2866 Northern Grampians Road,
Wartook, Victoria
Ph: 03 5383 6200
Wartook Valley
The Wartook Valley is the major entrance to the National Park on the north west side and the road follows the MacKenzie River into the mountains. It forms a huge amphitheatre with magnificent mountain views and large mobs of kangaroos.
Wartook is a great base to explore the wonderful wildflower areas of the Grampians. It experiences much less rainfall than the East side of the Grampians, and the added bonus is the chance to see glorious sunsets. Wartook is a service centre where petrol and most other supplies can be obtained.
History
There is a lot of early European History in this area. Rosebrook was settled in the 1840's and during the gold rushes of the 1850's Troopers Creek was established to collect taxes from the miners heading for the Stawell, Ararat and Ballarat Goldfields. The old Wartook school site is where the Picnic area is, by the MacKenzie River bridge.
Picnic Areas
The picnic areas are generally near water, with a great opportunity to relax, enjoy the birdlife, and in some cases experience the remoteness of the area.
Instructions:
- Hover mouse over each blue dot to identify each location
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Wartook
The picnic ground beside the McKenzie River at Wartook is on the site of the old Wartook School. A pleasant spot on the Northern Grampians Rd with a fireplace and shelter.
Trooper's Creek
A lovely picnic area on the Roses Gap Road the starting for walks to Tilwinda Falls & Mt Difficult. Trooper's Creek is the site of the old police station and lock-up which was used during the goldrush to collect the Victorian Government's £10 landing tax. A wonderful area for late Winter & Spring wildflowers.
Zumstein
With plenty of room, picnic shelters and BBQ's, the picnic area beside the MacKenzie River is a very popular spot. With plenty of visiting birdlife, kangaroos and wallabies, it has proved popular for families and groups. There is access to toilets and water.
Cherrypool
Cherrypool is a great spot with a large area of water, wonderful birdlife and some very big shade trees. Toilets are available.
Brim Springs
The picnic area is on the spot where one of the early settlers first made a home. An area, where in the winter and early spring, the Grampians thryptomene grows and flowers in profusion. Situated on the Asses Ears road it is a quiet area away from the busy tourist areas.
MacKenzie Falls
Perhaps the most visited spot in the Grampians, it is a always a very popular picnic area. With a Kiosk (the only one within the Park boundary) and toilets it is a great rest stop, either before or after the walks to the Falls.
Image: MacKenzie Falls Picnic Area at the carpark by the Kiosk
Smith's Mill
The site of one of the last operating sawmills in the Park, there are a number of information plaques which give the history. Picnic tables are shaded and water is available.
Red Rock
The Picnic Area is a very quiet spot, just off the Red Rock Road, beside a large area of water, which is part of the Glenelg River. A great place for bird watching, and Glen Isla Crossing and the nearby areas have some wonderful wildflowers in the late winter and spring.
Image: Red Rock Picnic Area
Walks
The main walks in this area are either associated with the MacKenzie River, or the tops of the ranges surrounding the Valley. Follow wonderful riverine habitat to MacKenzie Falls or experience magnificent views and dramatic vistas over large sections of the Park.
Instructions:
- Hover mouse over each blue dot to identify each location
- Click mouse over each blue dot to jump to the Walk information
- After hovering, click the blue link generated below
OR
Mt Difficult
| Start: Troopers Creek Campground | Time: Approx. 4-5 hrs return | |
| Distance: 8.8 km return | Grade: Hard (elevation: 470m) |
Troopers Creek Campground is located along Roses Gap Road. A hard climb. Continue beyond Tilwinda Falls to the base of cliff overhangs and then weaves through weathered rock formations and boulders to the summit - the highest point in the Northern Grampians. Return via the same route.
Tilwinda Falls Loop
| Start: Troopers Creek Campground | Time: Approx. 45 mins return | |
| Distance: 1.6 km return | Grade: Medium (elevation: 100m) |
From Troopers Creek, a pleasant walk to a seasonal waterfall. After a gentle climb, the track becomes steeper zig-zagging to the falls which are at their best after rain. Pass a large wind sculptured cave on the way back to the carpark.
Zumstein Historic Walk
| Start: Zumsteins Picnic Area | Time: Approx. ½-1 hr return | |
| Distance: 250m return | Grade: Easy (elevation: 10m) |
An historic picnic area. Take the time to look around the historic walk, and pise' cottages. Signs tell the story of Walter Zumstein and the area he developed. The Walter & Jean Zumstein Memorial Water Garden is developing and it is interesting to see the manner in which the rocks have been made and the way the water flows over them. The aim is to show a labelled display of Grampians flora.
