Mount Zero Trail Head to Barigar
Magnificent tiger-stripe cliffs, caves, views, wildflowers and yet more views create an exceptionally fun and varied day!
We respectfully acknowledge the Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali people as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of Gariwerd.
The 51 km Northern Section of the GPT is one of the most spectacular and Day 1 is a fantastic introduction to the kinds of views and varied hiking you’ll experience. You’ll follow the awe-inspiring tiger-striped Taipan Wall, detour to the cave and views at Gunigalg/Mt Stapylton and pass under and between huge boulders and rock formations. Walk along with us to find out whether you’ll love the trail as much as we did! Hint: start planning!
How to Make Today Easier
This first day is relatively undemanding in terms of elevation gain with 600m; much of it is up steps and on rock slabs and most hikers will be fine with the standard itinerary, not least because it is the first day and you will be fresh. From the elevation profile, you can see that the morning begins with a steep climb up Flat Rock and then along and around Taipan Wall, after which you’ll have a long and gradual descent with views almost the entire way before you reach Golton Creek. Then you have just one more big climb for the day before dropping to Barigar campsite.
The best way to make today easier is simply to start early. Experience the Grampians dropped us off a full hour before the scheduled Grampians Peaks Walking Company bus; we could have booked an even earlier time. A sparrow fart option would also be very useful in summer if you want to beat the heat.
The Northern Section is only three nights (with the fourth being in Halls Gap) but, for those who want to lighten their pack even further ahead of time, you can leave a food drop at Roses Gap Road that you will pass tomorrow. This means carrying only today’s food plus breakfast.
For those who want an even more leisurely approach, you can split today in two (about 7km then 5 km) by booking one of the Coppermine Campsites: you would turn off shortly after Golton Creek. This is also as handy option if your itinerary requires a late start, especially in winter with shorter daylight hours.
Walk with Us:
The day begins with a steep climb to and then along and around Taipan Wall, after which you’ll have a long and gradual descent with views almost the entire way before you reach Golton Creek. Then you have just one more big climb for the day before dropping to Barigar campsite.