THE State Government is upgrading Victoria’s iconic 160-kilometre Grampians Peaks Trail, which includes a new trailhead in the centre of the Halls Gap township.

The development is part of a five-million-dollar investment by the State Government to provide visitors with more options to access the world-class hiking experience.

Halls Gap is a bustling township that sits in the heart of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and is an ideal launching point for thousands of visitors to explore the region and the Peaks Trail.

The construction of a new viewing platform and shelter as part of the Dunkeld Visitor Hub project is currently underway and is due to be completed by July 30, 2023. It will provide visitors to Dunkeld with a spectacular view of Mt Sturgeon and the surrounding landscape. 

Also, as part of the project, a new footpath has been constructed in Memorial Park; connecting to the new pedestrian refuge on Parker Street and onwards to the Dunkeld/Grampians Visitor Information Centre, with new signage also being erected.

In addition, a new footpath has been constructed on the east side of Sterling Street to Adam Street, which connects the Dunkeld/Grampians Visitor Information Centre to the new viewing pavilion.

Southern Grampians Shire Council chief executive, Tony Doyle, said these works will provide visitors with an accessible, revamped experience when coming to view magnificent Mt Sturgeon.

“The project will also support local businesses by attracting more visitors in the coming years. This will facilitate economic growth and development in the local region through increased activity in accommodation, retail, food, and beverage sectors,” he said.

The Dunkeld Visitor Hub is a state, federal and Council funded project.

Mr Doyle said Council was also working on the Dunkeld Loop Walk project.

“This new walk trail will connect existing pathways to the Mt Sturgeon car park,” he said.

“There will be a continuous walking trail from the Dunkeld Loop Walk, via the Dunkeld Arboretum, through to the Mt Sturgeon car park and then to the Grampians Peaks Trail.”

The new trailhead will better connect the town to the mountains with a new track and boardwalk, gathering spaces, rock seating and signage.

The final designs are currently being shared with the local community.

In addition to the new Halls Gap trailhead, access points at Mount Zero and Dunkeld will also receive upgrades.

Environment minister, Ingrid Stitt, said these upgrades will enhance the heart of Halls Gap and provide a welcome space for visitors, highlighting the outstanding walking opportunities in the Grampians.

“This investment supports regional tourism and the local economy and helps visitors better enjoy everything Gariwerd has to offer,” she said.

The Grampians Peaks Trail is a unique and cultural hiking experience - offering day hikes to 13-day journeys - treating visitors with dramatic rocky peaks, picturesque valleys and beautiful waterfalls and lakes.

Since its opening in 2021, hikers have booked more than 15,000 nights along the trail.

Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation are working in partnership with Parks Victoria to guide the trailhead upgrades and visitor information about the Gariwerd cultural landscape.

The trail upgrades are expected to take place in stages from late 2023 until mid-2024.

Western Victoria MP, Jacinta Ermacora, said when complete, the upgraded trailheads will provide more flexibility, information and better facilities so that hikers can enjoy the region in more ways than ever before.

For more information about experiencing the Grampians Peaks Trail, visit parks.vic.gov.au/grampianspeakstrail