Distance: 17 Km   |  Duration: 7 Hrs   |  Grade: Grade 5   |  Rating: 4   |  Style: One Way   |  Map
About the Walk
Overview
This is Day 1 of the Grampian Peaks Trail with an extra 4km to exit at Roses Gap Rd. Featuring Classic Grampians rock formations, heathlands alive with colour in spring, and distant views both north and south along the range, this walk encompasses a taste of everything the Grampians has to offer.
The Walk in Detail
The track leaves from the Mt Zero Picnic Area, past the picnic tables. Follow the yellow trail marks straight up Flat Rock. When the rocky track flattens out, it veers left beside the base of Taipan Wall through the spectacular Amphitheatre. The long steep climb out of the amphitheatre passes Bird Rock, then up a series of steps to a saddle and track junction. (GNP076). Take an optional side trip to Mt Stapylton.
Back at the signed track junction, continue along a rocky ridge incline and duck through the rock tunnel then beside a small, sheltered cliff face along a ridge through rock gardens and overhangs. The track becomes sandy and levels out through heathlands, to track junction GNP060. Continue towards Barigar. At GNP200, the track intersects a fire trail and then continues through heathlands regenerating from bushfire. Cross Coppermine 4WD Track where there is a serviced water tank. Note that there are toilets in both campgrounds located nearby here (Coppermine Group and Coppermine 4x4 Campgrounds).
Ascend through dense brush and just before reaching the top is a good lunch point. Reaching the rocky platform, the path opens up across the plateau through open heathland then along the edge of the escarpment, as it heads south with views across the valley to Gar and Briggs Bluff.
After tracking along the edge of the plateau the trail descends, crosses a creek then descends steeply to cross Briggs Creek twice with the final crossing in a broad rock amphitheatre with a waterfall (after rain). It is then just 400m to Barigar hike-in campground, with its communal shelter and water tank and toilet.
From here, follow the signs to Roses Gap Road (3.9Km). Cross the footbridge over Briggs Creek and veer to the right, ignoring the gate. The track winds through open woodland climbing steadily beside the cliff, then along the ridge, until it drops down to cross Troopers Creek on a mesh bridge to Roses Gap Road and the car park.
Getting There
Drive 36km from Hub to Mt Zero carpark, leaving one car at the Gar Trailhead carpark to enable car shuffle.
Walk Precautions
Potentially slippery rocks if wet.