Grampians Access Update 6th Jan 2021 (171KB)

      Road Report: 22/01/2021

      Download the latest Grampians National Park Road Report to find out the condition of the parks roads and four wheel drive tracks.

      Attachments: Grampians NP Road Report - 22 Jan 2021 (169KB)

    • Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Grampians National Park)

      Stony Creek Group Camping Area Relocated

      Stony Creek Group Camping Area has been relocated 500m west of Rosea Carpark on Stony Creek Road. Walkers should access this site by following Stony Creek Road from Rosea Carpark, rather than the link track from the Mt Rosea Walking Track.

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