The Grampians is a haven for hiking to new heights, peering out over the vast landscapes and soaking up the stunning views. Whether you’re an avid-hiker or just someone who enjoys the outdoors, there are plenty of day hikes and walks to enjoy on your Grampians getaway.
One of the most popular hikes in the Grampians, the Pinnacle Walk is a short journey that can be completed in less than two hours. The 2.1km walk has two starting points; from the Sundial Car Park or the Wonderland Car Park. Embarking on your trek from the Wonderland Car Park is a slightly more challenging route but nonetheless worth it to see unique Australian rock formations along the way. After your ascent, take time to rest at the top and enjoy the stunning views of Halls Gap.
Just 12km from Halls Gap you’ll find Reeds Lookout, arguably one of the best locations to enjoy a Grampians sunset. It’s a short and steep hike to the viewing platform where you can enjoy panoramic views of the rolling hills and peaceful landscapes. From Reeds Lookout, it’s an easy 1km walk to The Balconies which provides spectacular views of unique rock formations and Victoria Valley.
Located at the Northern tip of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, the Hollow Mountain (Wudjub-guyan) Walk is the perfect adventure for fit and energetic walkers. Graded as medium-hard, the track challenges walkers to tackle slippery track surfaces, rock hopping and rock scrambling. This one can be completed in two hours but be sure to slow down enough to enjoy the sights of Mt Stapylton Amphitheatre and the Wimmera Plains.
Venture down South and discover the Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug) Walk. The steep trail zig-zags its way through the forest and to the saddle between Mt Abrupt and Signal Peak, before finishing with a rocky climb to the summit. The panoramic views from the top of Mt Abrupt are outstanding and well worth the challenging ascent. This 3-hour trail is the perfect way to keep warm on a cold afternoon in the Grampians.
Get a taste of the impressive 160km world-class Grampians Peaks Trail on one of the day hikes it offers. Starting at Mt Zero Picnic Area, Mt Stapylton (Gunigalg) Walk is a challenging hike with steep sections and exposed rocky outcrops that will take about five hours.
For a shorter trip, Lake Wartook Lookout is a steady 1.1km climb up rock staircases and over rocky terraces that finishes with lovely 360 views of Lake Wartook.
From the Tunnel Road Carpark, the track begins its steady climb past rocky outcrops to the top of the Mount William range. Descending the other side, you gain sweeping views of the Serra Range and Lake Bellfield. Enjoy seeing the native flowers along the track and be sure to stop on the way down at the historic water tunnel, constructed in the 1870s to supply water to the gold-mining town of Stawell.
Discover the Horsham Public Art and Heritage Trail that winds its way through the streets of the CBD and down to the Wimmera River. The Trail comprises the CBD Trail of 2.3 kilometres and the Gardens-River Trail of 2.2 kilometres. With 27 points of interest including artworks, sculptures and galleries, be sure to allow plenty of time to wander slowly and take it all in.
The Horsham to Wimmera River Walk is another easy walk that starts in Horsham's town centre. From here the walk is a straight 2.2 km return along Firebrace Street. Along the way spot boutique and artisanal shops along with some surprise attractions and places of interest. At the end of your stroll sit down and enjoy the peaceful still waters of the Wimmera River, or if you’re feeling adventurous, continue walking along the river on the 3.4 km loop track.
Adventure seekers from far-and-wide head to Natimuk to experience some of the best abseiling in Australia at Mt Arapiles. But if you're someone that enjoys a slower pace, take a stroll through this nineteenth-century heritage township where you will discover restored heritage buildings, local produce, antiques and crafts.
Rugged granite peaks and gentle sloping woodlands are the dominant features of Langi Ghiran State Park. A pleasant walk to the mountain summit presents a view of ancient River Red Gums on the surrounding plains skirted by Mount Buangor in the east and the Grampians mountain ranges in the distant west. Lar-ne-jeering (Langi Ghiran) is from the Djab Wurrung language meaning “Home of the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo” and the Park offers a number of peaceful and scenic walks through woodland habitat where your walk will likely be accompanied by birdsong.
For a full list of day and longer trails in the Grampians, check out our guide to 10 hikes and walks.