Days
6 Days
Tour Type
Walking
From
$2,880 Twin Share
- Start
-
Melbourne
- Finish
-
Melbourne
- Physical Rating
- Moderate to challenging
- Tour Distance
- Approx. 64km
- Group size
- Min 4, Max 12
- Code
- GRAMP
Overview
Join us through the ancestral lands of the Djab Wurrung and Jadawadjali people, and take your fill of mountain waterfalls, speckled wildflower displays, and the awe-inspiring mountain panoramas of this landscape. You will share the experience with kangaroos, wallabies, emus and the shrieks of native birds. Our journey of discovery starts at the MacKenzie Falls, the only waterfall that flows all year. We aim to spend the five days exploring the best walks from the northern central and southern sections of the Grampians National Park. Although there are occasional steep paths and summit climbs, this is an active walking tour that becomes much easier with the assistance of experienced guides, plenty of rest-stops, and only requiring a day-pack. You will be accompanied by two Inspiration Outdoors guides and return each evening to comfortable lodge accommodation, and a delicious meal.
Highlights of this walk
- Mt Duwul (Mt William), highest point in the Grampians National Park
- Passing through a rock amphitheatre and ascending to the summit of Mt Stapylton
- Experiencing must-see sights such as Venus Baths, Elephant Hide, and the Grand Canyon
- Edging along a rocky cliff-face to reach the top of The Pinnacle for breathtaking views of Victoria’s mountain-top
- Climbing to the highest point in the Grampians, Mt Duwul (Mt William), for panoramic views of mountain ranges and open plains
- Enjoying comfortable lodge accommodation and delicious meals each evening after a day of walking and exploring.
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Credit: Parks Victoria
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Credit: Parks Victoria
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Itinerary
We depart Melbourne CBD at 8am, heading for the spectacular Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, which spans across the ancestral lands of the Djab Wurrung and Jadawadjali Peoples.
On our way to Halls Gap for lunch, we will stop for morning tea or refreshments and to get to know your fellow hikers.
We'dd undertake 2 walks this afternoon. The first is to the MacKenzie Falls, the most iconic and spectacular waterfall in the Grampians. It's a 2km return hike which includes 260 narrow steps and while the climb back may pose a challenge, the view from below is well worth the effort. The Balconies is our second walk. It's an easy walk with interesting rock formations and sweeping views of the Victorian plains.
After checking in at our accommodation, enjoy a well-deserved warm shower and mingle with your fellow walkers over some nibbles and lovely dinner.
Note: We walk on the first afternoon so please wear your hiking clothes on the bus and bring your day-pack ready to go
Accommodation: Country Plaza, Halls Gap (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Today we head off to Mt Zero Trailhead the most northern section of the Grampian Peaks Trail.
Heading south we enjoy a day of mainly ridgeline hiking passing over rocky slabs. We take in 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 trek through grassy woodland before the ridgeline takes you to your destination of Roses Gap.
On the completion of the hike we'll return to Halls Gap for the evening.
Accommodation: Country Plaza, Halls Gap (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today drive north again to continue the hike south back to Halls Gap. This ia great end to end day on the Peaks Trail.
Our walk starts from Werdug with a climb up to the Lake Wartook Lookout. Trek the escarpment through rocky gardens before descending down into the wetter eastern slopes. The hike into Halls Gap includes tall forest with ferns, wattles and tea trees. Chautauqua Peak is the final ascent before town. Here, Clematis Falls may have something to offer, depending on recent rains, before the Botanic Gardens signals your destination.
Once again enjoy an included dinner to replenish your strength and chat about the adventures of the day with your fellow hikers.
Accommodation: Country Plaza, Halls Gap (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our walk today starts from Halls Gap with a climb up and out of the township. We walk past Venus baths, Elephant Hide and the spectacular Grand Canyon (not to be mistaken for its American big brother!) before we make our way to the top of The Pinnacle. From this popular lookout we will enjoy superb views over Halls Gap and its surroundings.
Accommodation: Country Plaza, Halls Gap (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will drive south to continue our adventure with a climb through stunted forest onto the Serra Range. This is some of the most remote part of the Grampians Peaks Trail, so take a deep breath and let yourself be inspired by all the natural beauty around you.
Enjoy the expansive views to the western Victoria Range will bring you towards Djardji-Djawara (sister). In Spring, there is likely to be an abundance of wildflowers including a range of heath, orchid, grevillea, bush pea and blue tinsel-lily.
Head back to the picturesque Halls Gap for dinner and perhaps a well earned drink.
Accommodation: Country Plaza, Halls Gap (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It's time to say goodbye to the wonderful Halls Gap and slowly make our way back to Melbourne. But before we do, we will head over to the southern end of the Grampians. This day is another end to end walk ending with a satisfying view from the summit of Mt Sturgeon. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment looking out over the ranges.
