​I have a new favourite short hike in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – the rocky scramble to the summit of Hollow Mountain. It may be only a 2.2-kilometre return trip, but it provides huge bang for buck with views and geology. Better yet, there are no shortage of other short Grampians hikes nearby, still making for a worthwhile day out if you’re the more adventurous type.
Two of the five Grampians rock art sites that are open to the public are within stone’s throw. Not to mention the striking Mount Zero summit. Heck, you can even pack in three summits in one day here without too much travel in between.

Whether you’re visiting with kids or with a group of mates, the Northern Grampians is worth a visit.

Table of Contents

Hollow Mountain Walk

Hollow Mountain Walk - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia
From a distance, Hollow Mountain (Wudjub-Guyan) appears far less spectacular than the nearby Mount Zero. Once you reach that summit, though, you’ll most likely agree that there aren’t too many hikes of this length that provide such incredible views, geology and fun, technical (for want of a better word) hiking.

From Hollow Mountain Carpark, a signed and well-defined dirt track climbs gradually toward the mountains. After a few hundred metres, this turns to a rocky scramble with arrows painted on the rock defining the path, through grass trees and native pines. The arrows are well placed but do make sure you keep an eye out for them. Soon you’ll find yourself at the base of a cliff, where the rocky scramble becomes an almost rock climb.

At this point, the kidlets are done so Lori decides to turn back and let me finish the hike solo. As I shuffle around a fallen boulder with a sheer drop by my side, I’m a mixture of disappointed that they’re missing out and relieved that I don’t have to stress about them. I relish the opportunity to enjoy this technical section of the hike alone.

Soon I reach a flatter section of the sandstone where I pass by some of the wind-eroded caverns that give Hollow Mountain its name. This is one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever visited.
The arrows lead me around to the south side of the mountain for a different outlook of the Wimmera plains before I make the final breathless scramble to the summit, where the 360-degree vista doesn’t disappoint.

Satisfied with my efforts for the day, I return via the same route. It’s even more enjoyable than the climb up, with sections where I have to sit to shuffle my way down. On the way up it was hard to believe that the trail was so short but on the return trip, it becomes apparent just how quick a trip this was.

Whilst I do like a good long hike, sometimes it’s the views, the geology and even just the birdlife that make it worthwhile.

Hollow Mountain Walk - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia
Hollow Mountain Walk - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia
Hollow Mountain Walk - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia

Need to know

Length: 2.2 km
Time: 2 hours
Grade: Medium – Difficult / Grade 5 (according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System).
Style: Return
Access: The walk starts from the Hollow Mountain Carpark, which is off Mount Zero Road (well-signed).

Gulgurn Manja Shelter

Gulgurn Manja Shelter - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia
Gulgurn Manja means “hands of young people” and that’s what you’ll see at the shelter, the ochre stained handprints of what are thought to be many generations of young people from probably 8 to 12 years old.

There are also paintings of emu tracks, which may represent the emus that the local indigenous people hunted for food or the creation story of Tchingal, who created Roses Gap (Barigar Gap) and Victoria Gap (Yananginj Njawi Gap) while in pursuit of a mischievous crow.

From the north side of the Hollow Mountain carpark, follow a signed trail for around 650 metres through some beautiful vegetation with Hollow Mountain as its backdrop, before you reach a huge flat rock. Veer left and you’ll find the shelter. When you’re done checking out the ancient rock art, head to the right where we spent some time exploring the incredible rocky outcrops. You could spend as much or as little time as you like exploring here. Just don’t get lost, as there are no markers or trails.

Gulgurn Manja Shelter - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia
Gulgurn Manja Shelter - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia
Gulgurn Manja Shelter - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia
Gulgurn Manja Shelter - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia

Need to know

Length: 1.5 km
Time: 30 minutes
Grade: Easy / Grade 3 (according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System).
Style: Return
Access: The walk starts from the Hollow Mountain Carpark, which is off Mount Zero Road (well-signed).

