Grampians Peaks Trail

A multi-day, campground-based traverse through a big, rugged national park.

Time to Hike: Most walkers complete the full trail in 13 days and 12 nights, split across three main sections, with one night spent in town.

Best Time to Go: The most comfortable walking is typically in the cooler months (often Apr-Oct), when daytime temperatures are milder and the park is less punishing than mid-summer.

Getting there: The trail runs north to south through Grampians National Park in Victoria, Australia. Most people organise transport to the northern end and finish in the south, using regional buses, shuttles or a car shuffle.

Costs: Budget for paid campground bookings through Parks Victoria and one night of private accommodation in Halls Gap. Guided walk companies also operate on the trail at higher cost.

Difficulty: Hard - the route crosses rugged, rocky mountains and exposed ridgelines, with sustained multi-day walking and logistics that reward good fitness and planning.

The Grampians Peaks Trail is a 164 km walking track running north to south through Grampians National Park in Victoria, crossing rugged rocky mountains, valleys and long ridge-lines among abundant flora and fauna.

It is designed as a multi-day hike with a clear structure: three main sections (Northern, Central and Southern) and 11 designated campgrounds. The fourth night is spent in the township of Halls Gap at the walker’s expense, giving a mid-walk chance to resupply and sleep under a roof.

A master plan for the trail was developed in 2014 by Parks Victoria, and the route was completed and opened in its entirety in November 2021. Since then, it has attracted both independent hikers and guided operators offering everything from standard supported walks to luxury-style itineraries.

• Northern Section (4 days, 3 nights + town night): The opening stretch heads south through the northern Grampians National Park across rocky mountains, valleys and ridgelines, using the campgrounds Barigar, Gar and Werdug. Night four is spent off-trail in Halls Gap.
• Halls Gap town stop (Night 4): A planned break in Halls Gap for accommodation, a shower and a resupply before re-entering the park.
• Central Section, early (Days 5-6): Leaving Halls Gap, the trail continues through changing terrain to the campgrounds Bugiga and Barri Yalug, with more sustained ridge and mountain walking.
• Central Section, middle (Days 7-8): A rugged core through rocky country linking Duwul and Durd Durd, where footing can be slow and exposed sections are common.
• Central Section, late (Day 9): The final part of the central traverse heads toward Yarram, transitioning between ridges and valleys.
• Southern Section, early (Day 10): The southern traverse begins with a night at Wannon, continuing the north to south line through quieter parts of Grampians National Park.
• Southern Section, middle (Day 11): A further push south to Djardji-djawara through a mix of ridgelines and lower country.
• Southern Section, finish (Day 12 and onward): The last campground is Mud-dadjug before the trail completes its full north to south crossing of Grampians National Park.

The most comfortable season for long days on exposed ridgelines in Grampians National Park is generally the cooler part of the year (often Apr-Oct). Expect more variable weather and shorter daylight in winter, but less heat stress than in summer.

Conditions can change quickly in mountain terrain. Plan for sun exposure, wind on ridge-lines, and the possibility of wet, slippery rock underfoot after rain.

The route traverses Grampians National Park in western Victoria, Australia, and is typically walked north to south. Transport and trailhead logistics vary depending on which end you start from and whether you are walking the full trail or one section.

For most international visitors, the simplest approach is to base logistics around the park’s main service town, Halls Gap, then arrange a shuttle or car shuffle to the northern start and a pickup at the southern end (or vice versa).

Check Parks Victoria for current permit, booking and closure information; all designated campsites must be booked in advance. All designated campsites on the Grampians Peaks Trail must be booked in advance.

You will also need to arrange your own accommodation for the town night in Halls Gap (this is not one of the trail campgrounds). Check Parks Victoria for current booking rules and any seasonal closures or safety restrictions.

The trail uses 11 bookable campgrounds with facilities that can include water tanks, huts, camping platforms, toilets and communal areas. Your nights are typically spread across Barigar, Gar, Werdug, Bugiga, Barri Yalug, Duwul, Durd Durd, Yarram, Wannon, Djardji-djawara and Mud-dadjug.

Night four is spent in the township of Halls Gap at your own expense, which is also the most straightforward place to resupply. Because campsites must be booked ahead, lock in your dates early if you are walking in peak periods or as part of a group.