The Grampians is by far my favourite part of Victoria (and possibly Australia as a whole). I love how wild it feels, with its ancient sandstone cliffs towering high above native Aussie bush. There’s a lot going for it, and outdoor enthusiasts flock to it from all over the world to experience one or more of the Grampians hikes.
Hiking in the Grampians is definitely one of the best things to do here though. Trust me, there’s a track for everyone: young, old, experienced, and novice hiker alike. In fact, there are so many Grampians walks that it can be hard to settle on one to do!
Do you know the struggle? Well, this post should help! I’ve researched and written up a list of the 10 best Grampians hikes to simplify things on your next trip to this beautiful part Australia. Keep reading to find out all about them!
10 Unmissable Grampians Hikes: Epic Grampians Attractions
Want to go hiking in the Grampians? The coming list of top 10 Grampians walks should help you pick the best Grampian’s hike for you.
1. The Pinnacle Walk
- Distance: 2.1 to 9.6km (depending on starting point).
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours (depending on starting point).
- Difficulty: Ranges from easy to moderately difficult.
The Pinnacle is one of the most famous attractions in the Grampians. It’s iconic, and people come from all over the place to hike up it. You can’t blame them either- it’s an exceptionally cool trail.
There are three ways to tackle it, ranging from an easy 2.1km jaunt, to a tougher 9.6km workout. That variety means the whole family, including moms (check out the best gifts for moms who travel!), dads, grandparents and grandkids, can all get up to enjoy the incredible Pinnacle lookout at the top. The views from there are insanely good, so it would be a shame for anyone to miss out on them!
If you want more of a challenge, then definitely do the full 9.6km.
It starts from Halls Gap Botanical Gardens, and takes you through classic Grampians scenery. You’ll walk past the Venus Baths, Splitter Falls, The Grand Canyon (the Aussie version!), Silent Street, and up to the lookout itself. Each place is a unique and unmissable highlight of arguably the greatest of Grampians National Park walks and you’ll only experience them all by taking the longest route to the top.
You can also start from Sundial Carpark and Wonderland Carpark though. These are much easier ascents (start from Sundial for the easiest route), which make them more suitable for younger children.
Wait for good weather for the best views; take sturdy footwear and enough water for the duration.
2. Grampians Peaks Trail (Best Grampians Overnight Hike)
- Distance: 36.6km circuit
- Duration: 3 days (2 nights)
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard (Grade 4)
The Grampians Peaks Trail sounds like an epic overnight hike! If you’re after something a little longer and more strenuous, then pack your tent (or your hammock with mosquito net) this could be a top option. Interestingly, it seems like a significantly longer version of this walk is currently being constructed. When it’s finished (it should be done by now, but double check before you go!), it’ll be a huge 13 day hike taking you along the entire length of the Grampians National Park.
If not, you’ll have to settle for 36.6kms, and a mere 3 day’s hiking! That’s more than enough time to enjoy some serious Grampians trail highlights. It takes you past some of the key attractions here.
You summit two major peaks: the Pinnacle (day 1) and Mount Rosea (day 2). In the process, you’ll be entrenched in the immense beauty and cultural history of the area, for three entire days. It’s sure to be a quality adventure, and a test for the legs too! There are some decent climbs involved along the way. The site recommends having some bush walking experience to complete it safely. Here’s how the hike divvies up over the three days:
Day 1 (Halls Gap to Bugiga Hiker Camp): 8.6km
Day 2 (Bugiga to Borough Huts Camp): 13.8km
Day 3 (Borough Huts to Halls Gap): 14.2km
3. Chatauqua Peak
- Distance: 5.6km return
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
In Halls Gap and want some quality Grampians views, but don’t have a lot of time? Chatauqua Peak is the hike I recommend.
Starting from Halls Gap Botanical Gardens, it’s beautiful, relatively easy, and full of cool twists and turns. I rate it as one of the best short walks Grampians National Park has to offer. My favourite bit comes right at the end. At the end of a final shallow ascent, you hang a right and move across a rocky ridgeline to find the summit.
You’re rock hopping and scrambling in places, using hands and feet to get over the giant boulders that litter the area. I loved it for this unexpected adventurous final section, but it may be off limits to younger children for the same reason.
That doesn’t really matter though. Kids will be fine up to this point, and you don’t actually need to cover this rocky stretch to enjoy the views! You can head back down the same route, or take an alternative path. I recommend the latter, which takes you past Clematis Falls (be sure to stop there on your way down!).
4. Boronia Peak
- Distance: 6.6km return
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
I love the Boronia Peak trail too. It’s a lovely hike that anyone can do- there are some relatively steep ascents, which definitely get the legs working, but it’s altogether accessible to everyone. I’ve seen people young and old tackle it without a problem.
Start at the Tandara Road carpark, just outside the Halls Gap main strip. From there, you cross Fyans Creek footbridge and begin the climb up through native pine forest. The track ascends gradually at first, before getting a little more intense over time. The steeper sections are balanced out nicely by occasional flat and even slight downhill sections too.
My favorite part comes at the very end again, where there’s an awesome little rock scramble up to the summit. It’s a definite all-fours deal, and feels more of a climb than a hike! You come out on an exposed rock plateau, with insane views over the surrounding area.
