Grampians Peak Trail Proposal
In the last issue I reported that the Advisory group had discussed the first stage of the long distance Grampians Peak Trail, which will be a 3 day circuit from Halls Gap, to Mt Rosea area, to Borough Huts area, and back to Halls Gap.
FOGGs were briefed on the plan at our meeting with Dave in August. Government funding for the planning and development of Phase 1 including up to 3 hiker camps and new track development has been secured – $2.3million. New walk in camp sites will be established, one near the old campsite at Mt Rosea, but hidden from the road, and one off Redman Rd similarly secluded. They will probably consist of pads for BYO tents, toilets, fire places, and a basic shelter. Camp sites will need to be booked, at a fee. There are no plans for private investment. It is expected that walkers using the trail will be a mix of independent walkers and people booking through tour companies. These companies may offer a service of providing the tents and meals at the sites, so that walkers only carry a day pack, or they may even pick walkers up and deliver them to the spas and beds of motels and B&Bs. The track for the first two days will mainly utilise the current tracks, along with traditional hikers. The funding will enable these tracks to be improved to cope with the extra traffic.
The route for the third day’s return to Halls Gap hasn’t been finalised. It could go along the fireline along the shore of Lake Bellfield, but that’s a bit boring. It is more likely to be a new track, and different alignments are being examined.
This is just the first phase of the proposed complete walk from Zumsteins to Dunkeld, and it’s due for completion in 2012. It’s not known when further funding will be approved.