The Grampians Peaks Trail is set to become the most iconic multi-day mountain walk in Australia. The landscape is wild and dramatic, with rugged escarpments delivering some of the finest views seen on foot anywhere in the country, day after day.
This is a moderate to challenging walk and a good level of walking fitness is recommended to get the most out of it.
Highlights
Hike to the top of the stunning Mount William, Mount Abrupt, Signal Point and Mount Sturgeon
Amazing views day after day for kilometres as you walk and at the summits
The fascinating Serra Range with its Grampians sandstone
Great opportunities to see many native animals, including kangaroos, echidnas, koalas and an abundance of bird species
Challenge yourself to complete the last four sections of the GPT in 4 days
2 nights at the impressive Royal Mail, Dunkeld
Itinerary
Loading overview…
What's Included
Accommodation
3-star Hotel (3 nights), 4-star Hotel (2 nights)
Meals
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners
Transfers
Luggage Transfers
Private Vehicle Transfers
Guidance & Support
Itinerary & Walk Notes
Walking App for Navigation
24/7 on-trip support
How We Rate This Walk
4
Auswalk Walking Grade
Moderate to Challenging
Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.
Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.
Following a linear path through the best of the southern Grampians with no backtracking, this walk saves one of its finest moments for the final nights. Most of the five nights are in comfortable three-star properties along the route, with the walk closing at one of Victoria's most celebrated four-star hotels in Dunkeld. This hotel comes with two on-site restaurants, an internationally recognised wine cellar, landscaped native gardens, a billabong-inspired swimming pool and en-suite rooms throughout. Those starting on a Tuesday will stay here on Friday and Saturday nights, which attracts a weekend surcharge.
What You'll Eat
Wake to a proper cooked breakfast every morning of the walk, with five included throughout to set you up before each day on the southern Grampians trail. Come midday, four walker's lunches are waiting at some of the most remarkable spots on the track, each one varying but always packed with a high-protein salad, a roll or wrap, a muesli bar, something sweet and fresh fruit. When evening arrives, three chef-prepared dinners are included, anchored by the Royal Mail experience. Tuesday starters dine at Parker Street Project one night and Wickens the other during their weekend stay, with a surcharge applying. Sunday starters stay mid-week, with one dinner at Parker Street Project included in the price. A fourth dinner at Wickens is also included for weekend stays.
Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.
Note: Drinks and alcohol are not included with meals, with the exception of tea, coffee and juice served with breakfast.
More About This Trip
The walk starts in Stawell and finishes in Dunkeld, in the Grampians region of Victoria, Australia. The most practical public transport option is the V/Line train and coach service from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne's CBD, with several departures daily. A SkyBus shuttle runs from Melbourne Airport directly to Southern Cross Station every 20 minutes. Please advise your arrival time in advance so we can arrange a pick-up from Stawell station and transfer to your first night's accommodation. All V/Line services must be pre-booked.
The walk ends in Dunkeld. A V/Line bus service departs from the Grampians Visitor Information Centre, with connections back to Melbourne via Ballarat or Ararat depending on the day; check the V/Line website for current timetables. Those self-driving will have their vehicle with them at Dunkeld on the final morning.
This walk is available throughout the year and can start on any day except Thursday and Friday. Spring is one of the finest times to walk, with warming temperatures and the Grampians wildflowers at their most spectacular between August and November. Summer brings warm and sometimes hot days, with temperatures regularly reaching the 30s; early starts and sun protection are essential. April and May offer cooler, comfortable walking conditions and quieter trails. Winter is generally mild, with the occasional cold, wet spell. Pack layers and sun protection whatever the season.
Well-marked trails cover a mix of flat sections and gradual ascents to mountain summits, with some steep climbs and descents along the way. The southern end of the track is in good condition and relatively forgiving underfoot. A solid level of walking fitness is important; completing a few 20-kilometre walks with some uphill component before departure is strongly recommended. Sturdy walking boots with excellent grip and ankle support are essential.
Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.
You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.
A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.
A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.
For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on our self-guided Grampians walking trips. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.
If you arrive by public transport, Auswalk will arrange all your transfers. If you are self driving, you will drive to the end point of the walk, we will then transfer you back to the start to begin your walk. All the details will be outlined in your walk notes. You can save a substantial amount in transfer fees by choosing to self drive - please see prices below in departure dates.
