• Grampians National Park - South

  • Grampians National Park - South

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Southern Grampians

Grampians National Park

The southern Grampians takes in the remote Victoria Range and the park's highest point, Mt William. Close to Dunkeld, Mt Sturgeon, the Piccaninny and spectacular Mt Abrupt are waiting to be conquered. This expansive area far from the crowds offers rugged hikes and short walks.
The southern Grampians is often overlooked by visitors who flock to the famous sights around Halls Gap further north. But if you prefer to experience epic landscapes away from the crowds and scenic drives along lonely mountain roads, then this is the place to come.

Dunkeld is the gateway to the southern Grampians and many visitors stay here. The town is close to three fantastic summit walks: Mount Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon and The Piccaninny.

Mt William, the highest point in the Grampians, is a short and scenic drive from Halls Gap - or a longer and even more scenic drive from Dunkeld.

If you’re an experienced walker you’ll enjoy the unique challenge of the southern Grampians' overnight hikes. Tackle the 40km Major Mitchell Plateau hike or the truly remote experience of the Fortress and Mt Thackeray hike.

The Grampians is a special place for nature lovers and the remote campgrounds that offer temporary accommodation to humans are also the permanent homes of native animals. You're pretty much guaranteed to see emus, kangaroos and wallabies if you stay the night. Encounters with wildlife and plants become even more pleasing against the spectacular mountain backdrops. .

Some of the most popular places in the Grampians are its waterfalls. In the southern region, Kalymna Falls and Burrong Falls are reached by fairly short walks and are spectacular after rain. Jadawadjali Falls is a pleasant stop on the way up to Billimina Shelter, a massive rock overhang with Aboriginal art.

Traditionally known as Gariwerd, this region is home to the largest number of significant and ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings and shelters in southern Australia. A visit to Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap will help you get the most of your trip to these rock shelters. You will also find general information about visiting the park.

Things to do

 
Two friends take a guided tour near the summit of Mt William.

Mount William

Mount William or Duwul is the highest peak in the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). This trailhead provides access to the challenging Mount William walk where you can obtain 360 degree views of the mountains and surrounding pastoral lands reward walkers for their efforts.
A picnic table and fireplace in front of tents at Buandik Campround in the Grampians National Park

Buandik Campground

Buandik Campground is located in the Western Grampians at the base of the Victoria Range. The campground is set amongst open woodland beside Cultivation Creek and is close to the start of walks to Billimina and Manja rock art shelters and Buandik Falls.
A red tent, camp chairs and fireplace among tall eucalypts at Strachans Campground at Grampians National Park

Strachans Campground

Strachans Campground is located beside the headwaters of the Glenelg River at the site of a former timber mill. Strachans is perfectly situated to explore the Victoria Range and Victoria Valley, where there are opportunities for bushwalking, four wheel driving and rock climbing.
Two women hike through the Grampians National Park.

First Wannon Hiker Camp

First Wannon Hiker Camp is a small clearing with limited space best positioned for small, single groups or individual walkers undertaking the remote overnight hike across the Major Mitchell Plateau.
Two women unpack camping great from their ute at Jimmy Creek Campground at the Grampians National Park

Jimmy Creek Campground

Jimmy Creek Campground is located in an open forest adjacent to the upper Wannon River. This campground is halfway between Halls Gap and Dunkeld, and is a great base for exploring both the Southern and Eastern Grampians.

How to get there

Southern Grampians

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

When you're there

Download the Grampians National Park visitor guide or start your visit at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap. Here you will find the latest park information, maps and guidebooks.

The Grampians Road and Touring Map covers car touring and is an essential tool to help plan your route. There are two main drives in the southern Grampians. One loop starts in Halls Gap and takes in Mt William, Mirranatwa Gap, The Piccaninny and back to Halls Gap. Another, also starting in Halls Gap, includes some unsealed roads and takes in Paddy Castle, Billimina Shelter and Manja Shelter before returning to Halls Gap. The Grampians Iconic 4WD brochure details a popular easy-medium route.

Need to know

Southern Grampians

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.

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.

  • Grampians National Park

    Watchtower (access trail) - Trail remediation and improvement works

    The popular Watchtower designated climbing area located near Halls Gap in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is undergoing trail remediation and improvement works. 

    Works commenced on the base trail on Monday (22 May), with completion anticipated in early July 2023. These include the removal of old damaged and degraded timber steps, significant repairs to the existing stone access trail and construction of new stone steps and drains. 


    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Updates - Road Report 06.06.2023

    Recent rainfall has led to slippery driving conditions across many roads in Grampians National Park. Please drive carefully and plan your visit accordingly by noting the following closures. 

    Silverband Road is closed between Sundial Road and Silverband car park (one way section) on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th June, while critical flood repair works are completed. The Silverband car park will remain open, with access to the car park and waterfall via Grampians Road.  Drivers are encouraged to plan their journey and follow all signage in place. For more information, call 133 788 or email westernprojects@roads.vic.gov.au
     
    Red Rock Road and Mitchell Road are closed until further notice.
     
    Lodge Road is partly closed, from Syphon Road intersection to Asses Ears Road until further notice.
     
    Redman Road is closed for roadworks from Wednesday 31/5/2023 until further notice. Redman Road Trailhead remains open.

    Seasonal Road Closures

    Seasonal road closures are in place due to flood damage. They have been in place since November 2022. Seasonal roads will gradually reopen after repair works and final assessments are completed.

    Please see the latest road report attachment for full road and track details at the end of this notice.

    Attachments: Grampians Gariwerd National Park Road Report 02062023_02062023044510858 (191KB)

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A woman leads her partner across the Razorback track surrounded by stunning views of the Rubicon Valley.

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A couple sit around a campsite and welcome their friends to their campsite as they walk in.

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