Grampians National Park has reopened to visitors after devastating bushfires

One of Victoria's most beloved escapes, the Grampians National Park teems with natural wonders. From its sweeping valley lookouts to its abundant flora and fauna, this dazzling park is a must-visit for Melburnians seeking to disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature.

However, in December, devastating wildfires ripped through vast sections of the park, exacerbated by lightning strikes the following month. Large areas of native bushland were ravaged by flames, forcing the park to close to ensure public safety.

But now, there's cause to celebrate! After weeks of restoration, much of the Grampians has reopened, welcoming visitors back to its legendary trails, lookouts, and picnic spots. Just three hours from Melbourne, the park is famed for its dramatic sandstone mountains, cascading waterfalls, and rich Indigenous heritage.

Among the reopened sites are Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout, MacKenzie Falls, and Zumsteins Picnic Area. Adventurers can explore the Wonderland Range again, hiking to the Pinnacle, Venus Baths, and the Grand Canyon.

In the park’s southern region, outdoor enthusiasts can tackle scenic day hikes along Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug), Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri), and the Grampians Peaks Trail between Dunkeld and Cassidy Gap Road. Those chasing panoramic views can take on reopened sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail between Mount Zero and Halls Gap, trekking across rugged ridgelines with breathtaking vistas.

Beyond the landscapes, conservationists are celebrating the resilience of the park’s wildlife. The fires severely impacted endangered species, including the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby, smoky mouse, and long-nosed potoroo. But in a hopeful turn, motion-sensing cameras have captured images of female wallabies with joeys—proof of their survival and resilience. Emergency feeding operations, including food drops by drone, have played a crucial role in supporting their fragile ecosystem.

Signs of regeneration are already emerging, with fire-adapted species like grass trees, Hakea, and Banksia sprouting from the ash-enriched soil. What better time to reconnect with nature, witness the landscape’s renewal, and celebrate the reopening of the Grampians National Park?

For full details on the reopened areas of the park, visit the Parks Victoria website. You can also read more information about hot weather and safety in parks here.