Brambuk, The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, is owned and operated by five Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali community groups and is Australia's longest-running Aboriginal cultural centre, with exhibitions on the traditions, art and living history of the peoples whose Country the Grampians Peaks Trail crosses. In Dunkeld at the trail's southern end, the Dunkeld and District Historical Museum documents the social history of the region from the 1830s, including an early Aboriginal display and extensive photographic collections.
Dates & Pricing
Choose Your Start Date
Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule
August 2026
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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.
Notes
This walk must start on a Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
Grampians Peaks Trail reviews
4.9
26 reviews
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23
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Lynette G
8 months ago
The eateries during this walk are excellent. Flame Bros in Halls Gap and Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld.
Mark S
10 months ago
We really enjoyed the Grampians self-guided walk. Everything went very smoothly and the choice of walks were stunning and spectacular. We travelled late September to early October and there were so many beautiful flowering native plants on show. It was a highlight. The accommodation at Meringa Springs and Dunkeld were particularly impressive as were the meals from these places. Our hosts at Meringa Springs were particularly lovely. The Flame Brothers also excelled in terms of the quality of the food on offer in the evening, breakfast and lunch. Overall, it was a wonderful holiday and we enjoyed it immensely. Thanks to AusWalk for making it a success.
Mark S
10 months ago
We really enjoyed the Grampians and Beyond 7 day self-guided walk. Everything went very smoothly and the choice of walks were stunning and spectacular. We travelled late September to early October and there were so many beautiful flowering native plants on show. It was a highlight. The accommodation at Meringa Springs and Dunkeld were particularly impressive as were the meals from these places. Our hosts at Meringa Springs were particularly lovely. The Flame Brothers also excelled in terms of the quality of the food on offer in the evening, breakfast and lunch. Overall, it was a wonderful holiday and we enjoyed it immensely. Thanks to AusWalk for making it a success.
Mark S
10 months ago
We really enjoyed the Grampians 7 day self-guided walk. Everything went very smoothly and the choice of walks were stunning and spectacular. We travelled late September to early October and there were so many beautiful flowering native plants on show. It was a highlight. The accommodation at Meringa Springs and Dunkeld were particularly impressive as were the meals from these places. Our hosts at Meringa Springs were particularly lovely. The Flame Brothers also excelled in terms of the quality of the food on offer in the evening, breakfast and lunch. Overall, it was a wonderful holiday and we enjoyed it immensely. Thanks to AusWalk for making it a success.
Robin B
2 years ago
The Grampians walk was an outstanding experience. The walks were fabulous and the accommodation and food were excellent.
Jenny B
2 years ago
Walk was as expected. Well organized, great walks, great guides. great accommodation & overly generous meals ! Good for big eaters. Felt like I was forever eating ! Temptation to not over eat was very difficult (ha ha). Excellent variety & quantity of walk munchies but thought a bit more variety on lunches would have been good ? We had 4 days of rolls & 2 days of wraps. Maybe 2 days each of rolls, wraps & maybe a salad for variety ? Accommodation at the Royal Mail was extremely enjoyed along with the dinner there and it was a great way to finish off the week. Thank you :)
Jenny B
2 years ago
Walk was as expected. Well organized, great walks, great guides. great accommodation & overly generous meals ! Good for big eaters. Felt like I was forever eating ! Temptation to not over eat was very difficult (ha ha). Excellent variety & quantity of walk munchies but thought a bit more variety on lunches would have been good ? We had 4 days of rolls & 2 days of wraps. Maybe 2 days each of rolls, wraps & maybe a salad for variety ? Accommodation at the Royal Mail was extremely enjoyed along with the dinner there and it was a great way to finish off the week. Thank you :) Guides very patient, caring, helpful & informative. Would go out of their way to meet any requests. Couldn't have asked for better guides :). Although I thoroughly enjoyed the Mt William walk, it was not in everyone's comfort zone and/or ability ? The short option for them was great but thought maybe a walk or even e-bike to the top of Mt William could have been added to that short walk option as the view up there was quite spectacular and I was sorry some of our group didn't get the opportunity to experience it.
Lynnette L
2 years ago
I loved walking in the Grampians and the walks that we did were a good selection. Both Rebecca and Neil were friendly, well organised, informative, helpful and made it a great walk.
Michelle
2 years ago
Grampians Peak 5 day walking trail, self guided.
