Grampians National Park is part of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.
The spectacular Grampians Peaks Trail (160km) is a challenging 13-day/12-night hiking experience through a variety of terrain in the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). Starting at Mt Zero in the north and heading south, the trail passes over the summit of Gar (Mt Difficult), continues through Halls Gap with hiking highlights including Redman Bluff, Mount William, Major Mitchell Plateau, Signal Peak, Mt Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon (and more!) before reaching Dunkeld in the south.
Stay at unique hike-in campgrounds along the trail, climb dramatic mountain peaks with panoramic views and hike along rugged rocky ridgelines. Experience a rich diversity of flora and fauna and the ancient Aboriginal culture of Gariwerd. The trail caters for a variety of hiking styles, from self-guided walkers and groups to school groups and fully-facilitated hikes with a Licensed Tour Operator.
Read the article, '7 Things You Need To Know About Hiking The Grampians Peaks Trail' by Laura Waters - long distance hiker and author, in Ultralight Hiker.
We want parks to be open and accessible and the Grampians Peaks Trail is free for anyone to walk on it, no charge. And there are some sections that can be done as day walks. The 11 hike-in campgrounds have a charge, as do all bookable campsites in parks. These hike-in campgrounds are in very remote locations, you're not near a busy road or carpark, so you feel the reward of being deep inside the national park. They have been built with a good level of amenity that is well designed, sympathetic to the landscape and sustainable. As such, they are priced higher for the value they provide. See the fees and charges schedule for more information on pricing.
Whilst the hike-in campgrounds along the Grampians Peaks Trail offer a unique, remote and convenient hiking experience along the trail there is a large network of walking trails and campgrounds throughout the park. We recommend this only for experienced hikers and ensure you have the latest Grampians Peaks Trail topographic maps in order to plan your hiking adventure (see details below in 'Plan and prepare' section).
As it’s a challenging Grade 4/Grade 5 long-distance hike, most people will prefer to do it as shorter 3-day/2-night sections, making it more accessible (easier to do) and more affordable (less of a cost outlay). It is important that all hikers are experienced, prepared and have a good fitness level if attempting sections of the trail.
Water safety
For your safety, having enough water along the Grampians Peaks Trail for hydration and cooking is so important. Our water information and availability page includes the locations (with latitude and longitude references) of serviced water tanks. All water tanks along the trail are untreated. So you need a safe way to treat water for drinking.
Plan and prepare

Choose your Grampians Peaks Trail journey
Full trail map
Day walks
Overnight Hikes
3-day hikes
4-day+ hikes
Full Grampians Peaks Trail (north to south)
Enhance your Grampians Peaks Trail experience
GPT Licensed Tour Operators
Northern Peaks Experience (Huts)
GPT school and group information
Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre
Explore the region
How to get there
Grampians Peaks Trail
The Grampians Peaks Trail runs from the northern point of the Grampians National Park (near Dadswells Bridge) to the southern point of the park (at Dunkeld). It 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.
When you're there
Visit our Information for schools an independent groups page for more information about group bookings.
Local Visitor Information Centres can assist with accommodation, walk, dining, tours, activities, festivals, events and Licensed Tour Operators.
Go to visitgrampians.com.au for ideas to explore the region – The Grampians Way.
Hiking tips for Grampians Peaks Trail
Be sure to pack:
- A compass and Official Grampians Peaks Trail topographic map (for North/Central/South) available from Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, Halls Gap and other visitor outlets in nearby towns.
- Waterproof jacket and pants, thermal layers, breathable-fabric layers, beanie, sun hat and sunscreen.
- Hiking boots or shoes with a good tread and support.
- Water and food for all meals and snacks, plus extra for an emergency. Fuel stove for cooking. How much water do I need? During summer, we recommend 4-6 litres of water per day. Whilst there are untreated rainwater tanks at campgrounds and key trailheads along the trail, we cannot guarantee tere will be water. We are monitoring this and doing our best to provide water at these points.
- Drinking water treatment equipment for untreated water tanks at campgrounds and key trailheads.
- 3-season tent, 3-season sleeping bag, mat and cord/thin rope to attach your tent to timber tent platforms.
- Lightweight gas or liquid fuel stove, matches/lighter, cooking pot and utensils.
- Head torch with spare batteries. Useful when moving around a campground at night.
- Good quality first aid kit with snake bite bandage.