Ngamadjidj Shelter

Ngamadjidj Shelter - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia
Ngamadjidj means “white person”, obviously referring to the white figures portrayed in the paintings. While most Aboriginal rock art is created with red ochre paint, the human figures in this painting are painted in white. Though the true meaning of this painting has long been lost due to the effects of European settlement on the indigenous culture, it’s obviously not a huge stretch to assume that it was an encounter with white man that was represented here.

This loop walk is only 1 kilometre and is suitable for those with limited mobility. After reaching the Ngamadjidj Shelter, the circuit continued to a rock stack that we spent almost as much time staring at as we did the rock art itself. The vegetation is equally fascinating and we were treated to kangaroos and wallabies along the trail, which weren’t shy of humans at all.

Ngamadjidj Shelter - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia
Ngamadjidj Shelter - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia

Need to know

Length: 1 km
Time: 30 minutes
Grade: Easy / Grade 2 (according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System).
Style: Circuit
Access: The walk begins from Stapylton Campground, off Olive Plantation Road. It’s well signed from all the more major roads nearby.

Other hikes in the area

I had the kids with me on my recent visit to the northern Grampians. It was a hot day and they were absolutely cooked by lunchtime. If you’re kid-free or just looking for more walking to complete your day out, here are some other options.

Mount Zero

Mount Zero - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia

Image courtesy of Ed Dunens (on flickr)

At 2.8 kilometres return, the Mount Zero hike is up there with Hollow Mountain in the ‘short adventurous trail’ stakes, although with a handrail in place to help visitors with the climb and fences around the summit, it’s not as picturesque. Track markers will guide you up the rocky hillside, for more incredible views of the surrounding Wimmera plains.

Need to know

Length: 2.8 km
Time: 2 hrs
Grade: Moderate / Grade 4 (according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System).
Style: Return
Access: The walk starts from the Mount Zero Picnic Area, off Mount Zero Road. Park at the picnic area and find the signed trailhead, which will quickly cross back over the road.

Mount Stapylton

Mount Stapylton - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia

Image courtesy of Ed Dunens (on flickr)

Despite its still relatively short distance, the 4.6-kilometre return walk to the summit of Mount Stapylton (Gunigalg) from Mount Zero Picnic Area is much tougher than either Hollow Mountain or Mount Zero, with a total ascent of 278 metres (compared to the other two at around 150 metres). It’s definitely one for those at the fitter and more agile end of the scale. If you can manage that, it’s well worth combining this with the other two aforementioned trails to make three peaks in one day. It’s a similarly technical hike with similarly impressive views as a reward.

Need to know

Length: 4.6 km
Time: 2.5 hours
Grade: Difficult / Grade 4 (according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System).
Style: Return
Access: The walk starts from Mount Zero Picnic Area, off Mount Zero Road. The trailhead is well signed.

Mount Stapylton Loop

Mount Stapylton Loop - Grampians National Park - Victoria - Australia

Image courtesy of Daniel Walker (on flickr)

The Mount Stapylton Loop is a 12.2-kilometre circuit walk is a much longer and more difficult way to take in the summit of Mount Stapylton, for those visiting the Northern Grampians who are looking for much more of a challenge. Considering that the summit itself is such a challenge (when hiked from the Mount Zero Picnic Area), the added distance and stunning rocky terrain on this loop will be sure to impress the more adventurous hiker.

Need to know

Length: 12.2 km
Time: 6 hours
Grade: Difficult / Grade 4 (according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System).
Style: Circuit
Access: The walk begins from Stapylton Campground, off Olive Plantation Road. Follow the signs for Ngamadjidj Shelter from the more major roads nearby.

Looking for a trail that's longer, closer, or not as challenging?

You need The Trail Finder, where you can filter your way through hundreds of hiking trails.

Find a Trail

Have you visited the northern Grampians? Got any questions, comments, updates or corrections? Let us know by commenting below.

Exploring the Great Ocean Road?

You won’t see the best sights from your car. Get the definitive guidebook, featuring the 25 best walks in the area with detailed instructions and maps.

Buy now for $21.25
Visitors Guide to the Best Walks of the Great Ocean Road