This section is by far the hardest of the hike but also, the most spectacular! The days are steeper and longer with plenty of elevation gain and loss and the track less is well formed. There are also parts where you can be exposed to extreme weather, so it is much more challenging than the northern and southern sections. But give it a go, the views are amazing and the walking highly varied and interesting.

Halls Gap to Bugiga features rockpools and waterfalls, narrow gorges and rugged tors, along with expansive views and wildlife make for a spectacular start to the central section

Mountain views, scrambly rock and remote bushland are the features of the hike from Bugiga to Barri Yalug, Grampians Peaks Trail

The big climbs to get from Barri Yalug to Duwul are hard work but the vast views and stories in the landscape make it all very worthwhile.

This Grade 5 day takes you up the two highest peaks in the Grampians: first, Mt William (Duwul) with 360 degree views to distant horizons, before you’ll drop steeply into Boundary Gap, climb once to the wide Major Mitchell Plateau with its montane heath. Then onto to Durd-Durd, the same height as Mt William but less prominent, before descending into camp.

Wildflowers, rugged terrain and yet more views. Today, the GPT offers a new view around every corner, multiple times throughout the day. And the vegetation also changes rapidly, with new and different species appearing for the first time.