- Mobile phone with USB cable – you can recharge at campgrounds along the trail. We also recommend taking a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for extra safety and a small radio to listen to weather or bushfire updates.
- Toilet paper, trowel and a bag to carry your rubbish.
- Waterproof pack liner to keep everything in your hiking backpack dry.
Caring for the national park
- There are no rubbish bins - reduce your use of disposable items and take all of your rubbish home with you.
- Campfires are not permitted along the trail, at hike-in campgrounds or outside of designated fireplaces. Use gas or liquid fuel stoves only.
- Dogs, cats and other domestic pets are prohibited, and this includes keeping them in your car.
Be fire ready
Ensure you have a personal fire plan. Source a copy of the Fire Danger Information Sheet. Available from Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre and local Visitor Information Centres.
For emergency updates and fire information call 1800 226 226, listen to local radio (94.1FM, 89.3FM, 91.7FM or 594AM), download the VicEmergency phone app or visit emergency.vic.gov.au.
The Grampians National Park overlaps the Wimmera and South West fire districts.
Need to know
Grampians Peaks Trail
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.
Although the walks on this page are not suitable, a TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair and volunteers are now available for park visitors with limited mobility to explore the natural beauty of other parts of the 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 service is free of charge, however, please book a week in advance. To book the TrailRider please contact the Volunteer Coordinator on (03) 8427 3541 or volunteer@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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I have to do the full 160km hike?
No, there are lots of ways you can experience the Grampians Peaks Trail! Create your ideal experience and choose from various length hikes ranging from day walks to one-night and multi-day hikes through to the full 13-days/12-nights. Scroll up on this page to see the various trip itineraries available.
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How difficult is the Grampians Peaks Trail?
The Grampians Peaks Trail is a challenging long-distance hike. Most sections of the trail are classified as Grade 4, however, some sections vary from Grade 3 to Grade 5. The trail has been assessed along the full length, however surface changes due to weather impacts may at times make some sections of walk more difficult. It is important that all hikers are experienced, prepared and have a good fitness level if attempting the trail.
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How much does it cost to hike the Grampians Peaks Trail?
We want parks to be open and accessible and there is no charge to hike the Grampians Peaks Trail. Some sections of the trail can be done as day walks for free. While the hike itself is free, the 11 hike-in campgrounds do have a charge, as do all bookable campsites in parks. These hike-in campgrounds are in very remote locations, you're not near a busy road or carpark, so you feel the reward of being deep inside the national park. They have been built with a good level of amenity, are well designed, sympathetic to the landscape and sustainable. As such, they are priced higher for the value they provide.
The majority of hikers will do shorter sections of the trail rather than the full hike, making it more accessible (easier to do) and more affordable (less of a cost outlay).
See the fees and charges schedule for more information on pricing.
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Why are the overnight camping fees higher than other campgrounds in the park?
The cost of camping contributes to the operation and maintenance of this outstanding experience and to protect this heritage-listed national park.
Total costs are dependent on the number of nights hikers stay, with the majority of hikers expected to walk shorter itineraries, rather than the full 12 night/13 days.
Each hike-in campground is uniquely designed to be sympathetic with the natural environment with excellent amenities for a great experience for hikers. They all include basic toilet facilities, untreated water tanks and some have an unpowered communal shelter or gathering area for meal preparation. They are in remote locations, therefore the cost to maintain and service the campgrounds is higher than other campgrounds. The booking cost reflects this.
The majority of walkers will do shorter itineraries, rather than the full walk, making it more accessible (easier to do) and more affordable (less of a cost outlay).
See the fees and charges schedule for more information on pricing.
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Why do some campgrounds have a different level of service but the same price?
The pricing of campgrounds is calculated along the full length of the trail, rather than by individual campground. Service costs are taken into account when calculating the price structure. The cost to service a campground relates not just to the level of facilities it offers, but also to its location. Some campsites with a lower level of facilities are in more remote areas which increases the cost to service them.
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Where is water available on the trail?
Untreated water is available at tanks at campgrounds and trailheads. Hikers must have a reliable and easy way to treat water for drinking. Each hiker should carry at least 3 to 4 litres per day.
Further information on the precise locations of water tanks is available on the specific trail section and campground information on the Parks Victoria website.
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Why can’t I book to walk from south to north?
To manage the number of people on the trail camping bookings can only be made from north to south. This reduces any potential congestion on the track and at campgrounds and creates a less crowded experience.
