Guide to the Pinnacle Walk, Grampians National Park

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If there’s one hike in the Grampians that every traveller talks about, it’s The Pinnacle Walk. This trail has a bit of everything, including winding bush tracks, dramatic rock formations, and narrow gorges: all leading to the show-stopping Pinnacle Lookout. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views across Halls Gap, Lake Bellfield, and the rugged peaks that make the Grampians such a standout corner of regional Victoria. 

Best of all, there’s more than one way to get there, which means you can choose your adventure. While families and casual walkers often tackle the Pinnacle Walk from the Sundial Carpark for an easier climb, those chasing a challenge can head out from the Wonderland Carpark, where the trail takes you through highlights like the Grand Canyon and Silent Street. However, you get there, reaching the Pinnacle is one of those essential Aussie hiking moments you won’t forget anytime soon.  

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Why do people go to The Pinnacle Walk, Grampians National Park?

The main draw is, hands down, the view from Pinnacle Lookout. Standing on the rocky outcrop above Halls Gap, you get uninterrupted views of the valley, Lake Bellfield, and the surrounding sandstone ranges. It’s the sort of panorama that makes you understand why the Grampians are such a beloved hiking destination in Victoria. 

But the walk itself should be enough to get you out here and exploring! The trail passes through highlights like the Grand Canyon, a sandstone gorge with towering cliffs, and Silent Street, a narrow rock passage where you’ll squeeze between towering walls. Depending on the route, you might also pass Venus Baths or Splitters Falls on the Pinnacle Trail, adding extra variety to the walk. 

Spring is particularly popular, with Grampians wildflowers adding bursts of colour along the track, while kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas are often spotted around the trail. So, if you’re in search of a Grampians Walk with wildflowers, these ticks that box as well! 

 

How long should I spend at The Pinnacle Walk, Grampians National Park?

Allow 2–4 hours, depending on which trailhead you choose and how often you stop. Here are a few of the different Grampians Pinnacle Walk routes and how long you will need for each:  

  • Pinnacle walk from Sundial Carpark: The easiest option, taking around 2 hours return at a steady pace. It’s well-signposted and suitable for families or less experienced hikers. 
     

  • Pinnacle walk from Wonderland Carpark: This Pinnacles Hike in Grampians, Victoria, is a more challenging and scenic option, taking 3–4 hours return. This route includes the Grand Canyon and Silent Street, making it a favourite for those who want adventure with their views. 
     

  • Pinnacle walk from Halls Gap township: If you’re looking for a longer adventure, the loop walk via Venus Baths and Splitters Falls is possible, but it’s longer and more strenuous. This circuit is around 8.5 km and usually takes around 4-6 hours and so is best for those with a half-day or more to spare. 

Remember to factor in time at the top; most walkers spend a good 20–30 minutes soaking in the view, taking photos, and catching their breath. 

 

How hard is the Pinnacle Walk?

The Pinnacle Walk has a difficulty rating of a grade 3, which is a moderate difficulty but considered suitable for most ages and fitness levels with some bushwalking experience. While it doesn’t require technical climbing, it does involve: 

  • Steady inclines and uneven, rocky surfaces. 

  • Narrow sections, such as Silent Street, where you’ll need to squeeze through. 

  • Short scrambles over rocks near the summit. 

  • Exposed areas at the lookout where care is required. 
     

For most reasonably fit hikers, it’s very achievable. And of course, this all depends on the route you take! Kids often manage the Sundial route comfortably, while more experienced walkers enjoy the challenge of the Wonderland Trail. That said, if you have some bushwalking experience and are in good health then all you need are some good shoes, water, and a bit of patience to make it enjoyable. 

 

How to get to The Pinnacle Walk, Grampians National Park

The Pinnacle Walk can be accessed via two main starting points (Sundial Carpark and Wonderland Carpark) both just a short drive from Halls Gap and easily accessible within a few hours' drive of Melbourne:  

  • From Halls Gap: From the Halls Gap town centre, drive south along Grampians Road (C216) for about 5 minutes, then turn right onto Mount Victory Road (C222). Follow the signs to either Sundial Carpark (easier route) or Wonderland Carpark (scenic but tougher). Both are well-maintained sealed roads.
     

  • From Melbourne: The Grampians National Park is around 260 km (3 hours) via the Western Freeway (M8) to Ballarat, continuing past Ararat before heading to Stawell. From Stawell, drive south along the Grampians Road (C216) into Halls Gap, then follow signs to the carparks. Again, the roads are fully sealed, making it an easy and achievable or most vehicles, including campervans.
     

Both carparks have clear trailheads and signage, so you won’t struggle to find the start. 

 

Best time to visit The Pinnacle Walk, Grampians National Park

Best time of year: Spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) are the sweet spots. Temperatures hover between 12 and 22 °C, conditions are mild, and spring adds colourful wildflowers. Summer can be hot, often exceeding 30 °C, while winter brings crisp mornings (sometimes with frost) and occasional showers; beautiful in its own right, but be sure to bring layers. 

Best time of day: Start early morning before 10 am to enjoy cooler weather, softer light for photos, and fewer people on the trail. Late afternoon is also great for golden-hour photography, but make sure you’ve left enough time to descend before dark; the rocky trail isn’t lit and can be tricky after sunset. 

 

Weather at The Pinnacle Walk, Grampians National Park

The Grampians’ weather can change quickly. Expect warm summers (25–35 °C), mild autumns and springs (12–22 °C), and cool winters (5–15 °C). Frosty mornings are common in winter, and summer storms can roll in suddenly, so pack layers and always carry water. The variation makes the walk a year-round option, with each season offering a slightly different atmosphere and seasonal scenery.  

 

Best place to park your campervan at The Pinnacle Walk, Grampians National Park

  • Sundial Carpark: The easiest and most direct starting point for the Pinnacle Walk. Flat, spacious, and suitable for families, this car park is ideal for campervans.
     

  • Wonderland Carpark: Smaller and busier, this is the launch point for the more adventurous route through the Grand Canyon and Silent Street. Still accessible for campervans, though it can fill quickly on weekends and holidays. So, if you are travelling in a camper, you may want to consider arriving earlier in the morning.  

Neither car park allows overnight camping, but Halls Gap (just a few minutes away) has multiple holiday parks and campgrounds where campervans are welcome. 

 

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