The walk had well maintained tracks and were on the whole well sign posted. We relied heavily on the app with maps. The countryside setting was beautiful and some of the sites unforgettable, especially the Grand Canyon on the walk up to the Pinnacle Lookout . I would stress that what I have discovered is that the Grampians is a big pile of rocks and involved alot of bouldering, scrambling and traversing uneven surfaces. Every walk had challenging sections. It would have been nice to have a moderate walk one day to break up the hard sections. We did not finish all the walking sections and in talking to another group this was a common theme as sometimes the going became very difficult especially if it rained. The wet rocks were very slippery and hazardous and there is no mobile coverage in alot of areas so you have to be self reliant. I walk with poles but these are of no use when climbing over rocks.
Auswalk did help us choose alternative walks, replanning the itinery when requested and responded promptly when contacted.
The accommodation and food in Dunkeld was phenomenally fantastic and Halls Gap ok. Some people bought their own lunches in Halls Gap as the lunch box food was not that appetising.
I would recommend this tour but have a high level of fitness, endurance and good balance.
Erika Fletcher
2 years ago
What a fantastic trip we had on our 5 day self guided best of the Grampians. There were so many WOW factors. From the start to the end everything went to plan. Our accommodation was very nice and all our meals were great. The maps and instructions were spot on. This was the first time we have done a self guided walk and couldn’t fault it. We are already planning our next walk. Thanks to Auswalk for making our walk so enjoyable.
Joan L
2 years ago
Fabulous Auswalk guides who really understood us & were flexible & generous - together with the magnificent Grampians - made our 7-day hike a dream. It was a challenging walk though, training recommended! A great sense of achievement afterwards & memories for ever. Thanks Bec, Eric & Auswalk!
David F
2 years ago
I've just returned from a fantastic 7 day guided walk in the Grampians. The scenery was stunning. There was a good balance of easy walking and tough climbing. The AusWalk guides, Bec and Chris, were excellent. It was good to return to a warm shower and great food at the end of the day.
Deborah Holden
2 years ago
Walks were stunning, challenging and varied! Guides worked really well together and seamlessly managed all that was needed. Great experience!!
Guides worked well together and were great company. They understood the walks and honestly communicated the nature of each day. I enjoyed each walk and even though some days were quite challenging I enjoyed the challenge.
Debbie
4 years ago
This was our first experience of doing a self-guided hike over a number of days and everything was so well organised from the initial pick up at Dunkeld to our final meal at the Royal Mail Hotel. The accommodations were great, especially Meringa Springs and the food supplied each day for our lunches was fantastic. Hiking in the Grampions is challenging but spectacular and it was wonderful to be able to holiday in our own "backyard" and see some of the amazing countryside of Victoria.
Jean W
4 years ago
My overall comment is that I didn't expect to enjoy the trip as much as I did. Lovely people on the walk, accommodation and food was better than expected. The guides were just the best, could not fault them at all. They made the trip exceptional really.
Kenn C
4 years ago
One of the best group guided hiking experiences I have every had .. looking forward to my next one.
Carmen B
4 years ago
The Grampians hike was walks were very well thought out by Auswalk because it each walk showed us the difference in the landscape and vegetation which we enjoyed. The drivers were excellent and very giving of their information and time.
Ina V
4 years ago
Well organised with great accommodation. Can highly recommend it.
Deb C
4 years ago
This was our first self-guided hike of this type and everything was so well-organised - from the transport to the accommodation, the meals and the walking notes. We had a fantastic time and are looking forward to doing another self-guided walk through Auswalks - thank you.
Steve M
4 years ago
As ever, the Auswalks Grampians self-guided walk was excellent. Everything worked just fine and the accommodation and meals were up to standard.
Jenny N
4 years ago
The Grampians walks were varied. Each walk had its challenges but the scenery was stunning, so our efforts were rewarded each day. The accommodation was excellent, particularly at Meringa Springs and the Royal Mail in Dunkeld. The final meal in Dunkeld was a highlight but the breakfasts at Flame Brothers in Halls Gap were also delicious and the service cheery.
Lance & Dianne
4 years ago
We have looked forward to visiting the Grampians for many years and it was even better than we expected. The wildflowers were spectacular for our mid November visit, the geology and landscape varied, grand and appealing. The track well formed weathered sandstone, nice grades and scrambles, sure underfoot and a pleasure all the way along. Delightful encounters with native wildlife. Loved every step and the accommodation and meals were excellent especially at Meringa Springs and The Royal Mail Dunkeld which were both very special places in themselves. We spent more days in the local villages and wineries and sought out four of the seven aboriginal art sites open to the public after our Aus Walk adventure. The Grampians were “right up there” as a tourist destination in Australia for us.
