The Grand Canyon loop walk in Gariwerd/Grampians National Park is open to hikers again for the first time since 2021 when it was closed after an engineering assessment.

 

Three years ago, an engineering assessment revealed the previous staircase on the Grand Canyon loop walk needed replacing. The trail has finally reopened, with Parks Victoria unveiling the brand new staircase which allows for safe access in and out of the spectacular rocky gorge. The staircase weighs a whopping 3.4 tonnes and was transported 280km from Melbourne before being airlifted into the canyon by helicopter.

 

Grampians-grand-canyon-staircase. Parks Victoria

The staircase being airlifted into the canyon via helicopter | Parks Victoria

 

The 900m moderately strenuous loop walk takes trekkers through the magnificent rocky formations of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape.

The region, which is part of the aptly named Wonderland Range, is home to waterfalls, trickling streams, spring wildflowers, mountain panoramas, and native wildlife such as kangaroos, emus, native birds, and wallabies.

 

Grampians Grand Canyon staircase. Parks Victoria

The new staircase provides safe access to the canyon | Parks Victoria

 

The project was a part of the Victorian Government’s $24.7 million Asset Regeneration Program, which aims to upgrade unsafe infrastructure across Victoria’s parks.

In addition to the Grand Canyon upgrades, Parks Victoria has also begun a $5 million restoration on the Grampians Peaks Trail trailheads, as well as a $7.7 million revitalisation of nearby MacKenzie Falls.

 

Feature image by @disco_steww

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