Grampians National Park

Grampians National Park

Grampians National Park

If you're travelling in Victoria, definitely a bucket list item. Absolutely beautiful and as close to nature as you will ever get.Never before have I experienced closeness to wallabies and emus as they stroll freely through the campsite. First day we arrived we were welcomed by our inquisitive friends.

The Grampians looks remote on a map but it's only about 3 hours from Melbourne, so it pulls in a lot tourists despite feeling like you are in the middle of nowhere.


History Board

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The Mill operated for 20 Years only few relics remain

Smiths Mill Campground

We prebooked our campsite online.Apparently spring wildflower season especially draws in the crowds, plus the Grampians Peaks Trail

Worth noting: the Grampians landscape was recently impacted by bushfire and is still recovering, so stick to formed tracks, and the Fortress Walk and Fortress Hike-in Camp remain closed due to 2024/25 bushfire track damage. Worth checking Parks Victoria's change-of-conditions page closer to your trip. 

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/smiths-mill-campground

  • Located at an old sawmill site, tucked near the banks of the Mackenzie River, surrounded by tall Stringybarks and heathy forest 
  • Just 1km from Mackenzie Falls, and a short drive to Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout, and Zumsteins Picnic Area — all wildflower-viewing spots
  • 28 tent sites plus 5 drive-in sites suitable for camper-trailers, caravans and campervans, all unpowered, each fitting up to 6 people 
  • Facilities: non-flush toilets, a bush shower, and shared fire pits — bring your own firewood 
  • Bookings and fees are required year-round via Parks Victoria's online booking page
  • Dogs are not permitted at this campground or elsewhere in the park except in vehicles on sealed roads 
  • Water: bring your own — drinking water is not provided on site 

Information Boards

  • Camping & Picnicking — notes there are numerous campgrounds and picnic areas throughout the park; sites are available for most of the year, but fees apply and long weekends get very busy. Camp fees apply, and Brambuk (The National Park and Cultural Centre) at Halls Gap or a local Visitor Information Centre can help with details.
  • Bushwalking — the Grampians has an extensive network of walking tracks, from short strolls to multi-day hikes.
  • Car Touring and Four Wheel Driving — good network of roads and tracks for touring; guides available at Brambuk or the Halls Gap Visitor Centre.
  • Caring for the National Park — no pets, firearms, or removal of plants/animals/artefacts; vehicles restricted to public roads.
  • Campfires — rules around Total Fire Ban days (no fires), portable gas stoves recommended, and firewood collection restrictions.
  • Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre — the starting point for park info, Aboriginal art and cultural exhibits, gift shop, and café.
  • Be Safe, Be Prepared — general safety advice: plan your route, tell someone, check mobile reception limits, watch for slippery rock surfaces and steep cliffs, and general bushwalking safety points
Screenshot 2026-09-08 at 5.00.08 pm

Breathtaking views

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Wartook Reservoir

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Screenshot 2026-09-02 at 5.42.57 pm

Zumstein Tourist Retreat

Walter Zumstein was an early settler and farmer, also a prominent figure in the development of the Grampians for tourism. He supplemented his income by building a small tourist retreat, which consisted of three cottages, swimming pool and tennis courts . They were built in sequence between 1930 and 1935.

Today the site is the Zumsteins Picnic Area — a peaceful spot on the MacKenzie River with interpretive signs, historic ruins, picnic shelters, and a boardwalk, and it's the starting point for the walk to nearby Fish Falls, 

Explore the area as it consists of various walking tracks.

Short & easy

  • Reed Lookout to Balconies (~2km return) – Short walk to the iconic overhanging rock lookout over Victoria Valley.
  • MacKenzie Falls (main lookout) (~600m return) – Paved path to a viewing platform of the falls.
  • Boroka Lookout (~200m return) – Quick walk, sweeping views over Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield

Moderate

  • MacKenzie Falls (base of falls) (~2km return) – Steep steps down to the base, more strenuous than the lookout version.
  • The Pinnacle via Sundial Carpark (~4.2km return) – Popular half-day walk with rewarding views over Halls Gap.
  • Venus Baths Loop (~2km loop) – Rock pools and cascades along Stony Creek, easy-moderate.

Longer/harder

  • The Pinnacle via Wonderland Carpark (Grand Canyon route) (~5.3km return) – Includes narrow canyon sections and ladders, more adventurous.
  • Mt William Summit (~4-5km return) – Highest peak in the Grampians, sealed road most of the way then a short walk to the summit.
  • Major Mitchell Plateau (~9km return) – Longer day walk through varied terrain.

The Grampians are well worth the visit — a chance to experience nature's beauty, fauna and flora up close. Out here, the outdoors reveals the true beauty of Mother Nature."

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park