One of Victoria’s most iconic Parks is the Grampians National Park. It rises from the surrounding plains like a skyscraper in the desert. Once you enter the mountains, a timeless sense of wonder envelopes you, as the mountains seemingly stretch as far as the eye can see.

Our base is Halls Gap, which has restaurants, shops, cafes and loads of friendly kangaroos waiting to meet you.

The Grampians also has some of Victoria’s most famous 4WD tracks and hiking trails. So why not join us for the weekend, make new friends and experience this wonderful part of Victoria. If you have never been here before, I guarantee you will want to come back.

Distance: Refer to hikes below.

Walk Description

This trip is graded as Medium. Please be honest with yourself about your ability. We intend to move at a pretty decent clip. Note that we don’t run guided tours – it’s a hiking trip. Trip leaders may decline a booking if they are not confident that you have the requisite fitness.

Saturday:   Mt Rosea and Sundial Peak – 16 km Medium-Hard (about 8 hours)

This scenic Mount Rosea and Sundial Peak hike traverses along the southern end of the Wonderland Range and culminates in an ascent or Mt Rosea and Sundial Peak which offers sweeping views over Lake Bellfield and Halls Gap.

 Mt Rosea provides one of the most expansive landscape vistas in the Grampians.

Ensure you are well prepared with at least 3ltrs or water for this hike. We drive 15 minutes to the start point of this hike.                         (trailhiking.com.au)

 Sunday:   Southern Grampians.

We will head to the rarely visited southern part of the hike this morning to undertake a number of shorter hikes that have not been visited by YHA Bushwalking in recent years. It is roughly a 45 minute drive to the start point of the first hike:

 Mt Abrupt: 6.3 km – Medium.

This Mount Abrupt hike, suitable for fit and energetic walkers, can involve water crossings, slippery track surfaces, rock hopping and rock scrambling. The steep track winds its way through heathy woodland to a ridge. Follow the ridge over rock slabs and stunted montane vegetation to the summit, for one of the most spectacular views.

 The Picaninny: 2.4 km – Easy – Medium

The view from the summit of the Piccaninny walk provides excellent views of Mt Abrupt and the nearby town of Dunkeld with its impressive and unique landscape. Take the gradually climbing track through open forest that provides stunning wildflower displays during Spring.

 Mt Sturgeon: 6.4 km – Medium – Hard, should take three hours.

The Mount Sturgeon hike, suitable for fit and energetic walkers, can involve water crossings, slippery track surfaces and rock hopping. Follow the path up through open woodland and view endemic montane species such as the Grampians Gum. Several steep sections lead through rocky terrain and stunted vegetation dominates as the track nears the summit. The walk provides panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and volcanic plains over Dunkeld, the gateway to the southern Grampians. Return by the same route.

You can choose to only do some or all of these hikes if you prefer – but all will be offered. I figure if you’ve come this far, you may as well as seize the day before we return home.

Accommodation

We will be staying in shared rooms at the Grampians Eco YHA, Corner Grampians and Buckler Roads, Halls Gap.
We have booked 4 rooms with 3 people allocated to each room. Each room has 2 double bunks plus lockers, bed light, heater/fan, power-point.
Bed linen is included. You can bring your own towel, or hire one for $2.
We will aim to have each room single-gender, however this may not be possible, so there may be one room that is mixed.
The hostel has free on-site car parking, two self-catering kitchens with fresh eggs from the hostel chickens, two guest lounges with cosy wood fire heaters, free Wi-Fi in communal areas, a herb garden, BBQ and beautiful outdoor spaces to relax in.

Other Details

Getting there and away:

Grampians National Park is a good 3-hour drive from Melbourne CBD. You will want to arrive on the Friday night, so get away early if you can.
Public transport options are limited. Please make your own enquiries if this appeals.   Otherwise, we will try to organise car pooling; nothing guaranteed, of course. Passengers, you are expected to work with your driver!

Housekeeping:

We leave for each day’s hikes at 8.00 am.
We will have a group dinner on Saturday night at the local pub or a local restaurant.
You are able to buy your lunches in Halls Gap (as opposed to making them) if you prefer.

Age Limit:

This event is aimed at adults, both in terms of the hikes selected and the dinner and drinks venues. Over 18s only please.

Booking and Payment:

Booking is required for this walk using the Book button below when bookings are open.  Once your Booking Request has been submitted, the Leader will confirm your acceptance onto the walk, or not, via email.  Payment in full is required once the leader accepts you onto the walk.   Payment details are provided on your acceptance pending payment email.    Once your payment has been confirmed (please allow a few days for this) you will receive a confirmation email.

If you are paying via EFT or Branch Deposit, please use Trip Code: 230819.    Include Trip Code + your name as payment description/reference. For a branch deposit, put the Trip Code in the Six Digit Aux Serial No.

A few days before the walk, the leader will organise car-pooling and provide details of where and when to meet.

Passengers must pay the driver their share of car-pooling costs as described on the Car-pooling page. Please bring cash for this purpose.

What to bring on each hike:

• Day pack
• Sufficient water (2 litres, more on hot summer days)
• Lunch and snacks
• Hat, sun screen
• Suitable outdoor clothing (no jeans/sneakers!)
• Rainwear & warm jacket
• Proper walking shoes/boots

Refer to our Gear Checklist page for more details.   If you are not properly equipped, the walk leader can decide not to let you participate on this walk.

Still have questions?

Check out What happens on a walk.

Check out Weekend and extended walks.

Contact the leader using the “Enquiry” button

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