From Mt Sturgeon we will drive to Dunkeld where you will have some time to pick up some lunch and wander through this rather quaint town.
We will head into Melbourne via Ballarat and should arrive back in the city late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
Meals
-
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
-
All Transport: private bus transport to and from Melbourne as well as transport to and from the walks each day
Accommodation
- Other (5 nights)
Included activities
-
Expert leadership from experienced hiking guides
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Emergency support: leaders carry satellite phones and a full first aid kit
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A well planned itinerary drawn from years of experience
Dates & Availability
$2,880 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $460 (subject to availability).
Contact us to arrange a different departure or join the waitlist
$3,099 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $520 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
$3,099 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $520 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
$3,099 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $520 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
$3,199 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $530 (subject to availability).
5 spots available
$3,199 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $530 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
FAQs
About Walking Tours In General
How hard are the walks?
The difficulty of the walks ranges from tour to tour, from easy to challenging. We design all of our walking tours to be achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. We do recommend doing some training before most tours, because physical activity is always more enjoyable if you are physically prepared. We will send you information about how to train when you book.
When on tour we find that a positive mental attitude is most important and that if you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, and not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. You can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete a walk, give us a call or send us an email and we can talk you through it.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Do I have to twin-share accommodation? Can I have my own room?
Our tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, we will place you in a room with someone of the same gender. If you have opted for a single supplement, this means you will have your own room but we won’t always be able to guarantee your own bathroom and king/queen bed due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Will I hold up the group if I’m a slow walker?
We find a lot of people who haven’t been on a walking tour before worry about this, but it’s rarely an issue. We keep a comfortable steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. Usually the group will spread out over a couple of hundred metres as we walk.
Normal walking pace on a formed surface like a road or footpath is around 4.5 – 6 km per hour and we tend to average just over 3 km per hour on bush tracks. It’s not a stroll but it’s not a brisk walk either. If you feel you may be slower than this, try some longer training walks to increase your walking fitness.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What is the average age of Inspiration Outdoors’ guests?
About 80% of our walkers are aged between 45 – 75, but we welcome all adults on our tours. We get a roughly 60/40 female to male split.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
What’s the food like? Can you cater for my dietary needs?
We serve simple, nutritious and delicious food on tour prepared by our guides, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible. Sometimes we also eat out at restaurants. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles and a two course evening meal are all included. We are happy to adapt our menu to suit many dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets – please ask when you book.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Are your walking tours just for “bushwalkers”?
Our walks are for anyone who enjoys walking and nature – bushwalkers or not. Our walks are conducted in safe, supportive and fun environments and you don’t need specialised equipment or experience to undertake them. We give you information about what you will need to bring and how you should prepare for each tour and we’re always here to answer any questions or concerns.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
Do I have to walk every day on tour?
Of course not – it’s your holiday and you should do what you feel! Relax at the accommodation, come for a drive, get dropped off in town or go for a stroll of your own. On some days there is also the opportunity to walk for part of the day. This last option depends on whether there is vehicle access to the track.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What do I have to carry when I walk?
Very little. A water bladder or bottles, lunch/snacks/fruit for the day. a rain jacket, some personal first aid supplies and, on some days, lunch. You will probably want a camera as well. We return to accommodation each evening so there is no need to carry a large backpack.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Not sure if this is the right tour for you?
At Inspiration Outdoors, we understand that choosing the right tour can be a difficult decision. That’s why we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible. If you still have questions, give us a call or drop us a line. Whether it’s a question about the tour itinerary or your fitness level, our customer care team is ready to answer it. We have product specialists for every tour who are eager to share their knowledge and help you plan your next adventure.
What our customers say
Our Booking Process
What happens after I book?
After you have filled in a registration form, we will send you all extra information you may need, including a list of what to bring and how best to prepare for the tour.
Payment in full is required at least six weeks prior to the tour (bookings can still be made within six weeks of tour start date if there are places available). We will email or call you to remind you when this is due.
Finally, we will contact you prior to your tour to confirm pick-up times and locations. If you have any questions or concerns at all before or after you have booked, please don't hesitate to get in touch so we can go through them with you.
What are my payment options?
Payment can be made by:
- Direct deposit
- Cheque
- Credit card
Can I cancel my booking?
If you need to cancel your tour;
- 85 days or more, you will be refunded all monies paid, less a $50 administration fee.
- 42 to 84 days prior to departure, you will lose your deposit
- 28 to 41 days: 25% of full tour cost
- 14 to 27 days: 50% of full tour cost
- less than 14 days: 100% of full tour cost, no refund
If you have any concerns about cancelling, please take out travel insurance covering this contingency. This policy will be adhered to despite the most compelling and compassionate circumstances.
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