Gariwerd (Grampians) (Summerday Valley)

Where
Grampians
Indigenous Groups
Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people
Activities
From Melbourne
250km or ~3hrs drive
Indigenous Name
Gariwerd
Meeting Point *

* unless we’ve told you different!


Indigenous Name

Gariwerd

Indigenous Groups

Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people. Gariwerd contains 90% of all rock art sites in Victoria.

Climbing Information

The Grampians (Gariwerd to the Traditional Owners of the area) hold some of Victoria’s most famous rock-formations, and is an excellent place to experience outdoor rock-climbing for the first time. Sitting roughly 280km from Melbourne, depending on where in the park you go it will take anywhere from 3.5 to 4.5 hours to drive there. However once you arrive there are a myriad of things to do – the park is huge and is full of activities for the outdoor enthusiast.

Permit to operate

The Climbing Company is one of a select few operators who have obtained a special permit to conduct roped activities inside Summerday Valley. This is an additional requirement beyond the normal Licensed Tour Operator permit that is requied in all other areas.

Transport options

There is a regional train that runs to Ararat township from Melbourne, however there is no public transport into the park. See ptv.vic.gov.au for details.

Facilities

There is a drop-toilet at the Hollow Mountain Car Park, and while we are at the cliff the bush is your only option – please make sure you go before the trip.

Weather

Weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to bring a jacket even on warm days. Also the area is at risk of bushfires. In some cases Parks Victoria will cancel the activity on days of Total Fire Ban or if there is a threat from local wildfire.

Emergency Contact Information

For life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000)
Victoria Police non-emergency switchboard: (03) 9247 6666 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm)
Environment Protection Authority – 

  • Melbourne: 03 9695 2755
  • Regional: 1800 444 051
    Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre, Halls Gap 03 8427 2058.