Intrepid Vacations: Walk the Grampians Peaks Trail

Day 1 Melbourne / Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
We depart Melbourne CBD at 8am, heading for the spectacular Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, which spans across the ancestral lands of the Djab Wurrung and Jadawadjali Peoples. On our way to Halls Gap for lunch, we will stop for morning tea or refreshments and to get to know your fellow hikers. We'll undertake 2 walks this afternoon. The first is to the MacKenzie Falls, the most iconic and spectacular waterfall in the Grampians. It's a 2km return hike which includes 260 narrow steps and while the climb back may pose a challenge, the view from below is well worth the effort. The Balconies is our second walk. It's an easy walk with interesting rock formations and sweeping views of the Victorian plains. After checking in at our accommodation, enjoy a well-deserved warm shower and mingle with your fellow walkers over some nibbles and lovely dinner.
(D)

Day 2 Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Today we head off to Mt Zero Trailhead the most northern section of the Grampian Peaks Trail. Heading south we enjoy a day of mainly ridgeline hiking passing over rocky slabs. We take in views of Staplyton Amphitheatre and the orange wave of Taipan Wall. Then venture through low forest and dense scrub to Golton Creek. Ascend again toward the Mt Difficult Range to reach Barigar (mountain stream) passing small creeks and seasonal rockpools along the way. Finally trek through grassy woodland before the ridgeline takes you to your destination of Roses Gap. On the completion of the hike we'll return to Halls Gap for the evening.
(B, L, D)

Day 3 Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Today drive north again to continue the hike south back to Halls Gap. This ia great end to end day on the Peaks Trail. Our walk starts from Werdug with a climb up to the Lake Wartook Lookout. Trek the escarpment through rocky gardens before descending down into the wetter eastern slopes. The hike into Halls Gap includes tall forest with ferns, wattles and tea trees. Chautauqua Peak is the final ascent before town. Here, Clematis Falls may have something to offer, depending on recent rains, before the Botanic Gardens signals your destination. Once again enjoy an included dinner to replenish
(B, L, D)

Day 4 Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Our walk today starts from Halls Gap with a climb up and out of the township. We walk past Venus baths, Elephant Hide and the spectacular Grand Canyon (not to be mistaken for its American big brother!) before we make our way to the top of The Pinnacle. From this popular lookout we will enjoy superb views over Halls Gap and its surroundings.
(B, L, D)

Day 5 Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
We will drive south to continue our adventure with a climb through stunted forest onto the Serra Range. This is some of the most remote part of the Grampians Peaks Trail, so take a deep breath and let yourself be inspired by all the natural beauty around you. Enjoy the expansive views to the western Victoria Range will bring you towards Djardji-Djawara (sister). In Spring, there is likely to be an abundance of wildflowers including a range of heath, orchid, grevillea, bush pea and blue tinsel-lily. Head back to the picturesque Halls Gap for dinner and perhaps a well earned drink.
(B, L, D)

Day 6 Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park / Melbourne
It's time to say goodbye to the wonderful Halls Gap and slowly make our way back to Melbourne. But before we do, we will head over to the southern end of the Grampians. This day is another end to end walk ending with a satisfying view from the summit of Mt Sturgeon. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment looking out over the ranges. From Mt Sturgeon we will drive to Dunkeld where you will have some time to pick up some lunch and wander through this rather quaint town. We will head into Melbourne via Ballarat and should arrive back in the city late afternoon.
(B, L)