Some of our favourite Hikes in the Grampians.

The incredible Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) in western Victoria is a fantastic destination for lovers of the outdoors, wildlife and adventurous hikers. We visited in April 2021 and undertook a range of walks suitable for a variety of ages and abilities. Here are some of our favourites!

• Just to the east of the Grampians is Langi Ghiran State Park. There are a number of walks in this park accessible from the central carpark/picnic area (drop toilets and picnic tables) but we decided on the Langi Reservoir Walk (easy, 1hr return). This walk takes you through scrubby undergrowth with a slight rise over the length of the narrow trail, and also has some uneven ground along rocky paths. The end of the trail brings the walker to a small reservoir held back by enormous hewn granite-block wall – an impressive engineering feat of itself. Kangaroos and birdlife can be spotted along the walk, as well as delicate wildflowers lining the trails.

• In the Grampians itself, one of the most popular walks to access the famous Pinnacle Lookout is to start from Wonderland Car Park (med-hard, 2 ½ – 3hrs one way). From this carpark, where there are drop toilets and picnic tables, this challenging but rewarding walk takes you through the aptly named Grand Canyon (yes I know, its not THAT grand canyon), across rocky plateaus and gravel paths, and into Silent Street. Along this narrow passage, where you can touch the cold rock with outstretched arms, the silence of the surrounding bush is amplified (except if there’s an emergency ambulance helicopter hovering overhead…). Traversing more rocky plateaus and climbing stony steps and paths, brings you to the Pinnacle lookout – a short time on the lookout platform itself rewards the walker with expansive views to the north, east and south across Halls Gap. It’s well worth a short rest up here to absorb the local flora and rock formations.

• Another excellent walk is the Pinnacle Lookout to Sundial Carpark (or reverse – easy to med, 1hr one way). This walk is a good one for kids – it’s mostly flat but also not excessively long. Walking along gravel paths, surrounded by scrubby undergrowth, you get sense of the landscape and flora of the area – also great views from a few spots along the way. This trail is well worth doing if your time is limited but you want to see the views from the Pinnacle.

• The Lakeview Lookout – (very easy, 30-45mins return) a short walk from the Sundial Carpark gives you slightly better views of magnificent Lake Bellfield to the south.

• Hollow Mountain (difficult, 2-3 hrs). This is a challenging and at times difficult walk. There are sections where you literally clamber over rocks, squeeze between granite boulders and edge around paths that drop off below your walking boots. We encountered a couple who had baulked at the upward climb in anticipation of the return leg. But if you’re game, fit and reasonably supple, this walk is well and truly worth the effort. Seriously spectacular views in all directions from the summit also give you time to recover and ponder the trek back – in parts best done on your backside!

• Short & easy return walks from Halls Gap (from behind the caravan park)
  • Venus Baths – an easy walk to beautiful rock pools with deep spots for bathing in warmer weather
  • Bullaces Glen – a narrow path through the bracken, across the main road to a secluded & peaceful mossy glen

There are many more wonderful walks across The Grampians covering all levels of abilities – from walks with young children to serious rock scrambles and multi-day hikes. A visit to this region does not disappoint for the variety of options available to the adventurous and those who love the outdoors.
Have you visited the Grampians? Let me know in the comment section below.