Grampians National Park
Grampians National Park Openings – Wednesday 26 January 2011
Parks Victoria has been assessing damage following the significant storm and flood event. Park staff have been working hard to open areas of the Grampians that were not as severly impacted. The Northern Grampians area north of Roses Gap Road, the Mt Zero Road and some walks around Halls Gap and in the Southern Grampians will be open in time for Australia day.
What will be open?
Campgrounds
Plantation Campground
Stapylton Campground
Troopers Creek Campground (subject to Roses Gap Road being open)
Walking Tracks
Boronia Peak
Clemiatis Falls
Fyans Loop (The section at the end of Tandarra Road is very wet and muddy. Walkers should use additional caution when crossing this area. The fireline and walking track from the base of Boronia Peak to Delleys Bridge remains closed)
Chatauqua Peak (Eastern side of peak. Chatauqua Peak to Bullaces Glen is closed)
Hollow Mountain
Mt Zero
Stapylton Loop
Flat Rock to Stapylton
Beehive Falls (subject to Roses Gap Road being open)
Briggs Bluff (subject to Roses Gap Road being open)
Mt Sturgeon
Piccanniny
Art Shelters
Gulgurn Manja
Ngamadjidj
Visitor Sites
Heatherlie Quarry
Mt Zero Picnic area
Summerday Valley climbing area
Parks Victoria Roads
Mt Zero Road (unsealed road from Halls Gap to Mt Zero)
Roads north of Roses Gap Road (Seasonal roads are closed. Pohlners Road and Coppermine Track are open but are very wet and do have some storm damage. Drivers should drive with additional caution)
Please take care in these open areas
While walking tracks and roads in the above areas will be open, visitors are advised that the maintenance standard may be less than normal or expected. Park staff have taken much care to ensure that risk issues have been minimised, however hazards may still be present and visitors are advised to proceed with caution.
Closure messages and park updates
All other areas in the Grampians National Park are closed. There is widespread damage throughout the park that includes unstable boulders, soil and trees. Investigating the damage is a priority for park staff and it may take time to gather all of the information a regarding the safety to re-enter areas and what remains in those areas.
It is important that visitors stay away from these areas as they remain very unstable and could move again, especially after further rain. Access roads and the wider gravel road network are severely damaged. These roads can be expected to remain closed for some time. Staff have placed gates on most roads entering the park. This is to ensure that people do not enter these closed areas and stay safe. Vicroads have road closures signs on the Grampians Tourist Road and the Northern Grampians Road.
Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre and the townships of Wartook, Dunkeld and Halls Gap are open for business. The lakes surrounding the Grampians are looking spectacular and there is still plenty to do in the Grampians Region. Please advise visitors to visit a local visitor centre where staff can provide them with information on the many activities and attractions.
Further park information can be found at parkweb.vic.gov.au or by contacting the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963, for activities and attractions in the Grampians Region visit www.visitgrampians.com.au
The Grampians National Park is one of Victoria’s most popular holiday destinations. Renowned for its breathtaking rocky views, rich Aboriginal culture, European heritage and stunning spring wildflower displays, there is plenty to see and do in this rugged ancient landscape. Declared in 1984, the 170,000 hectare National park is home to a rich diversity of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the park.
Hosting over one million visitors each year, with popular activities including bushwalking, camping, picnicking, nature study, rock-climbing, bike riding and fishing. The extensive network of roads makes car touring to surrounding villages another great way to explore.
Since the Mt Lubra fire in January 2006 this ancient landscape has revealed many fascinating features in it’s recovery after fire. Now is the ideal time to visit – to witness both the stunning fire regeneration as well as all of the usual attractions the Grampians National Park is renowned for. Visit Parks Victoria website for more information.
Aboriginal Culture – Gariwerd
For many thousands of years Aboriginal people have lived in the Grampians, and they named their mountain home Gariwerd. Today many Aboriginal art sites have been identified in and around the National Park. Several art sites are open to the public and all are easily accessible. In the western Grampians you can visit Manja and Billimina shelters and in the north Ngamadjidj and Gulgurn Manja shelters. The most accessible art site is Bunjils Shelter on the Pomonal/Stawell Road. Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap brings to life the history and culture of the Aboriginal groups who lived in the Grampians.
Walks
Step out and discover the many walking experiences in the National Park such as the walks listed below.
