The Grampians Peaks Trail will be a 144km long-distance walking trail spanning the length of the Grampians National Park from Mount Zero in the north to the township of Dunkeld in the south. Once fully developed, the trail will be a world-class visitor experience delivering substantial benefits to the local community, the region and the state.

The trail is expected to generate an additional 86,000 visitor nights annually and contribute an additional 60 direct and indirect full time jobs as well as 115 jobs during the construction phase. By 2025, the overnight visits associated with the trail are expected to generate approximately $6.39 million annually. 

The Grampians Peaks Trail is being developed under the Walk Victoria’s Icons program which will position Victoria and the Grampians as a key nature-based tourism destination. Other walks within the portfolio include the Great Ocean Walk, the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing and the Coastal Wilderness Walk in East Gippsland.

A master plan to help guide the future development of the trail, define the route and visitor experience, as well as associated infrastructure needs is nearing completion. It is being delivered by Parks Victoria in partnership with Grampians Tourism and Tourism Victoria. The plan is being overseen by the Grampians Peaks Trail Task Force, a group comprising representatives from local shires, tourism bodies, walking clubs and Regional Development Victoria.

The consultation process was held over a four week period, with the public comment period closing on 11 June. The process was designed to inform community members about the trail concept and vision and enable attendees to share their views with the project team.

Parks Victoria would like to thank those who participated in the consultation process and submitted feedback. All comments received have been important in shaping the development of the master plan.

Community briefings were held during May in Halls Gap, Wartook and Dunkeld. The project team also held one-on-one briefings in the region and in Melbourne with several key stakeholders including local Traditional Owner groups, the Victorian National Parks Association and Bushwalking Victoria to capture their views on the development of the plan.

Opportunities were also made available for interested parties to provide input via email and through an online survey. Eighty-nine written comments were received and over 100 community members attended the community briefings.

The consultation process identified several consistent themes including:

• A strong desire to recognise the park’s cultural and natural values within the plan. 
• Concern regarding the provision for potential private sector development in national parks. 
• Desire for the Grampians Peaks Trail to cater for a diverse range of visitors.
• A keen interest in how towns and communities surrounding the park will benefit and connect to the trail.
• Interest in understanding the additional planning work and resources required for the Grampians Peaks Trail to be operational.

All views expressed during the community briefings, written feedback received via email and results from the online survey are being considered in the preparation of the final master plan. Once the plan is completed and it has received the relevant approvals it will be released to the public.

The Grampians Peaks Trail will be constructed over a number of years in a staged process. The first stage of works is nearing completion and is being delivered by Parks Victoria through $1.3 million in funding provided on behalf of the Victorian Government by Regional Development Victoria. It is anticipated that all works within Stage One will be completed by early 2015. It includes a three day/two night loop walk from Halls Gap via Borough Huts covering 19 kilometres. The following works have been completed as part of this stage.

• An 8.7km track realignment from Mount Rosea to the Belfield Fire Line.
• Construction of a new footbridge over Fyans Creek (pictured).
• Construction of a new lookout at Mount Rosea.
• Detailed planning for the new 24 person Grampians Peaks Trail Hikers Camp at Wonderland. The contractor has been appointed and construction is due to commence in September. Works are estimated to be completed in December.
• Development of an infrastructure design manual which sets a consistent style for tracks, bridges, signs and hiker camping areas across the whole trail.
• Development of a signage manual to maintain consistency across wayfinding, information and risk signage. 
• Detailed planning for the 16 person Grampians Peaks Trail Group Campsite at Mount Rosea.

For further information about the trail visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/gpt. Parks Victoria will continue to provide regular updates on the progression of the Grampians Peaks Trail.