Photo: Joshthefishy / CC BY-SA 4.0
Stretching 164 kilometres across Victoria's rugged Grampians National Park, the Grampians Peaks Trail is a world-class multi-day hike that delivers some of Australia's most dramatic escarpment scenery. This challenging but rewarding route takes you through ancient sandstone ranges, over exposed ridgelines, and into secluded valleys blanketed with wildflowers. With well-appointed campsites and stunning lookouts at every turn, it's a bucket-list adventure for serious hikers and nature lovers alike.
Highlights & What to See
- The Pinnacle lookout – a short side trip offering jaw-dropping views over Halls Gap and the surrounding peaks, best at sunrise or sunset.
- Mount William – the highest point in the Grampians, where you can gaze across the entire range and out to the Southern Ocean on clear days.
- Wonderland Range – a series of sheer sandstone cliffs, rock pools, and cascading waterfalls like the beloved Mackenzie Falls.
- Brambuk Cultural Centre – learn about the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people's deep connection to this landscape, with art and storytelling that enriches the hike.
- Wildlife encounters – keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and the elusive lyrebird among the eucalypt forests.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most walkers complete the full Grampians Peaks Trail in 7 to 10 days, covering 15–25 kilometres each day. The route is divided into 13 sections with designated campsites, many of which require booking well in advance. For a shorter taste, consider tackling a 2- or 3-day section like the northern loop from Halls Gap to the Pinnacle and back. Plan for moderate to high fitness levels, as the trail involves steep ascents and rocky terrain.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Halls Gap – the gateway town with cafes, accommodation, and the Brambuk Cultural Centre, perfect as a base before or after the hike.
- Grampians National Park – explore other short walks, waterfalls, and rock-climbing spots that don't require the full trail.
- Great Ocean Road – a scenic 3-hour drive south leads to the Twelve Apostles and dramatic coastal cliffs, ideal for a road-trip extension.
- Ballarat – the historic gold-rush city with heritage architecture and the famous Sovereign Hill museum, about 2 hours east.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Halls Gap — Diliff / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Grampians National Park — Joe Ritson / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Great Ocean Road — Bobak Ha'Eri / CC BY 3.0
- Ballarat — Mattinbgn ( talk · contribs ) / CC BY 3.0
- The Pinnacle — No machine-readable author provided. Neilcreek~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 2.5