Hike to new heights on this newly completed trail.
Journey into an ancient landscape along the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT); a challenging 160km 13-day/12-night hiking experience through the rugged interior of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Best experienced from north-south, the trail begins at Mura Mura (Mt Zero) and will take you over the summit of Gar (Mt Difficult), through Halls Gap and across Redman Bluff, Major Mitchell Plateau and Mud-dadjug (Mt Abrupt) before finishing in Dunkeld.
Hiking the GPT offers the chance to immerse yourself in the ancient Aboriginal culture of Gariwerd. To see panoramic views, climb dramatic peaks and walk through the rugged ranges between unique hike-in campgrounds, be sure to experience the GPT.
While much of the trail is classified as Grade 4 and 5 and recommended for experienced bushwalkers, there are several ways to experience this stunning path depending on fitness, experience and how much time you have. Parks Victoria has an extensive list of day walks, overnight hikes and multi-day hikes, as well as information on how to tackle the full trail. But for those wanting a snapshot of this breathtaking trail that can be experienced in a weekend, here’s our weekender’s guide to the GPT.
While there are multiple ways to experience the GPT in one or two days, here are our suggestions on how to get the most out of your time on the trail while basing yourself in Halls Gap.
Lower Waterfalls of Gar (Mt Difficult)
This 4.2km loop from Troopers Creek Campground is an easy 30-minute drive from Halls Gap. As there are steep sections, steps and exposed cliff edges, this walk is rated as Grade 3 and therefore suitable for most ages and fitness levels who have some bushwalking experience.
This approximately 2-hour walk will take you along a creek and past three waterfalls, while offering spectacular views from rocky lookouts. The Lower Waterfalls of Gar are at their most breathtaking when seen after rains.
Bugiga
This overnight walk begins in Halls Gap and finishes at the Borough Huts Campground, a short 10-minute drive from the starting point. If you don’t have a friend to help you with the car shuffle, you can book a bus transfer from a Licensed Tour Operator such a the award-winning Grampians Peaks Walking Company.
Consisting of a 9km and 13.3km trail, Bugiga walk will enlighten your senses as you traverse the Wonderland and northern Serra Ranges. The hike begins by following Stony Creek upstream through the Grand Canyon, ascending the Pinnacle and continuing along the trail to camp below Bugiga Mirgani (Mt Rosea) at Bugiga Hike-in Campground. The next day, walk through enchanting bushlands and across rocky ridge tops on Bugiga Mirgani (Mt Rosea), where you’ll be treated to unrivalled views of Gariwerd (Grampians) before beginning the descent to Borough Huts Campground.
Rated as a Grade 4 hike, this one is recommended only for those with bushwalking experience.
Whether hiking overnight or just for a few hours, preparation is key to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Drinking water, sunscreen, food and appropriate footwear are all things to consider before you go. Halls Gap is well-appointed with a range of shops including a small supermarket. If in doubt, speak to the experts at Absolute Outdoors gear shop and tours, conveniently located in the centre of town.
After your hike, stay and savour what the region has to offer with dinner at the colourful Spirit of Punjab Indian Restaurant, a thirst-quenching beer at Paper, Scissors Rock Brew Co. or family-friendly feast at Kookaburra Hotel. Another fantastic dinner venue is Halls Gap Hotel, which was awarded “Best Family Dining” at the 2022 Australian Hotels Association Victorian State Awards. Then rest, recharge and unwind with a stay at one of Halls Gap’s unique venues such as Heath House luxury accommodation, the dog-friendly Grampians Getaway or family-friendly Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park.
If we’ve awoken your sense of adventure and you are ready to experience life unleashed on the Grampians Peaks Trail, Visit Grampians is the place to go to start planning your journey, The Grampians Way. The Grampians Walks book by veteran local walkers Monica and Phil Coleman has full coverage of the GPT, including 67 easy-to-follow detailed sketch maps.
