Walk the Grampians Peaks Trail Itinerary

Starting in

Melbourne, Australia

Physical Difficulty

4 / 5

Breakfasts included

5

Lunches included

4

Dinners included

5

Ending in

Melbourne, Australia

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle , walking

Surround yourself with nature in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and learn about the ancestral lands of the Djab Wurrung and Jadawadjali peoples on a six-day walking trip in Victoria. Along with the waterfalls, wildflowers and awe-inspiring views that make this national park famous, you’ll share your walks with animals like kangaroos, wallabies, emus and colourful birds. Whether you’re hiking to the northern tip of the Grampians Peaks Trail at Mt Zero, edging to the top of The Pinnacle along a rocky cliff-face or reaching Mt Duwul (Mt William) – the highest point in the Grampians – you’ll hit new heights with two expert hiking guides by your side.

Day 1: Melbourne / Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

Your adventure begins in Melbourne (Narrm in the language of the Wurundjeri people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Melbourne is now located). You'll meet your group early this morning at 8 am and head straight for the spectacular Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, which spans the ancestral lands of the Djab Wurrung and Jadawadjali peoples. On the way, stop for morning tea and get to know your fellow hikers, then stop in Halls Gap for lunch. This afternoon, you’ll head out on a walk to MacKenzie Falls – the most iconic waterfall in the Grampians. The walk back may get a bit challenging, but the views are all worth it! Next, you’ll walk through The Balconies to see the interesting rock formations and sweeping views of the Victorian plains. After checking in at your accommodation, refresh and mingle with your fellow walkers over dinner.

Day 2: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

Today, you’ll head off to Mt Zero Trailhead – the most northern section of the Grampian Peaks Trail. Heading south, you’ll hike mainly along the ridgeline, passing over rocky slabs with 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, you’ll trek through grassy woodlands before the ridgeline takes you to Roses Gap. After the hike, return to Halls Gap for the evening.

Day 3: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

Drive north to continue the hike back to Halls Gap along the Peaks Trail. You’ll start from Werdug with a climb up to the Lake Wartook Lookout. Trek the escarpment through rocky gardens before descending into the wetter eastern slopes. Walk through forest sense with ferns, wattles and tea trees to Chautauqua Peak, the final ascent before town. Here, you might see Clematis Falls (depending on recent rains), before end at the Botanic Gardens. Tonight, tuck into a group dinner.

Day 4: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

Today’s walk will begin at Halls Gap, with a climb up and out of the township. Walk past the Venus Baths, Elephant Hide and the spectacular Grand Canyon (not to be mistaken for its big brother in the US!) before making your way to the top of The Pinnacle. From this popular lookout, you can enjoy superb views over Halls Gap and its surroundings. You’ll want your camera ready today!

Day 5: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

Drive south for today’s hike. Start with a climb through stunted forest onto the Serra Range – this is one of the most remote parts of the Grampians Peaks Trail, so take a deep breath and let yourself be inspired by all the natural beauty around you! Head to the western Victoria Range towards Djardji-Djawara (sister). In Spring, there’s an abundance of wildflowers here, including a range of heath, orchid, grevillea, bush pea and blue tinsel-lily. Later, head back to your accommodation for dinner and maybe celebrate your last night with a drink.

Day 6: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park / Melbourne

It's time to say goodbye to Halls Gap as you slowly make your way back to Melbourne. First, you’ll head over to the southern end of the Grampians for an end to end walk to a viewpoint over the summit of Mt Sturgeon. Look out over the ranges, then drive to Dunkeld, where you’ll have some time for lunch and a wander through the town. Finally, head back into Melbourne, arriving in the city in the late afternoon. Here, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International), 180 St Kilda Road , In front of the main entrance to the NGV facing St Kilda Road, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

Finish point

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International), 180 St Kilda Road , In front of the main entrance to the NGV facing St Kilda Road, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

Important information

WALKING & TREKKING
This is a hiking trip. Please come physically prepared and with the right hiking gear in order to complete the hikes safely and comfortably. Please read the trip notes carefully and take note of the packing list.

START & END TIMES
This trip begins with a pick-up in Melbourne on day 1 at 8am and finishes in the late afternoon on the last day upon arrival back into Melbourne. Please keep this in mind when booking your arrival and departure arrangements.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:





1300 544 882 or +61 8 6219 5164

Is this trip right for you

This trip is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Please note that it includes several guided walks, allowing you to get among nature. Most are relatively short and easy although there are some more challenging options. However, joining a walk is always up to you. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.

Why we love it

Escape the everyday, get active and go on all the Grampians' best hikes like Mt Duwul (Mt William) – the highest point in Grampians National Park – and the Grampians Peaks Trail Walk., Take in waterfalls, colourful wildflower displays, and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas as you keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and native birds., There’s no need for a map or GPS on this walking trip – with two expert local walking guides who know the area inside-out, all you have to do is enjoy the journey., Stay in the same comfortable motel-style accommodation for your entire trip. Unpack once, settle in, and relax. With every meal taken care of, all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other., Learn about the rich Aboriginal heritage and spiritual connections of the Djab Wurrung and Jadawadjali Peoples as you travel through Country in the Grampians.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative.

Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. Failure to do so means you may not be allowed to board your flight to Australia. Most nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority via the internet before arrival. Please check the following website or with your relevant Australian visa issuing office for your nationalities requirements. http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 01 Sep 2025 to 30 Jun 2026

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


HYDRATION
Daytime temperatures across Australia can be extreme from October to March with temperatures over 40C/104F. Even for travellers familiar with these temperatures, it’s easy to become dehydrated. The key point to remember is not to wait until you’re thirsty, but to drink water regularly. Adding an electrolyte solution can aid in replenishing the salts/electrolytes lost when travelling at this time of year.

In extreme heat you will be required to carry 1L of water per hour of walking.

As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. Under certain circumstances, your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate in the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests' experiences are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour.

MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS
As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility.

Under certain circumstances your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate on the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests experiences, are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour.

MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS
As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. Under certain circumstances your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate on the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests experiences, are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour. You can bring a CPAP machine whilst on tour but you will need to purchase a single supplement.

Food and dietary requirements

You will be surprised at just how good the food is! Breakfast comprises a continental buffet or an A la Carte breakfast at the restaurant of the hotel (dependant on numbers). Lunch is cold meats and salad with sandwiches, rolls or wraps. Dinner is a 2-course meal at a local restaurant. Morning tea is supplied and fresh fruit is always available. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know when you book, we are happy to adapt our tasty, nutritious meals to suit a variety of dietary needs.

Feel free to bring alcohol and additional snacks e.g. muesli bars, nuts, chocolate etc. There will be time for you to purchase additional alcohol and supplies during the week.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

AUSTRALIA
The official currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). Card payments, including digital card payments like Apple Pay, are the most common form of payment in Australia. Many vendors add a small surcharge for card payments. Cash is accepted in most places and ATMs are common.

TIPPING
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
Day-pack - with a thick waist strap to help take some weight off your shoulders. In wet weather, a waterproof cover or a bin bag to wrap your belongings in can be handy
• Shorts/long pants and shirts for walking - as many sets as you wish! Quick-dry material is best,
especially for trousers. Don't wear jeans walking.
• Socks - whichever thickness you're comfortable walking in and as many pairs as you like
• Boots/shoes for walking (make sure you wear them in well - see note on footwear below)
• Windcheater or lightweight jumper for walking
• Waterproof jacket*
• Sun protection - hat (secure fitting and/or with chin strap), sun cream, sun glasses
• Casual clothes for evenings
• Any preferred first aid supplies - such as your favourite blister treatment! (Your guide will carry a
full first-aid kit)
• Water bottle/s or camelback - 3 litre capacity
*You have to expect some bad weather at any time of the year along the Grampians Peaks Trail so
bring wet weather gear even if the forecast is fine.

OPTIONAL ITEMS:
• Waterproof pants. Some people love them and some hate them - personally, we don't wear them
too often, but there have been times where they have been invaluable, especially when that chilly
southern wind is blowing.
• Fly net (especially for walks in warmer weather)
• Camera and charger/batteries
• Gaiters for snake bite protection are recommended unless you are wearing long pants and long
socks. They're also good for keeping dirt out of your shoes.
• Sock protectors (to keep rocks out of your boots)
• Sandals for relaxing at the accommodation at the end of the day
• Bathers (the pool at the hotel is closed from May-November)
• Small towel to carry during the day (to dry feet or for after a swim)
• Beanie and gloves (Depending on the time of year it can be pretty cold early in the morning and at
night)
• A lunch container, to avoid squashing your sandwich in your backpack or if you choose to only
bring a salad (with freezer brick and fork if desired). Or a beeswax wrap to use instead of our
provided glad wrap.
• Walking poles (will save your knees 30% less pressure!)
• Torch/headlamp (can be handy when twin sharing for getting up at night)
• Snacks and alcohol - Due to our accommodation being close to the town centre there will be many
opportunities to purchase alcohol during the week if you need to. Some people like to have some
snacks for the trail including muesli bars, nuts, lollies

Climate and seasonal

WEATHER IN VICTORIA
Victoria experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. During the summer, daily temperatures are between 14C/57F and 27C/80F. During winter, daily temperatures are between 6C/42F and 13C/55F. Spring is the wettest time of year, with October’s average rainfall reaching 53mm. The weather at higher altitudes can be unpredictable and even in the height of summer can experience very cold weather. Please pack appropriate warm and waterproof clothing including a beanie, sturdy enclosed shoes and a rain jacket. Layering clothing can be beneficial. Please consider the time of year you are travelling.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

Information not available.

Transport notes

Transport is by an air-conditioned tour coach. Our vehicles are comfortable and regularly serviced to ensure safety and reliability. Seats are not pre-allocated, so to ensure all participants get to enjoy seats close to the front and window seats we encourage guests to change where they sit each day. In the case of a breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances affecting the vehicle or guide, the operator reserves the right to substitute vehicles and guides other than those specified, to ensure the operation of a tour.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING DOMESTICALLY
Travel insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen changes to your journey – such as flight cancellations or COVID-19 related disruptions. For this reason, we recommend you purchase comprehensive domestic travel insurance for your trip. This may not be something you would have typically done in the past when travelling domestically in Australia, but it does offer you a number of benefits in these dynamic times. While Australians and Australian Permanent Residents travelling within Australia are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare, a comprehensive domestic travel insurance policy should cover you for expenses resulting from – among other things – COVID-19 related changes, including an outbreak in your destination or on your departure necessitating changes to your travel plans that incur additional costs. Domestic travel insurance plans may also include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects, and other benefits. It is also advisable that domestic travellers have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Please be sure to carefully check the policy’s inclusions with your preferred insurer.

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.