Be Bushfire Smart

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 168,000 hectare National park is home to a rich diversity of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the park.

Hosting over 1 million visitors each year, popular activities include 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.

Chat to information staff about the many recreational opportunities available, visit the spectacular Gariwerd dreaming theatre, explore interpretive displays or relax in the bush tucker café. Cultural Rangers will be able to take you on a bush tucker walk or rock art tour, or you can try your hand at traditional Aboriginal painting methods.

Located just south of the Halls Gap township, the centre is open daily from 9am – 5pm except on Christmas day. Phone 5361 4000.

• There are many camping areas in the park in a variety of settings directly accessible by car. They have pit toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables.
• There is also a wide range of accommodation in Halls Gap and neighbouring townships.
• Payment for camping fees can be made by visiting or phoning Brambuk - The National Park & Cultural Centre. A fee box is located on the outside wall and always accessible. Alternatively, fees can now be paid via credit card at the information counter or by calling (03) 5361 4000. Brambuk - The National Park & Cultural Centre is located on Grampians Rd, Halls Gap and is open 9am to 5pm daily (except Christmas day).
• Baby change facilities

Aboriginal occupation of the Grampians dates back well over 5000 years and the area contains the majority of surviving Aboriginal rock art sites in south-east Australia. Today you can discover this rich heritage through the Brambuk Centre, managed by local Indigenous communities.

NSW Surveyor-General Sir Thomas Mitchell named the ranges after mountains in his native Scotland in 1836, although their Indigenous name Gariwerd is now increasingly used as well. As European settlement spread, the Grampians became, and remain, a vital source of water for farming and domestic purposes in a large part of north-western Victoria.

The Grampians’ rich and diverse heritage also includes timber production for mines and farms, gold mining (especially at Mafeking), stone quarrying, of which the Heatherlie Quarry is a good example, and tourism.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria

The park is particularly important for its abundance of bird species. The low open shrubby woodlands in the park support many nectar-feeding birds, and the tall open forests are important for hollow-dependent species such as the Powerful Owl. Large populations of Emus are found throughout the lowland areas.

Over 40 species of mammal have been recorded in the park. They include kangaroos, possums, gliders, echidnas and koalas. The park supports populations of Red-necked Wallabies and Grey Kangaroos and a growing population of Black Wallabies. Zumstein picnic ground is a popular kangaroo viewing area.

One of the most striking features of the park is its rich and colourful spring wildflower display, best seen during October. Heathlands come to life with colourful shows of Grampians Boronia, Blue Pin-cushion Lily, Grampians Parrot-pea, Grampians Thryptomene and a multitude of other herbs and shrubs.

The park contains over 800 indigenous plant species. Twenty of these, including the Grampians Gum and Grampians Parrot-pea, are found nowhere else in the world.

Plant communities range from luxuriant fern gullies, to Stringybark forests and Red Gum woodlands in the Victoria Valley, to stunted heaths on the Major Mitchell Plateau. There are eight broad vegetation communities within the park - Sub-alpine, Sclerophyll Forests, Shrubby Woodlands, Savannah Woodlands, Heath Woodland, Heathlands, Swampland and Riparian vegetation. Fire plays a major role in the ecology of the Grampians' vegetation and fauna.

Fire Ecology

In January 2006 a large fire swept through the central area of the Grampians National Park. Two years on, environmental regeneration is well underway. Many plants and animals in the park actually need fire to continue lifecycles. There are certainly plenty of opportunities to witness this ancient landscape respond to such a renewing natural event. More Information can be found in the Fire Ecology Parknote.

• Dogs and other pets are not allowed except in vehicles on sealed roads and in sealed carparks.
• Firearms are not permitted.
• When driving, keep to roads open to public vehicles. Walkers should keep to marked tracks.
• Light fires only in fireplaces provided, or better still take a gas or fuel stove to protect fauna habitats.
• Take your rubbish home and where possible recycle.
• Minimise the risk of bushfires and reduce impacts on native habitiat: only light fires in places provided.
• Please do not feed native wildlife, especially kangaroos. It is bad for them and can be dangerous to visitors.
• Please don't disturb or remove any plants or animals.

• If you are planning an extended walk, tell someone where you are going and when you aim to be back.
• Carry appropriate gear, food and water.
• Due to prolonged dry weather, water may not be available at campgrounds. Be self-sufficient with drinking water. Carry it in and/or know how to make untreated water safe for drinking. For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit the Department of Human Services Better Health website www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
• Rapid changes of temperature can occur. Be prepared for heat and cold.
• Take care at lookouts above cliffs and steep slopes.
• Long dry periods increase the risk of bushfires. Parks Victoria, DSE and CFA are urging all visitors to the Grampians to maintain a heightened vigilance with the use of open campfires. Can you use a fuel stove instead?
• It is your responsibility to be aware of declared Total Fire Ban days, and the associated regulations.

The 260 km drive from Melbourne along the Western or Glenelg Highways takes about 3.5 hours. There are approaches to Halls Gap (Vic Roads Touring Guide 56-A4) via Stawell, Ararat, Horsham or Dunkeld.

Brambuk - The National Park & Cultural Centre

A large parking area and sealed paths make entry to Brambuk - The National Park & Cultural Centre accessible for all abilities. There are designated accessible carpark and toilet facilities available. There are many informative displays and good seating inside. Off-road wheelchairs are available from Brambuk - The National Park & Cultural Centre.

Reed Lookout

From this lookout there are panoramic views over the Victoria Valley and to Lake Wartook. The 2km easy return walk to The Balconies starts from Reed Lookout Carpark. There are no picnic or toilet facilities at this site.

Zumstein Picnic Area

There are accessible toilet facilities available. Vehicle entry and car parking areas are sealed. The paths around the site are wide and generally accessible, and there is a short walking track starting from near the picnic area.

MacKenzie Falls

The track to the base of MacKenzie Falls is relatively inaccessible due to steep sections, but MacKenzie Falls Loop Walk is a wheelchair accessible track beginning at the car park and winding through the bush to a viewing platform overlooking the Falls. The picnic area has a kiosk, picnic benches and accessible toilets.

Ngamadjidj Rock Art Shelter

Stapylton Campground is reached via a long stretch of gravel road. It has well maintained picnic and camping facilities. The camping area has designated accessible camping and parking spaces, as well as a toilet facility. A 500m loop walk to access the nearby Ngamadjidj rock shelter Aboriginal art site meets current access standards.

Boroka Lookout

The track to Boroka Lookout from the car park is sealed, and is 100 metres return. The view is highly recommended, and although there is a constant gradient, accessibility is good. This track is detailed in the "Wheelchair Accessible Tracks" booklet, available at Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre. Access to toilets is via a sealed path with a short steep gradient.

Off-road wheelchairs are available for hire from Brambuk - The National Park & Cultural Centre.

The park has an Education Centre located at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at Halls Gap.

Visit the Parks Education Website for program outlines and resource material for students and teachers.

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• Mount Buangor State Park/Mount Cole State Forest