Head back down the way you came. I highly recommend this hike as a quieter alternative to the Pinnacle, with equally impressive views.
5. Mount Rosea
- Distance: 12km return
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
As far as the walks on this list go, the one to Mt. Rosea summit is one of the longest. But, from what I gather (I’ve not done this one), the panoramic views from the top are worth the effort. Start at the Rosea carpark, which is an easy 20 minute drive from Halls Gap. From there, follow the yellow markers up through native bushland, between sandstone rock formations and up to the top.
This trails seems exceptionally cool. You’ve got rock passages to squeeze through, rocky obstacles to climb over, and a path that generally isn’t particularly path-like in places! It looks a lot of fun.
The markers are said to be easy to lose sight of though, so keep your eyes peeled. Careful at the summit as well- the path takes you up close and personal with the edge! Spring or early summer is meant to be the best time to tackle Mount Rosea.
6. MacKenzie Falls
- Distance: 2km return
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
MacKenzie Falls deserves a brief mention. It’s less of a hike and more of a must-see attraction in the area! These huge waterfalls are the largest in Victoria and are well worth the effort of getting there.
The Mackenzie Falls carpark is a 40 minutes’ drive from Halls Gap. From there you take a 1km path to a viewing platform. Nicely, this is wheelchair accessible too. There’s also a steeper trail to consider, which leads to the bottom of the falls and takes another half an hour (one way) to complete. Be sure to incorporate these falls on any trip to the area!
7. Hollow Mountain Walk (Best Short Walk in the Grampians)
- Distance: 2.2km return
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
The Hollow Mountain track is located to the north of the Grampians. It is genuinely awesome for an afternoon’s exploring! Think gaping caverns, rock-hopping, aboriginal significance, and off-the-beaten-track panoramic views over the surrounding area.
Drive about 40 minutes from Halls Gap to get there. Note that access roads are unsealed, but in good condition. You won’t regret the effort to get there, either. This is truly an insanely impressive way to spend the afternoon. At 2.2km, this walk is only short, but it’s an intense slog to the top (hence why it takes 2 hours to complete!).
Far from well-manicured and beaten paths, expect an untouched trail through impressive gullies and over rocks and ledges. Hopping and scrambling to the top is the order of the day. Scared of heights? It may well test your mettle! It feels like more of a climb in certain sections.
This place is fairly wild, and not for the faint of heart. Anyone wanting an adventurous ascent up to epic views will enjoy this one. The caves to explore on the way up make for an awesome addition to the experience too.
8. Mt. Sturgeon
- Distance: 7km return
- Duration: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Mt. Sturgeon is another well-known Grampians ascent that’s worthy of your time. It’s listed as hard, but at 7km it isn’t particular far, and I’ve seen reports of it being easier than its official grading. Take it at your own pace and you should be fine! That said, it’s got all the usual ‘struggles’ of harder Grampians hikes:
Slippery tracks, water crossings, and a fair dose of rock hopping. It’s meant to be good for people searching for a medium-distanced adventure over beautiful Grampians ground.
However it ranks in terms of difficulty, the Mt. Sturgeon summit offers more incredible panoramic views of the area and warrants the effort to get up to it. You’ll have a quality view of the mighty Mt. Abrupt as well (more on this next).
9. Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug)
- Distance: 6.5km return
- Duration: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (Grade 3)
Abrupt in name, abrupt in nature! This is one Grampians walk that lives up to its name. It’s a beautiful looking mountain, rising like a wave from the surrounding plains. Mt. Abrupt looks impressive even from a distance.
Starting at a gradual incline, the track winds steeply to the summit. It’s got all the classic Grampians good stuff to look forward to: beautiful bushland, sandstone slabs, and a fair amount of Aussie wildlife to boot (including eagles, kestrels and falcons). You should be relatively fit to attempt this hike. Expect rock hopping, scrambling, water crossings, and hearty ascents over exposed ground.
Mt. Abrupt has struggled in the past with landslips too. Be especially wary following rainfall. Keep an eye out as you go. If possible, wait for the fair weather days of spring and early summer to attempt it.
10. The Piccaninny
- Distance: 2.4km return
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Don’t fancy the slog to the top of Mt. Abrupt? Consider taking the Piccaninny walk instead. The summit provides a stunning vantage point from which to enjoy Mt. Abrupt from a safe distance! Starting from Piccaninny carpark, you take a steadily ascending path up to the top.
This seems like a nice and easy amble for an afternoon or early evening. Stroll with ease through open Aussie forests, enjoying the wildflowers that burst forth in spring. The track becomes steeper up to the ridge that leads to the summit, and the lookout there.
It’s Time To Go Hiking In The Grampians (Essential Grampians Hikes)
There you have it: 10 of the best Grampians hikes to do next time you’re in town. You’ll soon realize that the Grampians are a paradise for hikers. The National Park’s just littered with trails for budding walkers to enjoy. Hopefully, this post has highlighted some of the top options available! Got questions? Leave a comment below!
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These are awesome trails! The world is soooo big. Still so many places to explore. In the past, it was only because we lack the resources, now with Covid-19, travelling has been totally curtailed.
I have to agree that all 10 of these hikes in The Grampians are breathtaking! I would love to check out all of these trails!