The highly anticipated 160km Grampians Peaks Trail through Gariwerd / Grampians National Park has officially opened, and just in time for big summer adventures! 

Where does the Grampians Peaks Trail go?

The mammoth 13 day / 12 night hike begins at Mt Zero in the north and heads south up and over several summits, including Gar / Mt Difficult, Redman Bluff, and Mt Abrupt, passes through Halls Gap and across Major Mitchell Plateau, all before finishing up at Dunkeld. 

The ancient landscape of Gariwerd / Grampians National Park is rich in a diversity of flora and fauna as well as Aboriginal culture. Expect to bag your fair share of dramatic mountain peaks, gawk at a myriad of unreal panoramic views, and scramble across the iconic rugged ridgelines that Gariwerd / Grampians National Park is known for. 

 

Hiking Ancient Gariwerd – Stage One of the Grampians Peaks Trail, Emily Barlow, rocks, rock stacks, hike

How much does it cost to hike the Grampians Peaks Trail?

Although there’s no fee for simply walking the trail, if you’re going for longer than a day and need to make use of one of the 11 hike-in campgrounds you’ll have to book and will be asked to pay.

The total cost of a standard tent pad for the full trail is $524.70 (plus one night of off-trail accommodation at Halls Gap). That makes the cost of a single campground around $47 per tent per night. 

Got a mate you can bunk with? That’ll halve the cost for both of you. 

Although this seems a bit steep, the campgrounds are particularly remote, sustainably constructed, and have a good level of amenities. I’m talking raised tent pads, water tanks, and communal shelters with solar-powered USBs so you can recharge your phone!

13 days is a bit much, got anything shorter?

Absolutely! The hike can be split into more accessible 3 day/ 2 night sections, like the hike from the Pinnacles to Mt Rosea. 

There are also some sections that can be tackled as a day hike if you’re after a taste-test of the trail without biting off more than you can chew.

I’m sold! How do I book my spot on the Grampians Peaks Trail?

Bookings are already open (and filling up fast!). The Parks Victoria website has all the info on the Grampians Peaks Trail, plus options for booking overnight hikes, 3 day hikes, or the entire 160km trail. 

We’re stoked to finally see this long-awaited trail ready to be explored!

 

Photos thanks to @embarlow_