After previewing the steep track to the ‘Fortress’ area on the western side of the Grampians, the hike details and overnight camp location have changed.
Overnight hikers must have done the pre-requisite training.
Anyone who has not already booked their accommodation with David must book their own camp sites at Buandik campground via the ParksVic website and make their own travel arrangements.
For those not tackling the heavier overnight hike and camp, there is an option to go up the same steep 3km track, with the overnight backpackers, to the flat rock rest area and share in the views before returning via the same track, (guided by Kevin), to Buandik campground.
Additional options include easy walks to two nearby indigenous rock art sites. One is an easy 2km return walk from the campground the other is approx. 2.4km return but involves a short drive which Kevin may also lead.
The proposed itinerary is as follows:
Friday – Participants travel to the Buandik campground, (best done before nightfall). Travel via Dunkeld, Cavendish and northwards up the Henty Hwy. Turn right onto the dirt roads of Billywig Rd, right onto Red Rock Rd (south of Glenisla) which will join Harrops Track, then left onto the Goat Track until coming to Buandik campground on the left side. Tent camping at the two prepaid campsites only. Drop toilets, tables & fireplaces are available here with a nearby creek.
Saturday – Short drive to the Fortress track start. Overnight hikers walk approx. 900ms across mostly flat and sandy track before it becomes a steep ascent for most of the next 1.9kms until reaching a flat rock area where we stop for morning tea. There are good views westwards from this point.
Continue along a more difficult section for approx. 1.4kms, including climbing around a few large boulders before descending steeply down into a rocky gully. Follow this gully upstream before crossing a small stream to arrive at a rocky but sheltered overhang titled the ‘Oasis’. Set up tents here in limited space on a rocky and sandy surface. We then do an afternoon walk for 1.2-1.5kms to explore the northern side of ‘The Fortress’ area and take in the great views before returning to camp.
Sunday – The overnight hikers walk out approx. 4.2kms the same way but now mostly on a steep descent. Drive back to the campground or a nearby picnic area with toilets afterwards. Then either drive home that same day or stay in accommodation of your own choosing in the broader Grampians area (the latter is recommended).
