Grampians Peaks Trail Recovery
After a significant period of track repair works by PV staff, contractors and many wonderful volunteers, the fire impacted sections of the trail reopened in early November for the GPT100 miler event. Following this, it is now open for day walking only.
Hike-in Campgrounds in this area remain closed with infrastructure repair/replacement works (on shelters, elevated walkways, tent platforms, signage, toilets and water tanks) being carried out. These are progressing well, with most locations ahead of schedule (pending tank water quality testing). Plans are in place to reopen all Hike-in Campgrounds in the first quarter of 2026.
Major Projects
Mt Zero (Mura Mura) GPT Trailhead Upgrade
Mount Zero Picnic Area, car park and facilities are closed from Monday 10th November for construction works to upgrade the trailhead. It is expected the work will be completed before Christmas 2025, with ongoing minor works occurring post-Christmas. Parks Victoria will re-open the car park as soon as it is safe to do so.
During construction there will be no parking at Mount Zero Picnic Area/Trailhead. Day and Overnight Hikers can access the Grampians Peaks Trail at Mount Zero Picnic Area/Trailhead via drop off / pick up only. Toilets are available at Hollow Mountain Car Park and Stapylton Campground.
Day walkers wishing to complete the Stapylton Loop Walk can access via the trailhead at Stapylton Campground.
These works are part of upgrades to trailheads along the Grampians Peaks Trail which will improve trail access, carparking, visitor and picnic facilities, signage and landscaping.
Mackenzie Falls (Migunang Wirab) Precinct Upgrade
The works at MacKenzie Falls precinct includes the construction of a new viewing platform at the base of the falls, upgrades to the carpark and the Bluff Lookout Walk and other important safety improvements to stabilise rock and improve walking tracks.
The MacKenzie Falls carpark and all walking tracks in the precinct including Broken Falls Walk, MacKenzie Falls Walk to the base (from the carpark), the Bluff Lookout Walk, and parts of MacKenzie Falls River Walk will close when construction starts in late January 2026, and we anticipate that work will run through to mid-2026.
Summary of recent research activities in the park
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park consistently provides opportunities for a range of research projects delivered by partner organisations, PHD students and other individuals. Here is a snapshot of some of the most recent research approved or completed.
National Herbarium of Victoria (August to October)
Imaging and collection of fungi for fungarium specimens; with a post fire focus on the Pezizaceae family of fungi.
Latrobe University (June to December)
Site assessments of Pimelea pagophila (Grampians Rice Flower) and Sphaerolobium acanthos (Grampians Globe Pea).
Pollinators survey of Sphaerolobium acanthos (Grampians Globe Pea).
Developing a translocation plan and need to identify suitable habitat with pollinators present. Applying sweep netting and vane traps.
Museums Victoria (November)
Acoustic and habitat surveys. Song meter micro recorders deployed at 50+ sites and habitat structure transects 11+ sites selected.
Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (October)
MacKenzie River platypus food survey.
Australian National University (November)
Initial confirmation of Gang Gang Cockatoo nesting research sites.
Royal Botanic Gardens (September – November)
Threatened flora surveys and genetic analysis of Sphaerolobium acanthos (Grampians Globe Pea) and Grevillea microstegia (Mt Cassell Grevillea). Genetic analysis also includes Daviesia laevis (Grampians Bitterpea).
Post-fire community surveys of Caleana disjuncta (Little Duck Orchid), Thelymitra mathewsii (Spiral Sun Orchid), Thelymitra epipcatoides (Metallic Sun Orchid), Caladenia grampiana (Grampians Spider Orchid), Prasophyllum subbisectum (Pomonal Leek Orchid) and Daviesia laevis (Grampians Bitterpea).
DEECA/Parks Victoria/Austral research and Consulting (November)
River Blackfish of the Upper Wannon River
Post-fire River Blackfish population health/water quality/habitat assessment.
Brush Tail Rock Wallaby (BTRW) Recovery Team
Summary of key points from recent observations (mostly Moora Moora Colony)
• Clear signs of vegetative growth and BTRW grazing on the Moora Moora escarpment are noted.
• A diversity of scattered weeds (not overabundant) is present.
• Some shrub seedlings are gradually emerging, while grasses/sedges are the most obvious post fire responders. The canopy cover is recovering slowly (at epicormic growth points).
• BTRW juveniles (under 3 months) are present, with four at Moora Moora and one at Asses Ears.
• The feral cat and fox activity post fire was managed through the ongoing predator control program.
• Upgraded remote monitoring capabilities to support longer term management are being established.
Significant data analysis improvements are occurring with the application of AI Image Recognition Software (see below).
• The supplementary feeding of the BTRW Moora Moora colony is gradually winding down.