Words by Tehya Nicholas Images Supplied
Lace up your hiking boots and hit the Western Highway because 160km of all-new, pristine hiking trails have opened in The Grampians.
As the warmer weather and holiday season approaches, it’s fair to say Melburnians are keen to get some fresh air, and Parks Victoria has come through with a stellar announcement: after 20 years of planning, the Grampians Peaks Trail has been completed and is ready to welcome its first trail blazers.
The epic new track links some of the Grampians most spectacular sandstone peaks in a blood-pumping 13-day, 12-night hike. Starting at the base of Mt Zero, the trail passes over the summit of Gar (also fittingly known as Mt Difficult), before traversing through Halls Gap, then winding across Redman Bluff, Mount William, Major Mitchell Plateau, Signal Peak, Mt Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon and more before finishing up at Dunkeld in the south.
For the experienced hiker, the full trail above is a field day with its challenging inclines, steep descents, rock scrambles and unbelievable views. The difficulty on average is a Grade 4/5, which means sweat will be dripping.
Shorter, less physically demanding hikes and itineraries have been marked out by Parks Vic on their website too, so you can enjoy the natural surrounds and learn about the rich Aboriginal history throughout the country as you wander. The traditional owners, the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples, have lived on this land they call Gariwerd for thousands of years, and interpretation signage along the trail will help hikers learn more about their rich cultural heritage and the natural environment.
There’s no cost for hitting the trail, but campers will need to book and pay a fee of roughly $47 to pitch their tents each night. All 11 campgrounds are unique and well-equipped to keep you charged and ready to go. As always, take only photos and leave only footprints to help keep this incredible national park healthy and enjoyable for generations to come.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Grampians Peak Trail completion
WHERE: Grampians National Park
WHEN: Now open
MORE INFO: Parks Victoria
We wish to acknowledge the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.