Distance: 18 Km   |  Duration: 7 Hrs   |  Grade: Grade 4   |  Rating: 4   |  Style: Return   |  Map
About the Walk
Overview
This is a challenging walk with lovely paths, many rock steps and plenty of walking on rock slabs. It passes some beautiful waterfalls but with a steady steep incline up through the rocky tiers to Gar Campground and Mt Difficult summit. Spring wildflowers in profusion, and stunning views over the Wimmera Plains, down the Mt William Range and back to Mt Stapleton and Mt Zero.
The Walk in Detail
From the campsite, follow Dead Bullock Creek steeply uphill, crossing a series of ledges over which waterfalls may tumble after rain. Above the waterfalls the track continues along rock ledges, with each level reached by climbing rock steps.
From the Beehive Falls turn-off (GNP208), the track heads uphill on a sloping rocky shelf and then ascends a long staircase of rock steps. These have been beautifully placed but are not uniform height so some are quite high to step up to.
The next section traverses a stretch of rock requiring walking up and down some short steep rocky surfaces along the edge of the escarpment then through some eroded sandy tracks full of loose rocks to some overhangs. More rock steps take us to the Briggs Bluff turnoff (GNP209). Avoid this side trip. A good place to stop for a break.
From here, the track descends to cross Mud Hut Creek. At the intersection GNP210 follow the Grampians Peak Trail to the right, up a series of rocky ridges which lead up to the summit. Between each ridge the vegetation looks like a rock garden with a huge diversity of species and in spring a mass of flowers.
A helipad indicates the campsite is close. There is a shelter, water tank and toilets here (GNP211).
Walk through the campground for 300m to reach the Mt Difficult junction (GNP212). From here it takes about 30 minutes to the summit. Whilst the track is not marked as well, it is fairly easy to see on a clear day. It is quite rocky and requires a short rock scramble to the top (GNP214). A good place for lunch.
The walk returns the same way but everything will look different in reverse as the light and perspective will have changed.
Getting There
Drive 27km from the Hub to Troopers Campground via Mt Zero Rd and Roses Gap Rd.
Walk Precautions
A lot of rock walking. Long sections of walking on angled rock face, sometimes close to edge of escarpment. Rock scramble to Mt Difficult. Waterfalls may become impassable after heavy rain.