The Grampians Peaks Trail officially opened its full route in Halls Gap, Victoria, offering one of Australia’s newest multi-day hiking experiences that demands both respect and readiness. Stretching roughly 164 kilometers with 6,300 meters of elevation gain, this trail is designed to challenge hikers with its rugged granite terrain while rewarding them with raw, sweeping panoramas of the Grampians National Park. From dense forests where the gum trees converse with the wind, to exposed ridges daring you to advance, the trail paints a vivid adventure across varied landscapes.

The route is sectioned into seven day-hikes or can be tackled as a full through-hike. Key highlights include Mount William—the park’s highest peak—whose summit offers commanding views that feel earned after the steady ascent. Along the way, waterholes murmur beneath cliffs and rocky outcrops provide unexpected perches where the landscape unfolds in layered relief. You’ll cross open plains where kangaroos pause, cautious but curious, while echidnas scuttle through leaf litter.

Planning your trek requires solid preparation. Footwear that grips on rock and dirt is essential, as many segments demand careful foot placement and negotiating steep switchbacks. Start early each day to capitalize on cooler morning air and avoid harsher sun exposure by midday. Hydration is key, especially in dry months—carry three liters per person, and check water availability points along your segment.

Camping is permitted at designated sites spaced strategically along the trail, each offering space to rest under starlit skies, although facilities remain basic. Weather can shift quickly; a mid-weight waterproof jacket and layered clothing will be your allies against wind, sun, and occasional showers. The trail commands respect—it’s a powerful landscape that remains fiercely itself, not a place to rush or take lightly.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking a well-rounded challenge or a motivated outdoor lover looking to step beyond day trips, the Grampians Peaks Trail blends natural grandeur with practical access points for resupply and rest. This is an invitation not just to cover distance, but to engage with a landscape that feels alive, breathing in whispers along the granite spines and daring you to move forward step by measured step.