Trail Fast Facts

Gar Waterfalls Walk (Mt Difficult) hike is a 4.2km, grade 3, return hike in the Grampians National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 2 hrs to complete.

Length: 4.2km

Duration: 2 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Return

Start: Troopers Creek Campground

End: Troopers Creek Campground

Location: Grampians National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Halls Gap

From state capital: 272km

Latitude: -36.9867470921216

Longitude: 142.43064165231684

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Hike Overview

The Lower Waterfalls Walk (Mount Difficult) is a moderately challenging 4.2-kilometre return hike located within the Grampians National Park in Victoria. The hike typically takes around 2 hours to complete.

This trail, named after the traditional Aboriginal Bezeichnung (designation) for Mount Difficult (Gar), offers stunning views of cascading waterfalls, particularly impressive following periods of rainfall. The track is easily accessible from Troopers Creek Campground and leads hikers on a journey past a series of seasonal waterfalls. Several rocky lookouts along the way provide unparalleled vistas of the surrounding rugged mountain ranges.

While enjoyable, the hike is classified as medium difficulty. Be prepared for some steeper sections with uneven terrain, including steep rock steps, creek crossings, slippery rocks, and exposed cliff edges. A sense of adventure is recommended.

The trail begins at Troopers Creek Campground. Hikers will follow the well-defined track steadily uphill alongside the creek for approximately 1.8 kilometres. Along the way, you'll encounter the first of the waterfalls cascading over a wave-shaped rock formation. The path then continues its ascent onto the Mount Difficult (Gar) range, rewarding walkers with breathtaking views across the western valley before reaching the base of the third waterfall. The return journey follows the same path.

It's important to note that the section beyond the final waterfall towards Gar (Mount Difficult) and Briggs Bluff is classified as Grade 4: Hard. This challenging track is only suitable for experienced and well-prepared walkers with a high level of fitness.

Troopers Creek campground features shared fireplaces with BBQ hotplates and picnic tables throughout. Make sure you bring your own firewood as firewood collection is prohibited in the national park. There are pit toilet facilities and there are two large group camping areas suitable for up to 16 people. All sites must be booked online in advance.

Troopers creek is just down the road from the Beehive Falls trailhead where trails to Briggs Bluff, Gar / Mount Difficult and Beehive Falls are all accessible, and is also next to the trailhead for section two of the Grampians Peaks Trail.

Photo credit: heloise0708

Track Grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Trail features

Gravel Path
Rough Trail
Waterfalls
Rivers
Exposed Ledges
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
Scenic Viewpoints
Untreated Water

Map and GPX file

Gar Waterfalls Walk (4.2km)

Total distance: 4311 m
Max elevation: 389 m
Min elevation: 264 m
Total climbing: 170 m
Total descent: -170 m

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Trailhead

Getting there

Gar Waterfalls Walk (4.2km)

Troopers Creek Campground is in the northern Grampians off Roses Gap Road. Follow the road west from Roses Gap for 3.5kms and find the campground on your left.

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Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Table
BBQ Facilities
Campfire Pit
Camping Area

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About the region

The Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) is a place of deep cultural significance for Aboriginal Australians. Parks Victoria acknowledges the enduring connection Traditional Owners have to this land and their ongoing role as custodians.

Renowned for its natural beauty, the park offers a variety of experiences. Explore its world-famous walking trails, encountering majestic waterfalls, vibrant spring wildflowers, and inspiring mountain vistas. Look out for native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and birds. The park's Aboriginal heritage, diverse plant and animal life, and stunning landscapes have all earned it heritage listing. Whether you choose a scenic drive or one of the many walking or hiking tracks, the Grampians will leave a lasting impression.

Traditionally known as Gariwerd, the region boasts the highest concentration of significant and ancient Aboriginal rock art sites in southern Australia. Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre offers valuable insights into these sites, enriching your exploration.

Hikers of all levels are drawn to the Grampians. Challenge yourself by scaling Mount William, the park's highest peak, or choose from the numerous trails around Halls Gap and the Wonderland Range. The Pinnacle lookout offers exceptional views, but be aware that the climb is demanding. Experienced hikers can embark on overnight adventures like the iconic Grampians Peaks Trail, Major Mitchell Plateau hike, or The Fortress and Mt Thackeray Overnight Hike.

For a more relaxed pace, consider fishing, canoeing, or kayaking on Lake Wartook, Lake Bellfield, Moora Moora Reservoir, or the park's many waterways.

The Grampians' rugged sandstone ranges, spectacular wildflowers, diverse recreational activities, and rich Aboriginal heritage combine to create an unforgettable experience. These north-south ridges boast steep eastern slopes and gentler western inclines, a result of ancient earth movements that sculpted the landscape into a series of impressive peaks and valleys. Lookouts offer panoramic vistas, while waterfalls add a touch of grandeur.

Spring brings vibrant wildflower displays to the park, with the Grampians Boronia, Blue Pin-cushion Lily, and numerous other native plants painting the heathlands in colour. Keep an eye out for the park's abundant native wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, wedge-tailed eagles, and more.

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the park's shelters containing ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings, a testament to the long-standing connection between Aboriginal people and this land. Billimina Shelter, Gulgurn Manja Shelter, and Manja Shelter are some notable examples.

Let the park's fresh air invigorate you. Hike, rock climb, fish, or canoe. Choose from a variety of walking tracks, whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging multi-day trek.

Halls Gap, nestled beside the Wonderland Range, serves as a convenient base for exploring the park. This town is also home to Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre, where you can delve deeper into the park's natural and cultural wonders.

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Gar Waterfalls Walk (4.2km)

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Gear to consider

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