Best of Grampians Peaks Trail walk

SUGGESTED PRE NIGHT ACCOMMODATION:The Langham Melbourne

DEPARTURE TIME: 7.30am

TRAIL NOTES: 8.6kms. 5 hours walking with breaks. Medium Grade.

TERRAIN: Formed walking track. Steps. Steady steep ascent. Total climb of 382m to Pinnacle Lookout. Beyond this, the track undulates with some short steep ascents and descents. Some uneven, rocky terrain to negotiate.

WALK ITINERARY: Meet your guide at 7.30am at The Langham Melbourne for transfers to The Grampians (approx 3 hours). Today’s walk takes us on the first section of the Grampians Peak Trail. The trail makes its way to Venus Baths naturally formed smooth rockpools which in the warmer months make this an enticing place to splash around and cool off before the steady climb ahead. After the ascent to Wonderland, the track makes a dramatic change. Marvel at the seemingly precariously perched boulders as you climb towards the Grand Canyon, a very much smaller version of the American icon but nonetheless an awe-inspiring experience walking through this sandstone chasm. Other features such as the “Cool Chamber” and “Bridal Veil Falls” along the way bring us to the unbelievably tall, narrow gorge that is Silent Street. After rains, water flows through the gorge alongside the narrow walking track, the sound of which adds to the unreal atmosphere of this incredible place. Finally, we reach one of the most spectacular vantage points in the Grampians National Park at the Pinnacle Lookout with its terrific views over Western Victoria. From here we transfer to our accommodation in Halls Gap staying in modern cabins by the lake. Relax and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains before we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant featuring local produce perfectly matched with superb regional wines. A wonderful way to finish the day.

TRAIL NOTES: 9.4kms. 3 hours. Grade 3. Medium.

TERRAIN: Our final days walk commences on an easy sandy track, but upon reaching a track junction it immediately begins to increase in its steepness and becomes rockier underfoot. Further along the descent eases and views open up. A saddle before the summit allows us to see our first destination and well deserved break. Beyond the summit a new track has been constructed that changes direction several times opening up further views. It’s exposed at times, uses elevated steel walkways and steps, then drops away towards Dunkeld township. The last few kilometres are easy going again through open woodland and along the Wannon River.

WALK ITINERARY: After breakfast a forty-five minute drive takes us through the Grampians National Park initially under the shadow of the Mount William Range and further south beside the jagged edge of the Serra Range. Keep an eye out for Emu and chicks often seen crossing this road. The walk starts on Victoria Valley Road outside of the Dunkeld Township. An hour of steady continuous climbing allows us views from the summit of Mount Sturgeon with a cup of tea and a biscuit in hand assisted by your guides.
The land all around is flat sheep farming country dotted far and wide with River Red Gum trees. Closer to the track you may see the dainty Grampians Thryptomene or other native shrubs or orchids in flower at the time.

The descent is nearly 7km on new track that swings initially to the north then west and south. Finally after meandering along river flats we enter the edge of Dunkeld and walk straight on towards the Royal Mail Hotel for our celebratory lunch. Our lunch includes seasonal produce from the hotel kitchen garden and other locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed dining environment (only open on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays- an alternative hotel will replace this restaurant on other days). From here we return to The Langham Melbourne the end of a wonderful journey.

FINISH TIME: Approximately 6.00pm at The Langham Hotel, Melbourne