Top 5 Hikes in the Grampians

Hiking has been a part of my life since childhood. I didn’t do as much when I was in college or even my first few years in Reno, Nevada - but recently something clicked and it’s been like coming back to an old friend. Cliche, but true!

I love the community, everyone is encouraging and friendly. I felt that when I was on my National Park tour in the U.S. and it was the same coming to the Grampians National Park here in Australia. You keep challenging and pushing yourself, and the result is pretty damn cool.  Sometimes I want to collapse before I reach the peak, but there’s no question the views can be stunning. So keep moving, stretch those calfs out, and reach your goal!

Top 5 Hikes (in no particular order) :

IMG_4966.jpeg

MacKenzie Falls & The Balconies

  • Distance: 2 km return (both)

  • Time: 1 hr 20 min ; 30 min - an hour

  • Start: MacKenzie Falls Carpark ; Reed Lookout Carpark (CAR NEEDED)

Waterfalls and sunsets, these are a few of my favorite things. I recommend pairing these two walks together - if you time the viewing of the falls to be an hour or so before sunset, you can head to the Balconies after. Perfect evening!

 
IMG_4798 2.jpeg

Pinnacle - Wonderland Loop

  • Distance: 9.6 km circuit

  • Time: 4 - 5 hours

  • Start: Carpark opposite shops in Halls Gap

This is one of the most popular walks in the park. It takes you through Venus Baths to the Grand Canyon through Silent Street and up to Pinnacle Lookout. The important piece to remember is to NOT go up the major stairs section near the beginning, continue on to the Venus Baths and this is the way you will come down.

 
hollowmountain.png

Hollow Mountain

  • Distance: 2.2 km return

  • Time: 2 hours

  • Start: Hollow Mountain Carpark

If you’re looking for some rock scrambling, soaring cliffs, and views of the plains and northern mountains, this is the walk for you! It was a bit difficult going up and down, slow and steady was our motto. But the landscape was 100% worth it.

 
IMG_4727.jpeg

Chatauqua Peak Loop & Bullacles Glen

  • Distance: 5.6 km circuit

  • Time: 1.5 - 3 hours

  • Start: Behind Grampians Eco YHA

I did this walk 4 times - short and sweet, but a great workout with stunning views of the park. Quiet and peaceful, the perfect spot to think things over or catch up on journal writing. You’ll see mobs of kangaroos as you start the trail and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot an echidna or a feral goat.

 
IMG_4870.jpeg

Boronia Peak

  • Distance: 6 km

  • Time: 2 -3 hours

  • Start: Tandara Road Carpark

No one is confident that they have truly found the peak. In fact, I’m not sure if I ever found it! But the views are on the other side of the Halls Gap valley so show the peaks from the other walks. mentioned.

Still on my Wishlist:

Despite being in the Grampians National Park for 6 weeks, I didn’t get to do everything! A big part of that was my lack of car. But I plan to come back sometime in the next year, so there’s still hope! Plus, all waterfalls besides MacKenzie were dry during summer, so I need to see the park with water.

  • Mt Rosea

  • Mt Zero

  • Silverband Falls

  • Sundial Peak

Katherine VanLentComment