5
Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 4 days trekking with a full pack
Accommodation
  • 3 nights camping in supported hiker camps
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 3 Breakfasts

4 Days$1790AUD

View Inclusions
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: GNE

Grampian Peaks Northern Expedition Trip highlights

  • Enjoy the Northern Grampians – by far, the most dramatic part of the Gariwerd Landscape
  • Witness some of the best panoramic views in the country
  • Climb dramatic mountain peaks such as Mt Zero, Mt Stapylton, Chatauqua Peak and more
  • Stay in unique and quiet hike-in campgrounds along the trail
  • Experience the ancient Aboriginal culture of Gariwerd
  • Discover the unique animals and plants that call this remote wilderness home

We’ll begin our journey at the northernmost tip of the Grampians near Mount Zero and over the course of 4 days, we will hike southward all the way to Halls Gap. Each night we’ll camp in our supported hiker camps, rest, enjoy a freshly cooked trail meal, and sleep under a blanket of stars. No matter your level of hiking experience, our passionate local team will guide and support you through this journey to explore their backyard.

On the Mount Zero Northern expedition, you will cover every step of the Northern Stage of the Grampians Peaks Trail and end in Halls Gap at the beginning of the Central Stage. If your goal is to walk the entire length of the Grampians Peaks Trail, whether it be in one go or over a period of time, this is the first trip for you.

Activities:

Itinerary

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Meet your guide and the expedition team at the Grampians Peaks Walking Co. Hiker Hub in Halls Gap for a briefing and gear check before a transfer to the beginning of the GPT at Mount Zero Grampians picnic area. The heart rate will rise quickly as we ascend ‘Flat Rock’ and then again when we get to the top and get our first world-class viewpoint – just 10 minutes in! We’ll descend and navigate our way through the Stapylton Amphitheatre before skirting our way around and up Mount Stapylton itself. For the footsure and brave, there is a short scramble to the summit to gain 360-degree views and a sneak peek of the next day’s walk in the distance. After a fresh trail lunch, we’ll head southwards along the mostly high ground before descending into a valley and reaching Barigar Hiker Camp. After settling in we can take a short side trip to visit the camp’s namesake Barigar Falls. Walking Distance 12.9km | Ascent 440m | Descent 460m

Meals:  L,D

We’ll begin our day with a hearty breakfast and then depart camp. Our first steps take us along the base of the Rock Wall, an impressive several km long escarpment hidden away in a valley. As the cliff line reduces, we begin to ascend its ridge to cross over into Roses Gap. As we begin to ascend the lower slopes of Gar (Mount Difficult) we will find and begin to follow a small, unsuspecting watercourse – seasonal and rainfall dependent. Over the next few km, we will witness this watercourse cascading over a series of drops each one more spectacular than the last. After we gain the top of the last waterfall, we’ll head towards the ‘Pacific Ocean Wall’, a cliff ‘as big as the pacific ocean’, ascend its flank via a superbly built stone stairway and continue climbing up to Briggs Bluff. With most of the ascent completed, from here we can traverse our way along the high ground before arriving at Gar Hiker Camp and its breathtaking views. Walking Distance 12.9km | Ascent 615m | Descent 113m

Meals:  B,L,D

An early start this morning as we head up to the summit of Gar for a sunrise like no other. We’ll then return to camp for breakfast and then depart on the day’s journey. We will sharply descend the eastern slopes of Gar, cross the northern end of the Werdug (Wartook) Basin and gain the ridge of the eastern flank of the Mount Difficult massif. Continuing south along this high ground we will eventually reach Werdug Hiker Camp with stunning views overlooking Lake Wartook and a clear line of sight all the way back to the top of Gar where we stood that morning. Walking Distance 14km | Ascent 521m | Descent 462m

Meals:  B,L,D

Our last day on the trail (for this expedition!) will continue along the eastern flank of Mount Difficult and slowly tip over and descend towards the town of Halls Gap. For one last hoorah we’ll head out to the end of Chautauqua Peak before finishing our descent all the way into Halls Gap. We’ll head back to the Grampians Peaks Walking Co. Hiker HUB where we can shower, collect our gear and celebrate with lunch and a local craft beer at the conveniently adjoining brewery. Walking Distance 13km | Ascent 33m | Descent 587m

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Qualified and experienced local guides & campsite hosts
  • 3 nights in lightweight hiking tents at GPT hiker camps
  • Fresh and healthy camp-cooked meals
  • All meals on the trail (3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners + snacks)
  • National Park fees
  • Emergency communications & group first aid kit
  • Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
  • Transfers to/from the trail

  • Travel to and from Halls Gap
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature: alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser
  • Personal clothing and equipment (including backpack, mattress and sleeping bag) - some gear available to hire
  • Any meals in towns

Accommodation

Supported hiker camps

On this expedition, we will be spending 3 nights in supported hiker camps at Barigar, Gar and Werdug. Each of these campsites has timber tent platforms, composting toilets and USB power if you need to keep a phone, camera or headlamp charged along the way. These sites have an enclosed group dining shelter that provides an amazing space to relax, socialise, dine and escape from any adverse weather conditions.

