GENERAL INFO
Overall this walk is moderate to challenging, with some challenging sections every day. You will need to be reasonably walking fit. So if you are unsure, please walk a few 20km walks before you go to ensure you are ready, preferably with some uphill component. There are also some flat sections along well-marked trails and gradual ascents to mountain summits for spectacular views, which means there are some steep uphill and downhill sections. The southern end of the track is in good condition and pretty good underfoot compared to some of the northern end track.
You’ll be walking an average of 19 km a day. With plenty of elevation and descent every day, so please be aware this walk is moderate to challenging, so again, you will need to have a good level of walking fitness. Auswalk doesn’t provide boot camp walks, so the 4 days are very achievable. Those who enjoy nature’s solitude will appreciate some days when you are more likely to encounter echidnas and kangaroos rather than other people.
This six-day itinerary has four walking days, starting in Mount William to finishing in Dunkeld. We include accommodation from day one to day six, some meals, transfers and comprehensive trip notes and walking maps. We transfer your luggage to the next accommodation so you can focus on enjoying the walking with just your daypack and what you need for the day.
For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.
HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY
By Public Transport
V Line operates a combined train/coach service from Southern Cross Railway Station in downtown Melbourne to Stawell. There are a couple of departure times each day – check their website www.vline.com.au / phone: 1800 800 007 . There is an airport shuttle bus service from Melbourne airport arrivals area, direct to Southern Cross station in Melbourne’s CBD. It’s called Sky Bus & departs every 20 minutes.
If you choose to catch public transport to Stawell please advise your arrival time so that we can arrange for you to be picked up at the railway station and transferred to your first nights’ accommodation.
At the end of your holiday, you will need to catch the v/line bus from Dunkeld and Grampians Visitor Information Centre. This service departs early on some given days so check the vline website www.vline.com.au for up-to-date information.
Depending on the day of the week this could be via Ballarat or Ararat.
IMPORTANT: All V Line services should be pre-booked.
By Private Car – Self Drive Option
Please note if you choose to self drive on your Grampians Walking Holiday you will need to drive to the end point of each walking day. We will then have you transferred back to the start of the walk. If you choose this option there is a significant discount per person, it will also allow you to complete each days walk in your own time.
Directions from Melbourne, follow the M8 past Ballarat to Ararat. Turn L, go through Ararat, and continue to Moyston via Pomonal to Halls Gap where you will drive to your first accommodation. This is the fastest way. Please watch out for wildlife on the roads, especially at dusk.
The Grampians walks finishes in the morning of day 6 in Dunkeld. As you will be self driving throughout this walk, your car will be with you at The Royal Mail in Dunkeld.
TRANSFERS
If you arrive by public transport, Auswalk will arrange all your transfers. If you are self driving, you will drive to the end point of the walk, we will then transfer you back to the start to begin your walk. All the details will be outlined in your walk notes. You can save a substantial amount in transfer fees by choosing to self drive – please see prices below in departure dates.
WEATHER
September to November is usually warm. The summer months of December to March are likely to be warm, and sometimes quite hot. During summer, it is common to have daily temperatures in the 30s, with the nights remaining quite warm. April and May are cooler and the winter months of June through August can vary from cool to mild temperatures with the occasional cold, wet spell. The wildflowers are usually at their best between August and November – although there are always some flowers around.
See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average
temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at [email protected], or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.