The Most Beautiful Day Hikes In The Grampians

The Grampians National Park is an amazing place to visit. It is very popular place to spend a weekend or longer, with countless trails to explore. Hiking is the most common activity in the Grampians. There is trails for all fitness levels from short easy trails to steep hard climbs to the peaks of the mountains. I’ve put together this blog after many trips to the Grampians these are the most beautiful day hikes here in the Grampians. Click on the picture for a guide to the Grampians, the closest towns, the best time to visit and the Campgrounds.

The grampians map — Source: Visitor guide downloadable at Parks Victoria website

Camping

Camping is popular in the Grampians and there are 12 campgrounds operated by Parks Victoria, three of which are free. The rest can be booked through the Parks Vic website here. Plantation Campground is the largest Grampians camping area and is free to use, with good toilet and shower facilities. We stayed at Lake Lonsdale which is located just 15 minutes from Stawell and 20 Minutes from Halls Gap. The campground has toilet facilities but no drinking water. There is drinking water and a dump point in Stawell. If you prefer to stay indoors Grampians YHA Hostel offer rooms from $40 and are located just 1km from Halls Gap. Click Here to check out the Hostel.

Hollow Mountain

Distance: 2.4 km return
Time: 1.5 – 2 hrs
Starting point: Mount Hollow carpark
Difficulty: Moderate/hard

Located in the North Grampians and a 40 minutes drive from Halls Gap. Hollow Mountain hike is suitable for fit and energetic walkers and can involve steep inclines, rock hopping and rock scrambling. From the car park, follow the signs to Hollow Mountain. The gravel track climbs gradually through a wide open path surrounded by rocky cliffs. The track then leads up some boulders and along narrow ledges. Just before reaching the summit you will notice some caves this is a cool area to explore before continuing to the summit. Once you reach the summit you will have 360 degree views looking out to Mt Stapylton and Wimmera plains. Return Via the same route.

The Pinnacles

Distance: 5.5 km return Or 3.9km
Time: 1.5 hours
Starting Point: Wonderland Carpark Or Sundial Carpark
Difficulty: Medium/Hard

The Pinnacle lookout sits right on the edge of the Wonderland Range and looks out over Halls Gap. You can start this walk from either the Sundial Carpark or the Wonderland Carpark. The Sundial route being is slightly easier, the route is 2.1km and is 2 hour return. Along the walk there is some water crossings and rock-hopping, so good sturdy shoes are essential. From the Wonderland Carpark is slightly more challenging, the route is 5.5km and is 2 hour return. The walk ascends via the impressive Grampians version of the Grand Canyon. You will then emerge from the canyon and take a left. Continue along the well-marked trail above the tree line and over the exposed rock to Silent Street, a skinny crevasse. Once you pass through the rock faces, climb the steep metal ladder and over some more exposed rocky ground until you reach the edge of the ridge. You’ll find the main fenced Pinnacle lookout jutting out over the edge.

Boronia Peak

Start/finish: Tandara Road
Distance: 6.5 km return
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium

There is no official car park for the walk, but you can park at the dead-end of Tandara Road in Halls Gap. From there, follow the well-worn trail through the forest. Take the left trail at the signposted junction and begin the climb up to the peak. It’s a well-made trail with rocky steps cut into the slope. Eventually you’ll get to the top of the ridge. From there you have to climb a little over rocks to reach the viewpoint. You can see down to Halls Gap and across to Bellfield Lake with the long Wonderland Range stretching right across in front of you. Return via the same one.

The Balconies

This is the shortest and easiest walk on this list, the views are beautiful and is a must-see. The short walk starts at Reeds Lookout. The view from the Reeds Lookout car park gives you beautiful panorama views over the entire national park. However, it’s worth walking the 1km to The Balconies lookout along a sandy flat track.

Mackenzie Falls

Distance: 2km return
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes return
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Mackenzie Falls car park

Mackenzie Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria flowing year round. There are two walks here one takes you to the base of Mackenzie falls this does require 260 steps down. The other walk is to the Mackenzie falls lookout which is the easier option. The walk to the base of the falls is 1.9km 40 minutes return walk. You walk along a flat path through eucalyptus tress to the lookout which is high above the gorge. It provides beautiful views where you can see the cascades and the Mackenzie river flow through the gorge. You will also get a views of the Mackenzie falls. This is a great alternative if you cant make it to the base of the falls.

The base

The walk to the base of the falls has the option to stop at broken falls and the cranage lookout along the way down, which are both great stops. offering beautiful views across the gorge and down to Mackenzie river. After the short detour to broken falls continue down to cranage lookout and then head down the 260 steps to the base of Mackenzie falls.

Baroka Lookout

Boroka Lookout provides panoramic views over Halls Gap and the east of the Grampians. It is only a short 5 minute stroll to two viewing platforms and is suitable for people with limited mobility.

Chatauqua Peak

Distance: 5.6km circuit
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Start: Recreation oval carpark, 150m from start of Mt Victory Road, Halls Gap

The track passes through other forest, we past many kangaroos on the way. The first 800 meters to Clematis Falls is fairly easy. The waterfall is best seen after rain, as it had not rained over the past few days it was more a trickily. After the waterfall the track gets steeper and rockier all the way to the peak. The last 300 meters is a scramble across the rocks.

You will then return along track to Halls Gap via Bullaces Glen through a ferned gully to the Halls Gap Botanic Gardens. You can also take a short detour via Venus baths which is a rock pool area where you can swim.