Duwul to Durd Durd
We respectfully acknowledge the Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali people as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of Gariwerd.
Climb the Grampians’ highest peaks and traverse remote montane wilderness
Today’s 14.5 km Grade 5 hike takes you up the two highest peaks in the Grampians: first, Mt William (Duwul) with 360 degree views to distant horizons. You’ll then drop briefly — steeply! — into Boundary Gap before climbing onto the wide Major Mitchell Plateau with its montane heath. You’ll pass Durd-Durd, the same height as Mt William but less prominent, before descending to the campsite. For much of the day you’ll be at or around 1,000m elevation.
After yesterday, like me you may be wondering, “If that was Grade 4, what will today’s Grade 5 hike be like?”
Fear not. In poor weather, the Major Mitchell Plateau and Mt William are certainly exposed and dangerous, with whiteouts, snow and strong winds making them potentially impossible to traverse: this is the reason for the higher Grading. Be aware of this, and delay if the forecast is poor. However, in benign weather you will be pleasantly surprised. Geoff and I both found today easier than yesterday.
First, the climb to Mt William from the carpark is along a disused sealed road rather than uneven rock, and you will reach the peak in good time. The 200m descent into Boundary Gap is steep and rough, but the 150m climb out is up stone steps, and then you are on the plateau with its gentler gradients and steel walkways that protect the sensitive environment. Again, the walkways are easier to traverse, though you’ll still have plenty of rock too!
How to Make the Day Easier
Split the Day: First Wannon Campsite
We recommend this as the best option if you want to complete the entire section.
First Wannon Campsite is a bush camp with pit toilet. It is a pleasant spot and is perfectly situated midway between Duwul and Durd Durd. After the hard day to Duwul, we seriously considered stopping here (we always carry a spare day of food) but were feeling unexpectedly fresh when we reached First Wannon at lunch time so continued on. Stopping here allows you to split this long day in two, but most of the hard work is done by the time you get to First Wannon camp. You might like to keep it as a backup should you need it by ensuring you have enough food, medications and water with you. There is no public road access to this site and water from First Wannon Creek may not be reliable. The creek was running nicely when we hiked in early October, but you would need to check beforehand or ensure you carry sufficient water from the serviced water tank just past the Mt William summit.
Utilise Track Transfers to skip parts:
You can skip yesterday and Duwul altogether by getting picked up from Borough Huts, Redman Rd or Grampians Rd, and getting dropped off at Mt William Car Park. This is not least because the short section of track between Duwul and the car park is one of the roughest and slowest parts of the day: