Distance: 11 Km   |  Duration: 5 Hrs   |  Grade: Grade 3   |  Rating: 4   |  Style: One Way   |  Map
About the Walk
Overview
Mt Sturgeon is the southern-most mountain of the Grampians and is the highlight of the final leg of Grampians Peaks Trail. Extensive views to the east, south and west, but more importantly, there’s coffee and ice cream at the end of the walk!
The Walk in Detail
This walk follows the Grampians Peaks Trail. The track is well-defined, in good condition and with good signage at all junctions. For the first half of the walk the surface varies often: sand, dirt, stone, steps, and the occasional rock slab. Boots with ankle support are advisable. The higher parts of this section are exposed to weather. The second half is on a smooth dirt/gravel surface.
The walk starts at the Piccaninny carpark. After 100 metres the track merges with the Grampians Peak Trail and that is followed for the rest of the walk. The side trip to the summit of the Piccaninny is worth taking before the track drops down to the cross the Victoria Valley Road.
It's definitely up to the summit of Sturgeon. There are ample spots to rest and take in the expansive views: north to the Grampians, east and west to the plains below, and south to the summit.
From the summit, the GPT follows a route specially cut for it that goes along a north-west spur, then south and finally east as it descends to the plains at a road junction. Go right (south), through a gate after a few metres and onto private land. The walk continues through former sheep grazing country that is now part of some holiday cottages. Views back to Mt Sturgeon are impressive. Soon after crossing the Wannon River on a bridge, the track turns east towards Dunkeld.
After reaching a road, the GPT veers to the north side of a park for about 500 metres before turning south for the final 200 metres to Dunkeld.
Getting There
Drive south from Halls Gap along Grampians Rd for 61km to the Piccaninny Trailhead. It’s a sharp righthand turn onto the dirt road that goes 200m to the parking area. There is a 4.5km car shuffle to leave cars at the end in Dunkeld. Park in Stirling St near the Information Centre.
Walk Precautions
Some exposed areas that may be more difficult in wet and windy weather. Some stony sections, steps and drops to side of track. Kangaroos on road.