Grampians | 5 Day Hiking Experience

Day 1 
Mackenzie Falls, Baroka Lookout and the Balconies 

Departing Melbourne at 7:45am, we will travel for 3 hours to the Grampians, stopping enroute for morning tea before arriving around
lunchtime into Halls Gap.

After lunch it is time to strap on the boots and depart for an afternoon walk.  We head to the first walk of the day at Reeds Lookout and the Balconies. This is a one hour, 2km return walk (easy grade). From this magnificent lookout you’ll receive breathtaking views over Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range, Lake Wartook and the Mt Difficult Range. The track climbs ever so gently from the carpark, through rock outcrops and a Stringybark forest to the Balconies lookout.

From here we’ll head to the Boroka Lookout which provides spectacular views of the Wonderland Range, Mt William Range, Fyans Valley, Lake Bellfield  and the plains to the east of the Grampians. 

The last stop for today is the stunning McKenzie Falls! Here we’ll walk 7km return from Zumsteins picnic ground along an undulating trail, past Fish Falls cascades and up the valley to the majestic McKenzie Falls.

You’ll be amazed of what you’ve experienced already and it’s only day 1!

After checking into our accomodation, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared two course dinner, prepared by your guides.

Day 2
Halls Gap – Mt Rosea Campground 11 kilometres of hiking (moderate) approximately 4 to 6 hours of walking including breaks. 

After breakfast and with our day’s lunch packed away in our day pack we begin our walk from the heart of Halls Gap. The trail begins alongside Stony Creek and rises towards Wonderland. The imagery and the unique shaping of the rocks gives rise to features like the Elephant Hide and the Grand Canyon. We emerge out onto the rocky spine of the Pinnacle, one of today’s visual spectacles. 

After lunch our days’ walk continues on a more even footing out to Sundial Peak where the walker is able to rest and soak up another stunning view. From here the days’ hiking winds up at the Rosea Campground. A short drive later and we have you back in our accommodation where you can freshen yourself up and then join the group for dinner.

Day 3

Mount Rosea Peak 
13 kilometres of hiking (moderate with some difficult sections) 

This morning we return to where we finished up yesterday and this time we start a challenging ascent to the peak of Mount Rosea. While the climb is challenging the path is so well formed and shaded you will enjoy the rhythm of the walk before topping out at the summit of Mount Rosea. It makes a superb spot for lunch and time to enjoy your reward for your morning’s efforts. 

The trail from here winds down to where it finishes at Borough Huts, then it’s back to our private cottages for some well-earned respite and dinner.

Day 4  

Mt Staplyton Loop
Distance: 12.2 km circuit Time: 5½ hours, Elevation Change: 230 metres Grade: hard

The track leads through dense scrub and crosses Pohlner Road to a steady climb up the timbered slopes. The trail guides walkers over exposed rocky outcrops and through forested gullies. The final steep climb involves some rock hopping and scrambling over rock ramps. The summit views are spectacular, taking in much of the park and surrounding plains. The trail then continues to the Mt Zero Picnic Area and follows water-etched rock terraces flanked by low vegetation, which leads into a natural amphitheatre and on to Stapylton Campground.

Today is a tough one, but you’ll be rewarded with epic views and a huge sense of achievement!

Day 5 
Boronia Peak & travel back to Melbourne
6.6km, approximately 3 hours (moderate)

Today we pack up and check out of our accommodation, ready for our return to Melbourne this afternoon.

After breakfast and lunch making we begin our walk at the Brambuk Visitor Centre, cross Fyan’s Creek and an easy walk takes us to the base of the Mt William Range, where it begins a steady climb. Finally we top out at Boronia Peak with panoramic views over the Wonderland Range and surrounding peaks. Retracing our footsteps we will return to the van and then take the trip back to Melbourne, arriving at approximatel 4pm.

This truly is a magnificent experience and something you’ll never forget! 

Accommodation: Our accommodation for the trip will be at the Grampians Pioneer Cottages which have stunning views over the mountains and are set in a secluded bush setting. They have been beautifully converted using recycled materaisl and provide the perfect base for our walking holiday. You’ll be staying in Mudbrick, Stone & Redgum Log Cottages at the Grampians Pioneer Cottages. 

About the food: The food we serve is healthy, hearty and home style. Our menus are designed to showcase the fabulous regional produce. Fresh local cheese, yoghurt, fruit, vegetables, fish and meats are used, supporting local farmers and minimising our food miles. We don’t offer five-star dining, but our guides take pride in ensuring that all meals are delicious and plentiful, prepared with top quality fresh seasonal ingredients. We are able to accommodate guests’ specific dietary requirements if advised beforehand, and can prepare meals to meet individual needs.

Fitness Level: This is one of our more difficult tours and a good level of fitness is required.

Gradient/Terrain: Moderate/Hard

Our guides will collect you from a central pick up location outside the National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Rd (just outside the
entrance to the gallery and the large pools) at 7.45am for an 8.00am departure.

You’ll be emailed a packing list upon booking.

Twin share – Cottage Room: $2,250pp
Twin share – Double Bed (suitable for couples) $2,250pp
Single Supplement (Own room): $2,650pp

Payment: To secure your place on this tour you can either pay in full or pay a $250 non refundable deposit. You will receive payment reminders at 4 months, 3 months & 2 months prior with the full amount due 60 days (2 months) prior to tour departure.

Places are strictly limited. To join Off The Beaten Track WA for this Grampians 5 Day Hiking Experience BOOK NOW!

Cancellation Timeframes
60 days plus prior to trip departure – you will forfeit your tour deposit.
59 to 30 days prior to trip departure – you will forfeit your deposit and be refunded 25% of NETT amount payable to Park Trek by Off The Beaten Track WA.
29 – 0 days prior to the trip departure – you will forfeit 100% of the total tour cost.
No refund is available once the tour has commenced.
NB: All refunds are inclusive of GST

Booking Terms & Conditions for guests impacted by COVID-19
The usual deposit payment of $250 applies, however, if Off The Beaten Track WA is unable to run the tour due to COVID travel restrictions (ie domestic border closures or quarantine periods between states) or if guests can’t travel due to COVID travel restrictions, that guests can either

1. Have their deposit refunded
2. Transfer you across to another tour that suits

Guests can choose the option that best suits themselves.
Please note that the above COVID-19 impact booking conditions apply to Off The Beaten Track WA tours only, please consult your airline about their transfer fees and charges.