Visitors and locals alike will now be able to enjoy the magnificent natural and cultural environment of the heritage-listed Grampians National Park thanks to funding from the Coalition Government’s highly successful Building Better Regions Fund.

Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan said he was delighted to launch the 160 km world-class hiking trail Grampians Peak Trail, starting at Mt Zero in the north, passing through Halls Gap and with highlights including Redman Bluff, Major Mitchell Plateau and Mt Abrupt before reaching Dunkeld in the south.

The Grampians Peak Trail will bring an important economic and tourism development opportunity for the local community, the region and Victoria as a key nature-based tourism destination and will be one of the great iconic walks of Australia, said Mr Tehan.

Mr Tehan said as a keen bushwalker I am looking forward to some of the day walks and more challenging 3-day hikes and enjoying not only the panoramic views but also taking on some of the challenging terrain.

Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said the trail will attract tourists to see the stunning sites the Grampians has to offer and embark on a new adventure.

“This is good news for Halls Gap and beyond. This trail will showcase the beautiful landscape of Grampians National Park while fostering growth in the region through trade and tourism.

“Small businesses will be given a much-needed boost from tourists which this new trail is sure to attract. Retailers, accommodation providers, restaurants, spas, transport services, adventure companies, to name a few, will benefit from the Grampians Peaks Trail.

“This truly is a beautiful part of the world, that so many more people will experience now and for decades to come. I am looking forward to walking part of it myself.”

This project supported 175 jobs during construction and will create another 55 ongoing jobs, each of which will support our region well into the future.

The project aims to increase the total number of walkers using the Grampians Peaks Trail from 13,800 in 2015 to over 34,000 walkers by 2025 and will generate more than $6 million of economic benefit for the region and Victoria.

The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring the future of our rural and regional communities, with the Grampians Peak Trail being just one example of our investment in tourism that will protect existing jobs and create new ones while positioning regional towns and economies to capitalise on Australia’s post-COVID recovery as borders reopen and people start travelling again.

Our infrastructure and community investments will ensure our regions remain great places to live and visit while enabling them to continue supporting important regional industries which create jobs.

This project received $10 million in funding from the Australian Government under the National Stronger Regions and Building Better Regions Fund. The Victorian State Government funded $23.2 million.

Grampians National Park is part of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape.

Quotes attributable to Northern Grampians Shire Council, Mayor Cr Tony Driscoll

Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Cr Tony Driscoll said the trail is set to be a true feather in the cap of everything on offer for visitors to the iconic Grampians.

“Thank you to the Federal Government for their investment; the Building Better Regions Fund has helped to realise an adventure tourism dream for the region. Pre-Covid the Grampians attracted thousands of visitors from all over the world and was an extremely popular destination for Victorians for long weekends and school holidays. As locals, we all love to take visiting friends and family to Halls Gap and the Grampians.  It is such a majestic mountain range with so many lovely outlooks, caves, waterfalls aplenty and a habitat for very rare Australian flora and fauna such as the endemic orchids and the Tiger Quoll.  

“I think the Grampians Peaks Trail will see our region recognised by walkers the world over as a stunning, scenic walk that will rival some of the great walks in Tasmania, New Zealand, the UK, everywhere. When the weary walkers return to base our Halls Gap restaurants, cafes and ice-creameries will be a welcome reward for their exertion too.”

Quotes attributable to Southern Grampians Shire Council, Mayor Cr Bruach Colliton

“The Grampians Peaks trail opening could not have come at a better time, providing much needed mental health benefits for all Victorians to enjoy the fresh air of the Grampians and the breathtaking landscapes we have on offer.

“The Trail will help to cement the area as a must visit Tourism destination not only locally but on a national and international scale. There are significant opportunities for local tourism providers to capitalise on this new investment, to showcase our local products and services whether that be targeting single backpackers or corporate groups. The Grampians has something to offer everyone.

“I have spent many hours hiking in the region so can’t wait to tackle the GPT from top to bottom. There is always something new to discover, from native orchids, rock formations, rivers and streams, mountain peaks and valleys.

“I congratulate Grampians Tourism Board and thank the Federal and State Government for a collaborative effort in realising this grand vision for the Grampians Peaks Trail.”

Quotes attributable to Horsham Rural City Council, Mayor Cr Robyn Gulline

“We are delighted to see the opening of the iconic Grampians Peaks Trail, a 160km walking trail that provides an experience like no other of the beautiful Grampians Gariwerd National Park.”

“With the Mt Zero trailhead at our doorstep, we look forward to welcoming visitors to our region and to them combining their walk with further exploration of the Wimmera Southern Mallee Region.”