Getting there
Grampians is located in western Victoria, 260 km west of Melbourne CBD. If you travel via Westgate Bridge, make sure you plan extra time for the drive because of traffic congestion. If possible, avoid travelling through the CBD during peak hours.
It took about three and a half hour drive to the Plantation Campground (no fee), 9 km north of Halls Gap and 6 km unsealed road off Halls Gap - Mt Zero Rd. No booking required - just turn up, park your car and pitch tent up.
Check out this Grampians NP Visitor Guide for Campgrounds that requires fees and booking online prior to arrival.
For those who want a hot shower or two, there are few private caravan parks in Halls Gap. Also, in Halls Gap you can refill fuel, purchase outdoor gear, top up supply, etc.
My hiking plan started from here
I find this Grampians Day Walks Map Pack was very useful not only for walking but also for driving. After leaving the Plantation CG, I continued on Mt Zero Rd (dirt road), heading north for the Beehive Falls easy short walk.
Beehive Falls
An easy 2.8 km return walk with the start and end at Beehive Falls carpark, which is located on Roses Gap Rd, off Mt Zero Rd.
Beehive Falls Track
Gar / Mt Difficult Waterfalls
Easy - Medium 4.2 km return walk.
Took about 2.5 hours including stops for photographs
Start from Troopers Creek Campground, about 3 km south down Roses Gap Road
There are a few signs along the well-maintained track.
A local resident (wallaby) was happy for a pose. I made a short video clip and will have it up on this blog when time permits.
At the third waterfall, there is a sign indicating a return via the same route.
Walkers heading to Briggs Bluff and Mt Difficult can continue on the track. I have done this walk before with an overnight pack. These tracks are now upgraded as parts of the Grampians Peak Trail (GPT) that I have always wanted to try again.
Goltons Gorge
An easy-medium walk of 800 m leads to the high cliffs of Goltons Gorge.
The start is from Goltons Gorge Picnic Area, off Mt Zero Rd.
Return via the same route.
Views from carpark and the walking track.
Goltons Gorge cliffs
Hollow Mt
Only a short hike but steep areas with exposed cliffs.
Start from Hollow Mountain Carpark off Mt Zero Road. Return via the same route.
View from a sandy walking track.
Views from timber steps
This guy gave me a hand where there was a rope to assist with the climb. Those with short legs and with no rock climbing experience would have a bit of a problem with the climb without footholds and handholds.
The open rocky slabs
I was almost there, less than 100 m to the summit but threatening rain put me off. I went back with some regret.
Mt Zero
A medium difficulty 2.8 km return walk.
A medium difficulty 2.8 km return walk.
The start is at Mt Zero Picnic Area, about 1.5 km southwest of Hollow Mt Carpark. Both the Hollow Mt and Mt Zero walks can be tackled in a day.
It was very busy at the Mt Zero Picnic Area on a fine day during school holiday. It is not only the start for Mt Zero and Mt Stapylton walks, but also the trailhead for the GPT. There was a tour bus in the car park and people were in the queue waiting for their toilet break. There was only one loo.
Views from the summit indication cairn, elevation 390m
Mt Stapylton
4.6 km return. Grade: Hard (technically challenged)
Start from Mt Zero Picnic Area
Mt Zero from Flat Rock
The cliff of Taipan Wall
the Stapylton Amphitheatre
Bird Rock on the Mt Stapylton walking track
Mt Zero in the distance
Rock climbing Area
You looked great, mate and please take care.
After I left Mt Zero Rd in the northern Grampians, I took the Northern Grampians Rd., driving south past Wartook and the Zumsteins Picnic Area, which is the trailhead for Mackenzie River Walk (7 km return, 2- 3 hours, easy-medium grade) on Mt.Victoria Rd. I was rather late for this walk and so I drove on and did the walk starting from Mackenzie Falls Carpark the next day.
Mackenzie Falls
A steep walk from the car park with 260 steps.
The impressive Fish Falls, 2.1 km walk from Mackenzie Falls Carpark, and also 2.1 km from the Zumstein Picnic Area.
Cranages Lookout from the viewing platform
Broken Falls
Wattles
Spotted a local resident wallaby at Mackenzie Falls Parking Area.
Reed Lookout and The Balconie Lookout
Reed Lookout
The Balconies Lookout Walk is an easy 2 km return. Start at Reed Lookout Carpark.
Wattles
The Balconies Lookout
Boroka Lookout
Located on Mt Difficult Rd, NNW of Halls Gap.
The lookout is just a short walk from the carpark and it is 6 km hike from Halls Gap.
Boroka Lookout
Spectacular views of Victoria Valley, Lake Wartook and Mt Difficult Range
Wonderland Carpark to The Pinnacle
A 4.2 km return walk graded medium.
Rocky slabs
Lake Bellfield and Mt Willam from the Pinnacle Lookout
Looking north from the Pinnacle Lookout - Views of Wonderland and Victoria Valley
Serra Range from Grampians Rd
Signal Peak
Mt Abrupt
Start from Mt Abrupt Carpark, Grampians Road.
Bossiaea (L), Grevillea (R)
Common Heath
Wattles (L) and Eucalyptus buds (R) on Mt Abrupt walking track
Mt Abrupt Summit, 827 m in elevation, the highest of the most southern peaks.
Showers were on and off and I had late lunch under those trees with my rain jacket on.
Serra Range from Mt Abrupt
Return via the same route. Enjoyed it and recommend it. Mind your steps and take your time to take it all.
I was lucky that it rained rather heavily while I was on the road.