MacKenzie River Walk
| Start: Zumsteins Picnic Area | Time: Approx. 3 hrs return | |
| Distance: 7 km return | Grade: Medium (elevation: 80m) |
Start at Zumsteins - less than 10 minutes by car from Wartook Gardens. A very pleasant walk in a riverine habitat. The track meanders up the MacKenzie River Gorge to the terraced Fish Falls (Almost ¾ of the distance to MacKenzie Falls). The track from Fish Falls to MacKenzie Falls is a little rough, but MacKenzie Falls is the largest falls in the Grampians and well worth the walk. There is always a good flow of water, whatever the season, as the River forms Horsham's Water Supply.
Image: MacKenzie River Walk
MacKenzie Falls
| Start: MacKenzie Falls Carpark | Time: Approx. 1 hr return | |
| Distance: 2 km return | Grade: Medium (Easy to Broken Falls) (elevation: 110m) |
One of the most popular spots in the Grampians and Victoria's largest Waterfall. As the River is Horsham's Water supply, there is always a good flow of water over the falls. There is actually a series of waterfalls, with MacKenzie Falls being the largest.
A gentle stroll takes you to a viewing platform overlooking Broken Falls. A recently completed track enables you to more easily descend to the base of the spectacular MacKenzie Falls, where you can enjoy the cool atmosphere. A great photographic opportunity. On the way down Cranages Lookout enables you appreciate the Mackenzie River Gorge. The return walk is quite strenuous - take it easy.
Image: MacKenzie Falls from the bottom
MacKenzie Falls Lookout
| Start: MacKenzie Falls Carpark | Time: Approx. 40 mins return | |
| Distance: 1.9 km return | Grade: Easy (elevation: 10m) |
If you do not wish to descend to the base of the falls you may wish to take the Bluff Walk (suitable for wheelchairs and those with limited mobility) to get a wonderful view of the MacKenzie River Gorge and a bird's eye view of the MacKenzie Falls. Follow the signs from the track junction beyond the kiosk.
Don't forget to take the short drive for a look at nearby Lake Wartook.
Image: Broken Falls above MacKenzie Falls
Reed Lookout / The Balconies
| Start: Reed Lookout Carpark | Time: Approx. 45 mins return | |
| Distance: 2 km return | Grade: Easy (elevation: 50m) |
Relatively easy walk to the Balconies, another great photographic opportunity. Exceptional views of the Victoria Range and valley to the south, and Lake Wartook and the Mount Difficult Range to the north. A magnificent location for taking early misty morning, and romantic sunset evening photographs.
Image: Balconies
Burrong Falls
| Start: Carpark Rose Creek Rd | Time: Approx. 20 mins return | |
| Distance: 650m return | Grade: Easy (elevation: 30m) |
The carpark along Rose Creek Rd is 8.8km from Northern Grampians Rd (Mt Victory Rd). A picturesque waterfall off the Rose Creek Road, is at its best in late winter and spring when the water cascades over several tiers. In addition there is a great wildflower display at the Falls area in winter, spring and also along the Rose Creek Road.
Paddy Castle
| Start: Glenelg River Road | Time: Approx. 25 mins return | |
| Distance: 600m return | Grade: Medium (elevation: 30m) |
A short steep walk (25 minutes) to a lookout with great views of the Victoria Valley and the surrounding ranges.
From the carpark, west of Boreang Campground, walk through shrubby heathland to the edge of Paddy Castle. Follow the track and a short rock scramble takes you to the top.
Image: Paddy's Castle
Red Gum Loop
| Start: Henham Track off Glenelg River Road | Time: Approx. 45 mins / 20 mins return | |
| Distance: 2 km / 500m return | Grade: Easy (elevation: 1m) |
Suitable for those with limited mobility.
A leisurely stroll through a forest of large redgums. Signs provide interesting information on the local environment.
Waterfalls
The MacKenzie River in the Wartook Valley has one of Victoria's largest waterfalls - MacKenzie Falls. Although the most visited Falls in the Park, don't forget Broken Falls behind the Kiosk, and the nearby Burrong Falls on Rose Creek Road. If you do the MacKenzie River walk you will also discover Fish Falls. Tilwinda Falls, near Trooper's Creek and below Mt Difficult, is another nearby falls that is best after rain.
Instructions:
- Hover mouse over each blue dot to identify each location
- Click mouse over each blue dot to jump to the Walk information
- After hovering, click the blue link generated below
OR