Chris A
6 years ago
What I like most about Auswalk is the personal touch. I have never met any of the Auswalk people but when I contact you by email, I feel I am talking to friends.
Linda & Shaun
6 years ago
We have just completed The Grampians Walk, our second walk with Auswalks, and couldn't be happier. We and another couple all in our 50's or so, took off at the start of March and the ease of being picked up from our finishing point, to go to our starting point, was fabulous. The instruction sheets were all graded and easy to read and our accomodation, along with our hosts and food (plenty of) were fabulous. We really enjoyed the fact that this was a self guided walk and we could go at our own pace or even change a route if we really wanted to. Auswalks even turned on some fantastic weather for us too!! We came home exhilarated and planning our next walk.
Lesley G
6 years ago
This is my third self-guided walk with Auswalk and I have enjoyed everyone, the Great Alpine Walk, the Blue Mountains and the Grampians. Auswalk had planned all itineraries well and covered every contingency. In all walks the scenery was spectacular, the accommodation delightful and the meals delicious.
Lesley K
9 years ago
This was a terrific walk, great scenery and abundant wildlife. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Everything was taken care of and I had a most enjoyable time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Grampians are located in western Victoria, around three hours from Melbourne by road. Transport from Melbourne is included in the package — check your specific itinerary for details.
You'll stay in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels and lodges along the trail, each chosen for comfort and location. A highlight across several itineraries is two nights at the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, one of regional Victoria's most celebrated dining destinations.
Daily breakfasts and walkers' lunches are included across all itineraries. Chef-prepared dinners are included on most nights — the number varies by package, so check your specific itinerary for the full breakdown.
Depending on your chosen package, you'll walk a selection of the trail's most iconic sections. Highlights include the Grand Canyon and the Pinnacle above Halls Gap, the summit of Mount Rosea, Mount William — the highest peak in the range — and the dramatic climbs of Mount Abrupt and Mount Sturgeon in the south. Every section rewards with panoramic views over the surrounding plains and ranges.
This is a pack-free walking holiday. Your luggage is transported between accommodations each day and you carry only a light daypack on the trails.
The Grampians are alive with wildlife. Kangaroos and wallabies are a constant presence on the trail, and you're likely to encounter echidnas, reptiles, and a remarkable variety of birdlife. The park is a sanctuary for many of Australia's endangered species, drawn to the refuge of its rugged cliffs and valleys.
The trail is available year-round, with October through to May being the most popular period. Summer is warm and dry, autumn is cool and beautiful, and winter can bring rain but rarely enough to spoil a full day on the trail.
A moderate to good level of fitness is recommended. The terrain involves genuine elevation gain and rocky ground — arriving with some hill walking in your legs will make a real difference to how much you enjoy the summits. Depending on your itinerary, grade ranges from moderate to challenging.
Broken-in hiking footwear with good ankle support and grip is essential for the rocky terrain. Pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers, sun protection, and at least 1-2 litres of water per day — refill opportunities on the trail are limited. Note that mobile coverage is patchy in some areas.
Tipping is not expected, though always appreciated if you feel those looking after you have gone above and beyond.
Want to Know More?
The Grampians Peaks Trail experience
Wonder
Walk all, or part of, the Grampians Peaks Trail through the Grand Canyon circuit, the Pinnacle, and Mount Stapylton
Summit Mount Zero at the northern end and Mount Rosea for panoramic views across the Grampians ranges
Visit the MacKenzie Falls and the Venus Baths on one of Victoria's most dramatic multi-day trails
Wellness
Lodge accommodation in Halls Gap and the Wartook Valley provides a warm and comfortable base each night
Cooked breakfasts, chef-prepared dinners, and walkers lunches on the trail fuel each day's walking beautifully
The vast plains visible from the Grampians ridgelines create a powerful sense of perspective and scale
Nature
Rocky escarpments and clifftop lookouts over vast plains, Lake Wartook, and the Wimmera farmland below
The distinctive sandstone geology of the Grampians creates a dramatically different landscape from the surrounding plains
Sundial Peak, Chatauqua Lookout, and Lake Wartook Lookout provide progressively dramatic views on the southern stages
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