Halls Gap – The Grampians

Pinnacle Walk from Sundial carpark

The Grampians National Park in Victoria is a favourite place for bushwalkers and plant lovers alike. Spring is definitely the best time in our opinion to visit there.

The walk/hike to the Pinnacle is one of the most popular walks. In previous times we have done this walk as a couple and with our kids from the Wonderland carpark. So for a change we decided to do it from the Sundial carpark instead.

As you can see it’s just over 2 kms from the carpark and there are other short hike options from the same carpark.

There are a few flat or downhill sections

but there is obviously more uphill walking overall required to reach the Pinnacle and the small yellow markers make it easy to follow the trail.

Spring is also one of the best times as it’s not too hot and there are heaps of wildflowers in bloom. Here’s a sampling of what we saw. (I have tried to identify and name them as best as I can. If any reader can help with correct names feel free to comment. Thanks)

Grevillea aquifolium – variable prickly Grevillea
Leptospermum sp.
Tetratheca ciliata – Pink bells
Hibbertia riparia – Bristly Guinea-flower
Platylobium obtusangulum – Common flat pea

On one of the flatter parts of the trail we noticed a dead tree at the edge of the path. It was sitting in a very sunny spot and so was this lizard.

After a while we were at an elevation where some of the scenery below could be seen.

The trail did flatten out for a bit.

There are lots of granite rock boulders and rock formations to see.

After about an hours walking we came to a final rock scramble point.

Here are a couple of shots of the magnificent view of the lake and township of Halls Gap below.

Karen even found out the mobile coverage was good up at the top when one of her friends rang her!

On the way back down we found a few wildflowers we had missed on the way up so here’s another selection.

Micromyrtus ciliata – Fringed Heath Myrtle
Leptospermum turbinatum
Kunzea parvifolia – Violet Kunzea
Calytrix alpestris – Snow myrtle
Bossiaea rosmarinifolia

We also had a few glimpses of the view on the way back down.

Our verdict was it’s a wonderful option for reaching the Pinnacle and we felt it was a lot quieter – clearly more people take the walk from the Wonderland carpark.

6 thoughts on “Halls Gap – The Grampians

  1. Interesting geology, mostly sandstone from paleolithic seas yet also many volcanic lava flows and intrusive magma depositions abound. And it is a surprisingly chilly spot for sunny Australia. This from https://www.visitgrampians.com.au/blog/the-grampians-a-wealth-of-ancient-history

    “The sandstone that composes the Grampians’ highest peaks was laid down from rivers flowing in the Devonian period, 425-415 million years ago. Gradually the sediment accumulated and was raised and tilted to its present form. The Southern Ocean reached the base of the mountain range about 40 million years ago. Mount William remains the Grampians’ highest peak and numerous waterfalls thunder throughout the ranges.”

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    1. Thanks for your informative comment. It’s one of our favourite National Parks in our state, Victoria, especially in spring with all the wildflowers. The hike to the Pinnacle is very popular so it was good to reach it from a different direction. Cheers

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    1. Thanks for your comment Hannah. It’s one of our favourite National Parks in our state, Victoria, especially in spring with all the wildflowers. The hike to the Pinnacle is very popular so it was good to reach it from a different direction. Cheers

      Like

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