For further information on other walks in the park visit a local Visitor information centre or call into
Brambuk – the National Park and Cultural Centre.
| Mt Victory Rd to Boroka Lookout distance 15 kms drive. From Halls Gap, follow Mt Victory Road, past the Elephants Hide. At 10 km, turn right onto the Mt Difficult Road, and drive a further 5 kms to the spectacular Boroka Lookout. The walk from the carpark is short, and suitable for people with limited mobility. Boroka Lookout to Reed Lookout and The Balconies walk Return to Mt Victory Rd, turn right. After 2 kms turn left to Reed Lookout carpark. This lookout offers views over Victoria Valley, Lake Wartook and the Mt Difficult Range. The Balconies Walk The track climbs gently from the carpark, through rock outcrops and a stringybark forest to the Balconies lookout. From this lookout there are panoramic views over Victoria Valley. MacKenzie Falls Return to Mt Victory Rd, turn left. After 5.5 kms turn right. At the T intersection turn left. Facilities at MacKenzie Falls include a car park, picnic area, toilets and a kiosk. There are various walks to view the falls. MacKenzie Falls to Zumstein Picnic Area and Historic Walk Return to Mt Victory Road, turn right and travel 6 kms to Zumstein, which is a popular picnic area. A short historic walk also starts from the picnic area. Venus Baths Loop From Halls Gap shops, walk through carpark past the pool, cross bridge turning left into tennis court car park. Fyans Creek Loop Start at the stone sculpture at the rear of Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre. Walk North past wetlands, along Fyans Valley, until you reach Tandara Road, Cross over Fyans Creek footbridge and up the stairs. Turn right and follow track, returning to the Cultural Centre. Chatauqua Peak Loop Follow the sign-posted track from the recreation reserve to first track intersection. Follow track to left and rock scramble to summit. Return to main track , turn left and follow track to Bullaces Glen and Mt Victory road. Cross road walking through Botanic Gardens to tennis courts. Silverband Falls From car park, stroll 700m through shady, ferny forest. Cross two footbridges to arrive at the base of Silverband Falls, the waterfall that disappears. Return via same route. Lake Bellfield Wall A flat track across the reservoir wall with views of Fyans Valley and Mt William and Wonderland Ranges.
|
|
The Pinnacle from Wonderland car park distance 5.5 kms circuit, start Wonderland car park Suitable for only for fit walkers. The track involves rock steps, several seasonal water crossings and some rock hopping. Cross the footbridge over Stony Creek to the majestic Grand Canyon and further on to Silent Street. A steady climb past magnificent rock formations brings you to the Pinnacle Lookout and its awe inspiring views. Pinnacle to Wonderland car park via Forest Loop Track The track, heading south, passes over rocky outcrops. Follow the track which winds west through low forest before back to the original track north of Bridal Veil Falls. Before descending to the Grand Canyon, take the track marked to your left. This will lead on the opposite side of the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon + Pinnacle Walk Suitable for only for fit walkers. The track involves rock steps, slippery track surfaces, several seasonal water crossings and some rock hopping. Follow the well formed track to Venus Baths, which follows Stony Creek to the Wonderland car park. Pinnacle to Halls Gap via Wonderland Forest Loop Track and Wonderland Car park The track, heading south, passes over rocky outcrops. Follow the track which winds west through low forest before back to the original track north of Bridal Veil Falls. Before descending to the Grand Canyon, take the track marked to your left. This will lead on the opposite side of the Canyon. Boronia Peak Cross Fyans Creek footbridge and begin a steady climb through tall Messmate forest and native pines, along the western slope of the Mt William Range. Turn right at the sign posted intersection. Scramble up the rocky summit for superb views over the Fyans valley. Return by the same route. Take care of cliffs and supervise children at all times. Mt William (Mt Duwil) Summits A sealed road, closed to public vehicles, climbs steeply from the carpark to the summit. At 1,167 metres, Mt William is the highest point in the park. Stunted eucalypts give way to fantastic views of mountains ranges and open plains. Return by same route. Be prepared for cold and windy conditions. Beehive Falls A gently undulating walking track follows Mud Hut Creek upstream, to a series of rock steps and on to Beehives Falls (best after rain). Enjoy the pretty rock pools and ferns. The base of the falls makes a peaceful resting spot. Return by the same route. Hollow Mountain Follow the sign posted track through a densely vegetated gully. The track leads you to the base of an iron-stained cliff. It’s a steep and strenuous climb through fallen boulders and along exposed ledges. A short uphill scramble completes the climb to the wind-scoured caverns of Mount Wudjub-guyan (Hollow Mountain) with views overlooking Mount Stapylton and the Wimmera plains. Return by the same route. |
Follow Us!