Comfortable tents

For those travelling together, our tents are lightweight, 3 person hiking tents on a twin share basis (i.e. 2 people in a 3 person tent). If you're a solo traveler you'll be staying in a small, lightweight, one-person tent that has enough room for you and your gear. Two of these single tents fit on the one 3.5m x 3.5m tent platform. If you would like a little more privacy, we have a single supplement available to guarantee your own tent on your own platform so that you have a little space to yourself.

Trail Surface

Expect a wide range of terrain

The Grampians Peaks Trail traverses the Grampians National Park from north to south and is split into 3 main sections known as the Northern Section (4 days, 3 nights), Central Section (5 days, 4 nights) and Southern Section (4 days, 3 nights). The area traverses a wide range of different terrains including rugged rocky mountains, valleys, ridge-lines alongside abundant flora and fauna.

You'll accumulate a lot of elevation

Over the course of the trip we accumulate a lot of elevation with the odd section that may require a short scramble (using both hands and feet for balance). Our passionate local team will guide and support you through this journey to explore their backyard.

Suitability

Moderate

5

For this journey, you will require a moderate level of fitness and mobility. Each days walk will range from 12-14km over a range of terrain types including lots of stairs and long sections of uneven ground. On this trip, we will accumulate a lot of elevation with the odd section that may require a short scramble (using both hands and feet for balance).We have endeavored to make this experience as achievable as possible by supplying and carrying tents, food and cooking gear. How you will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a pack weighing approximately 10-12kgs and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions and remote locations where evacuation may be very difficult. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of strenuous exercise 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a full pack weight (approximately 10-12kgs). At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best exercise for our challenging treks is multi day bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents and in variable weather conditions.

Departure dates


Priceper person from

$1790AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Grampians Peaks Trail Trek - North trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Our ‘Expedition’ programs are designed for those who love to hike and explore (no matter your level of experience) and prefer the idea of a continuous journey – multiple days, start to finish without leaving the trail. While we provide as much support and comfort as we can on the Mount Zero Grampians walk, we’ll be camping in lightweight hiking tents, sleeping on your inflatable hiking mattress, and staying in campsites equipped with composting tank toilets (but no showers!). We take care of all the group equipment (tents, cooking equipment, food etc) but you will need to be capable of carrying your personal clothing, sleeping bag and mattress, approximately 8-12 kgs.

For Self-Drivers:

It's easy! Just drive to Halls Gap, generally arriving the night before. In the morning, park on Heath St, behind the information centre where we meet.

For Guests Flying In:

If you're not driving, there's a public transport option from the Melbourne City. Check the timetables to coordinate with your flights, and consider spending a night in Melbourne near Southern Cross Station to break up the travel. It's a straightforward 4-hour journey from Melbourne CBD to Halls Gap with 2 or 3 well-timed vehicle changes.

Victoria enjoys a temperate climate and reliable rainfall with four distinct seasons. Here is a guide to the weather conditions.

Summer: the average maximum temperature in south-west Victoria across January and February is 25 degrees Celsius. Sunscreen is required at all times, even on glary days, the UV factor can be deceptive. Wind can also burn, even when the temperature appears mild. Overnight temperatures vary from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Winter: June to August is the coldest time in Victoria, with average maximum temperatures of between 8 and 13 degrees Celsius.

Spring and Autumn can be anywhere in between! Expect mild days, with ocean breezes and winds. Late afternoons cool down, and evenings will require a fleece or long sleeves.

As with all mountainous walking, the weather can be unpredictable at all times of the year and the area can experience heavy rain and temperatures below zero degrees even in summer. For group safety and comfort having adequate gear and equipment for the local conditions ensures your wilderness experience is enjoyable. Upon booking you will be provided with a specialist gear list available that details what is required for the Grampians Peaks End to End Trek.

There is USB charging facilities each night at the walker campsites.

Grampian Peaks Northern Expedition Trip reviews

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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Grading:
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