Grampians Peaks Trail Southern Section
Details
Hi Guys,
This is Part 3 of our epic Grampians Peaks Trail traverse — taking us from Mt Zero in the north all the way through to Dunkeld in the south.
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Grampians Peaks Trail – Southern Section (4 Days)
Jimmy Creek → Dunkeld
A 4-day hike through the southern Grampians, featuring rugged peaks, sweeping ridgelines, and a rewarding finish into Dunkeld. Completing this section in spring, we should be treated to some amazing wildflowers along the way.
This section offers a great balance of challenge and enjoyment without the extreme difficulty of the central section.
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Day 1 – Jimmy Creek Campground → Wannon Campground
Distance: ~16 km
Time: 5–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights:
- Gentle transition into the southern section of the trail
- Rolling terrain through open forest and ridgelines
- Expanding views across the ranges
- A great introduction to the terrain and pace of the trip
Notes:
A solid but manageable first day with no major climbs. A good opportunity to settle into a steady hiking rhythm.
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Day 2 – Wannon Campground → Djardji-djawara Campground
Distance: ~16.3 km
Time: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Highlights:
- Climb of Signal Peak
- Climb of Mt Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug) with stunning panoramic views
- Some of the most rugged and rewarding terrain of the southern section
- Expansive views back across the Grampians
Notes:
This is the toughest day of the trip. While the distance is moderate, the climbs are steep and exposed in places. An early start and steady pacing will be key.
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Day 3 – Djardji-djawara Campground → Mud-dadjug Campground
Distance: ~14 km
Time: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights:
- Scenic ridgeline walking and rocky outcrops
- Quieter, more remote sections of the trail
- Opportunity for a more relaxed pace
- Time to enjoy camp and surroundings
Notes:
A shorter, more relaxed day to recover after the previous day’s climbs.
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Day 4 – Mud-dadjug Campground → Dunkeld (via Mt Sturgeon)
Distance: ~10 km
Time: 3–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights:
- Climb of Mt Sturgeon (Wurgarri)
- Dramatic views over Dunkeld and surrounding farmland
- Iconic finish to the southern section of the trail
- Strong sense of completion as we descend toward Dunkeld
Notes:
A shorter final day with one last climb before finishing near the Mt Sturgeon carpark and into Dunkeld.
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Trip Summary:
- Total Distance: ~56–60 km
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
This itinerary offers a well-balanced multi-day hike with a gentle start, a challenging second day, a recovery day, and a rewarding final finish.
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How to Join
To be part of this amazing hike, please sign up via Meetup and book your campsites using the link below:
https://bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/gpt-interactive-map-booker
Campsites to book:
- Wannon – Saturday 31st October
- Djardji-djawara – Sunday 1st November
- Mud-dadjug – Monday 2nd November
Once you’ve signed up, I’ll invite you to a WhatsApp group where we can share information, coordinate logistics, and post updates.
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Really looking forward to hiking with you all as we complete the final section of our Grampians traverse.
Cheers,
Stephen