Walking north to south is also the best way to experience Grampians Peaks Trail. Many of the key features of the landscape unexpectedly and dramatically reveal themselves to the walker when travelling in this direction.
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Why do I have to book all nights in a set itinerary? Ie: I can’t skip a night if I’m choosing to do a longer day and combine sections of the trail
In order to enable people to book camping along the entire trail, we’ve needed to set-up the booking system in blocks, otherwise there would be too many single-night gaps that would make it difficult for other people to book their hiking trip.
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Can I do the Grampians Peaks Trail and choose other campgrounds within the national park to stay at?
Hikers along overnight sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail must use bookable campgrounds to ensure visitor numbers are managed and the natural landscape protected. For experienced hikers and people who are very familiar with Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park it is possible to hike large sections of the trail and stay at other bookable campgrounds in the park. These campgrounds require you to walk further distance as they’re not located directly on the Grampians Peaks Trail and they may not have the same level of amenities or remote location, however, they are less expensive.
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On the suggested full Grampians Peaks Trail itinerary, day 4 ends in Halls Gap, and then day 5 begins by walking to Bugiga. Is there a campsite for the end of day 4 walk?
No. With many accommodation options in Haps Gap and limited practical options to build new campsites within the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, it is required that walkers book separate accommodation or camping in Halls Gap for night 4. For help in booking 1-night accommodation in Halls Gap go to Visit Grampians (during weekends and peak times some hotels in Halls Gap have a 2-night minimum stay).
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I plan on doing the full trail, but I want to have an extra break in Halls Gap. How do I book this?
It’s a great idea, as it not only gives you an extra rest day in Halls Gap but it will make booking accommodation in Halls Gap easier as some places have a 2-night minimum stay on weekends and peak times. To do this, you’ll need to build your hike using the overnight and 3-day hike itineraries.
For the first part of journey:
Start by booking the Barigar Overnight Hike. You can find this on the Overnight Hikes page. You will have the option to add more itineraries to your booking. Add the Gar and Werdug 3-day hike to your itinerary. Remember to start this 3-day itinerary on the same day you finish the previous itinerary.
For the second part of your journey:
Add the Bugiga and Barri Yalug 3-day hike for the date you’d like to restart your hike following your break in Halls Gap. Add the subsequent itineraries to your booking to complete the trail: Duwul and Durd Durd 3-day hike, Yarram to Wannon 3-day hike and Djardji-djawarra and Mud-dadjug 3-day hike. Remember to start each 3-day itinerary on the same day you finish the previous itinerary.
This can all be done in one transaction. The cost of the hike will be the same as booking the full GPT itinerary. If you have any questions, call our Customer Service Team on 13 1963 who can help with your booking.
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Why can’t I book a hut? The system won’t let me
The huts at Gar and Werdug make up the Grampians Peaks Trail’s Northern Peaks Experience. The huts are only available to book by Licensed Tour Operators who are licensed to run facilitated walks on the trail.
To learn more about the various walking experiences on offer for the huts, please contact the Licensed Tour Operators directly. See more details of Licensed Tour Operators operating the Northern Peaks Experience.
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Why can’t I book after June 2022?
As this long-distance hike is new, we are taking the opportunity to assess initial walker and Licensed Tour Operator feedback and experience to ensure that it meets expectations and operates smoothly. This will inform if any minor changes need to be made after mid-2022. Therefore, bookings for July 2022 onwards will not initially be available. Please check the site regularly in early 2022 to see when bookings open for July 2022 onwards.
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Who can I contact to organise a guided walk, provide transport to start/end the hike and food?
There are several Licensed Tour Operators that offer products from fully guided experiences, to shuttle services and hiker support. See the Licensed Tour Operators page on the GPT section of the Parks Victoria website for a list of Licensed Tour Operators for the Grampians Peaks Trail.
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2022
Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information. -
Grand Canyon Loop Walk (Grampians National Park)
Grand Canyon Staircase Closure
A steel staircase located 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 the Wonderland Carpark. The Pinnacle walk remains open via the canyon bypass walking track.
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Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre (Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre Park, Grampians National Park)
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park- Road Access Updates
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park- Road Access Updates (24/6/2022)Attachments: Grampians NP Road Report - 24.6.2022 (170KB)
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park- Park Access Updates
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park- Park Access Updates (24/6/2022)Attachments: Grampians National Park Access Update 24th June (410KB)