List of Bushwalks in Rural City of Ararat

Mount William (Duwul) Walk

Mount William (Duwul) Walk

4.1 km return

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

4.1 km

Return

Starting near the car park on Mt William Road, Grampians National Park, this walk leads to the summit of Mount William and back via Mt William Road. Rising to 1167 metres in height, it is the tallest peak in the Grampians. As you climb the mountain, you'll notice the effect of altitude on the type of vegetation. Tall eucalyptus trees on the lower slopes give way first to dwarfed trees and then to low, windswept bushes and grasses. In winter, you may see snow covering the stunted vegetation of the sub-alpine landscape. This is a long, steep and demanding walk on a winding paved road. It requires a moderate level of fitness to be completed, but you are rewarded with best views in the Grampians from the top. Be careful after rain and snow because the road can get slippery. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

Environment

Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug) Walk

Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug) Walk

5.7 km return

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

5.7 km

Return

This walk starts just off Grampians Road, Bornes Hill, leading to the summit of Mount Abrupt via the Mt Abrupt Walking Track. The steep track winds its way up the mountain, through heathy woodland and over rock slabs to the summit. Once there, you can enjoy the wonderful views of the Serra Range to the north and over Dunkeld in the south. The abundant Grampians wildlife and birdlife attracts a number of nature lovers to this area. Keep an eye out for wildflowers, kangaroos, wedge-tailed eagles, nankeen kestrels and peregrine falcons. It starts off moderately and gets increasingly challenging, with the track becoming very rocky close to the summit. The steep climbs on this walk provide a good workout, and it is best enjoyed by moderately fit hikers. Look closely for the marked signs, as the track can become slightly confusing in parts. Keep in mind that the bare rock surfaces can get slippery after rain. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

Bellfield Lake via Tunnel Walk

Bellfield Lake via Tunnel Walk

6.5 km return

2 h 45 min to 3 h 45 min

6.5 km

Return

Starting from Tunnel Road Car Park, Victoria, this return walk takes you to the eastern side of Bellfield Lake and back via Tunnel Track and Bolonia Trail. This is an excellent walk if you feel like you need a little isolation and serenity. If you feel like it, there are also places for a picnic, and swimming is also possible once you reach Bellfield Lake. Additionally, some historical information about the area can be found at the start. There are certain steep sections at the beginning and towards the middle of the walk, so having a moderate amount of fitness can be helpful. Unfortunately, the facilities are limited at Tunnel Road Car Park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

2 h 45 min to 3 h 45 min

Starting from Jimmy Creek Campground, Mafeking, this walk takes you on a circuit around the Grampians area. You can enjoy the views of Victoria and mount William Range through the trees while you are walking inside the tranquil forest. The area hosts wildflowers, especially orchids, for the enthusiast. Additionally, a wide range of rock formations can be found around the area, which makes it suitable for wildlife photography as well. There are occasional steps and hills, but a moderate amount of fitness is enough to complete the trail. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Teddy Bear Gap Loop

7 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min

2 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min

Environment

Signal Peak (from Mt Abrupt car park)

Signal Peak (from Mt Abrupt car park)

7.3 km return

3 h to 4 h

Starting from Mount Abrupt Car Park, Bornes Hill, this walk takes you to Signal Peak in Grampians National Park. You can traverse the forest setting in the first half of the walk and can enjoy the great open vistas of the Southern Grampians and Dunkeld at the second part. It starts off steadily and becomes steeper towards the end of the trail. The area is also prone to stay moist after heavy rainfall. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

6 h, 9 h 30 min to 2 days

Beeripmo Loop Walk

17.5 km circuit

6 h, 9 h 30 min to 2 days

The Beeripmo Loop Walk, Raglan, starts at the Richards Camping Site near The Glut Road, looping along the Mount Buangor State Park via the Beeripmo Walk. Enjoy a hike up into the mountains, through a series of ferns, gums and rocky spots. Along the way you will visit landmarks such as Mount Buangor, Sugarloaf View and Raglan Falls. From the mountain tops, there are stunning views of the landscape. There are two campsites along the walk that provide an opportunity to break the trail into two days, and this walk is popular as a first overnight hike among beginners. More experienced hikers might choose to complete it in one day. This trail provides both ample uphill challenging terrain and gentle downhill to flat level walking. There are also a number of obstacles on the path, such as fallen trees and branches. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

GPT S5: Jimmy Creek to Griffin

GPT S5: Jimmy Creek to Griffin

23.6 km oneway

8 h, 2 days to 3 days

23.6 km

Oneway

Starting from the Jimmy Creek Campground, Mafeking, this trail takes you to Griffin Picnic Area, visiting Wannon Crossing Campground and passing through the open grasslands along the way. This is the fifth of the sixth segments of the Grampians Peaks Trail. You can traverse the open grassland areas along with river flats that welcome you towards the end of the trail, after you walk through the towering forest. There are some steep parts as you get deeper into the forest, but the scenery at the end is worth it for many. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

8 h, 2 days to 3 days

Run

3 h to 5 h

GPT S4: Borough to Jimmy Creek

GPT S4: Borough to Jimmy Creek

30.8 km oneway

12 h, 2 days to 3 days

30.8 km

Oneway

Starting from Borough Huts Campground, Bellfield, this trail takes you to Jimmy Creek Campground, visiting Seven Dials, Redman Bluff, Boundary Gap and Durd Durd along the way. This is the fourth of six segments of the Grampians Peaks Trail. As you walk along the outskirts of Mount William, you can enjoy Seven Dials, which occurred as a result of millions of years of erosion. The panoramic views of plains from Redman Bluff are delightful as well. The ending of this trail is incredibly tranquil and rewarding, allowing you to enjoy beautiful sunsets from the western side of the range. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

12 h, 2 days to 3 days

Run

6 h to 9 h

Environment

GPT S6: Griffin to Dunkeld

GPT S6: Griffin to Dunkeld

33 km oneway

13 h, 2 days to 3 days

33 km

Oneway

Starting from Griffin Picnic Area, Bornes Hill, this trail takes you to Dunkeld Town, visiting Signal Peak, Mount Abrupt, Mud-Dadjug Hike-in Campground, Mt Sturgeon and volcanic plains along the way. This is the last of the six segments of the Grampians Peaks Trail. The beginning of the walk offers you a wide selection of spectacular wildflowers, such as orchids, heaths and bush pea species. After you're done with the steep ascent to Signal Peak and savour the panoramic views from the top, you will descend with the eucalyptus surrounding you. When you finally reach the peak of Mount Sturgeon, you can enjoy the otherwordly view of the volcanic plains. Before you reach the end of this great walk, you'll get a glimpse of the past through the volcanic formations that date back to the Upper Paleolithic period (22,000 years ago). Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

13 h, 2 days to 3 days

Run

6 h to 9 h 30 min

Environment