Zumsteins Historic Area

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    Zumsteins Historic Area

    Grampians National Park

    Enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the peaceful setting of Zumtein Picnic Area. Once a thriving tourist resort explore the historic ruins where beekeeper Walter Zumstein played host to hundreds of holidaymakers in the 1930s.

    Zumsteins Historic Area is one of the best picnic spots for your day trip in the central Grampians. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue in scenic surrounds nestled near the banks of the MacKenzie River.

    Discover the history of Zumsteins as you follow interpretive signs through the settlement. See remnants of cottages built in the 1930s as part of an old retreat for holidaymakers. 

    Follow the boardwalk along the banks of MacKenzie River. Watch the tranquil water and see if you can spot a platypus swim by. 

    Zumsteins Picnic Area has disabled access toilets, compacted gravel paths, electric barbecues and picnic shelters. A timber boardwalk is located along the banks of the MacKenzie River to allow visitors to interact with the river. It is suitable for wheelchairs.

    Things to do

     
    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.
    Three friends enjoy a picnic on the grass in front of the historic Wallace Hut.

    Picnics

    Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.
    A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

    Day trips

    Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.

    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.

    How to get there

    Zumsteins Historic Area

    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.
    Zumsteins Historic Area

    When you're there

    Download the Grampians National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.

    Need to know

    Zumsteins Historic Area

    Accessibility

    Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

    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.

    • Grand Canyon Loop Walk (Grampians National Park)

      Grand Canyon Walking Track Party Closed

      The Grand Canyon walking track is partly closed until further notice due to structural concerns with a staircase.
       
      The Grand Canyon remains open as a return walk from Wonderland Carpark.
       
      Access to the Pinnacle from Wonderland Carpark remains open via the western track that bypasses the Grand Canyon.

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

      Major Mitchell Plateau Partly Closed

      The Major Mitchell Plateau walking track is closed between First Wannon Hiker Camp and Jimmy Creek Campground due to Grampians Peaks Trail Works. First Wannon Hiker Camp remains open as a return walk from Sheep Hills Carpark, Mt William Carpark or Kalymna Campground. This closure will remain in place until further notice.

    • Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre (Grampians National Park, Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre Park)

      Temporary Closure: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre

      As of the 1st of July 2020, Parks Victoria has temporarily taken on management of Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre.

      The centre will remain closed while Parks Victoria undertakes due diligence in assessing infrastructure, facilities and conducts essential works. 

      Parks Victoria will be delivering essential park information and support services for visitors and licensed tour operators by phone, email and online, including campground bookings, school group activity statements and trip intention processes.

      Visitors seeking park information in person are asked to visit the Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre.

      Parks Victoria contact details during this period:
      Phone: 13 1963
      Online campground bookings: www.parkstay.vic.gov.au 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2020

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

    • Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Grampians National Park)

      Temporary relocation of Stony Creek Group Camping Area

      Due to Grampians Peaks Trail upgrade works, Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Campground) has been temporarily relocated approximately 1.5 km to the east along Stony Creek Road.
       
      Toilets and signage have been moved to this location.
       
      This arrangement will remain in place until mid-2020.
       
      All campers are required to stay at the new location. Camping is not permitted without a permit. 

    • Grampians National Park

      Park Access Update - 01/08/2020

      Download the Grampians National Park Access Update to find out what areas of the park are closed and open.

      Attachments: Grampians Access Update 1st August 2020 (209KB)

      European Wasps at Troopers Creek Campground

      European Wasp populations have been identified at Troopers Creek Campground. Treatment is currently occurring to control these populations. Please be mindful when in the area.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Public access restrictions at Taipan Wall and Bundaleer

      Protection zones restricting public access have been put in place to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage at the areas known as Bundaleer and Taipan Wall. Further information is available in this information sheet (PDF).

    Similar experiences

     
    A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

    Masons Falls

    Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surrounds of Masons Falls Picnic Area. Set among towering gums, the large shelters and free gas barbecues make it the perfect place for a social gathering. The short waterfall walk is a real highlight.
    An echidna in the grass.

    Picnic areas in Brisbane Ranges National Park

    There are a number of options for bushwalking ranging from short walks to three-day walks. This park is also popular for picnicking, scenic drives and camping.
    A family walk through the Organ Pipes National Park on the way to a picnic spot.

    Picnic areas

    Organ Pipes National Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic. Picnic tables and toilets are available next to the carpark and near the Organ Pipes lookout.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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