Halls Gap to Bugiga
We respectfully acknowledge the Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali people as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of Gariwerd.
Rockpools and waterfalls, narrow gorges and rugged tors, views and wildlife make for a spectacular start to the central section.
Today’s 8.9 km walk climbs streamside past waterfalls and through narrow gaps to the top of the Wonderland Range, with its fantastical rock formations and vast views eastwards. You’ll follow the undulating spine for a few more kilometres before descending the western side to Bugiga campground. Although the distance is short, it’s demanding: you start with a 5.5km (3.4 miles) steep climb of 600m (1950ft) to the Pinnacle. Don’t worry: the ascent will fly by with rockpools and waterfalls to enjoy — you can even stop for a swim in Venus Baths! — and this popular section of track into the aptly named Wonderland Range is well formed with steps and good surfaces. It’s the easiest day of the Central Section. Here are the maps for today:
How to Make Today Easier
You have five different ways to split this day to make it easier. The most demanding part of the hike is the morning’s steep climb from Hall’s Gap to the Pinnacle.
If you are in a group with two cars, shuffles make your options a breeze. Alternatively, use a track transfer company (eg Experience the Grampians) to take you — expensive but convenient. Book well ahead. All these transfers allow you to hike the day in reverse so you go downhill into Halls Gap rather than climbing.
The Mt Rosea Car Park is about 800m past Bugiga campground. In our opinion, the best option is to drive or get a transfer to this carpark in the late afternoon of your last rest day in Halls Gap and hike the 800m (0.5 miles) into Bugiga, with only 30m (100ft) elevation gain. The next day, hike the GPT northwards to Halls Gap, with only a little elevation gain and a long descent. Stay that night in Halls Gap, then return to Mt Rosea Car Park the following day to head south to Barri Yalug.
Alternatively, transfer to the same car park, but hike the entire distance north back to Halls Gap, passing Bugiga campground on the way. The next day, return to the same carpark and continue on to Barri Yalug. Of course, if you choose this option, you miss out on staying in Bugiga Campsite.
A shorter transfer to the Wonderland Car Park halves the climb out of Halls Gap by tackling this section in reverse northwards — ie downhill! — on one of your rest days in Halls Gap, and then another shuffle/transfer the next day to the same spot when you head south on the GPT.
If you prefer to hike nearly the entire distance in reverse and downhill, go to Sundial Car Park. You’ll hike northwards past the Pinnacle and into Hall’s Gap, then return to the same car park after a rest and at the end of the following day to continue southwards on the GPT, with just 1.5 km to hike into Bugiga. This option has the least elevation gain.
All the above options are ideal for hot weather too, not least because you’ll be passing Venus Baths and rockpools at the perfect time for a dip.
There is one more option. When we hiked, the Grand Canyon was (still) closed with a broken ladder at its top end. However, once the ladder is repaired, you will have a marvellous loop to complete on one of your rest days, climbing through the Canyon and then descending back along Stony Creek. When you start for Bugiga the next day, get a transfer to Sundial Carpark, do a short out and return to the Pinnacle (or do it the previous day) and then continue south to Bugiga.
You can also make this day easier by lightening your pack with an extra food drop. if you have a food drop at Jimmy Creek at the end of the Central Section, an earlier drop at Borough Huts Campground means you will only be carrying two days’ worth of food at the start of your hike instead of five. Because of the elevation gain on the first two days of the central section, and the scrambly nature of the second day, a lighter pack can make a big difference.
Walk with Us:
The Pinnacle itself, enclosed by cyclone fencing, is around the corner from the right top of this image. We are here around noon and a queue has formed; many people are on the lookout itself. Very few people venture anywhere else. We wait our turn and go to the tip but at busy times you will find equally good and far more serene views on the rocky edges either side.
Geoff is at the charging station, about to plug in his Garmin watch. He uses it to record distances, elevation and map our route for the profiles, data and maps you see at the start of each blog. He lost his first watch whilst hang gliding; this replacement is a recently superseded model. Recently superseded smartwatch models are usually heavily discounted and often functionally almost as good as newer models. Older eyes may appreciate bulkier versions with larger screens!