Starting from Halls Gap Caravan Park, Halls Gap, this return walk takes you to Lake Wartook Lookout and back, visiting the Botanic Gardens and Chatauqua Peak saddle. It is a gradual uphill walk through the tall forest, which is ideal for a tranquil experience. There are certain sections where you can observe the ancient rock formations in the area. Additionally, the lookout offers you views from the ranges of Grampians, Lake Wartook and a beautiful sunset if you time it right. The rock formations can be slippery and sharp, so you might want to wear rigid, grippy hiking shoes. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Grampians Road, C216 then drive for 24.7 km
Turn right onto School Road and drive for another 225 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From School Road (110 metres south of Halls Gap Primary School Market), head towards the green directional signpost (Bullaces Glen - Chautauqua Peak - Venus Baths) along the dirt path as you move directly away from the road. Stay on the same trail as you pass by the tennis courts (to your right) to continue along Halls Gap to Lake Wartook Lookout Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
There is a toilet (about 60 m back from the start).
After 90 m pass the sign (on your left).
After another 75 m head through/around the gate.
After another 95 m continue straight.
After another 20 m pass the sign (8 m on your left).
Then head through/around the gate.
After another 230 m pass a seat (on your right)., has no backrest.
After another 150 m turn right, to head along Chatauqua Peak Walk.
After another 180 m pass a seat (10 m on your left).
After another 110 m pass the sign (5 m on your left).
At the intersection of Mount Victory Road & Chatauqua Peak Walk veer left, to head along Chatauqua Peak Walk.
After another 35 m cross the ford.
After another 90 m (at the intersection of Chatauqua Peak Walk & Bullace's Glen Walk) continue straight, to head along Chatauqua Peak Walk.
After another 20 m pass the sign (20 m on your left).
After another 140 m (at the intersection of Chatauqua Peak Walk & Bullace's Glen Walk) turn right, to head along Chatauqua Peak Walk.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to Chatauqua Peak, providing you eastern views over Halls Gap. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 700 m (at the intersection of Chatauqua Peak Walk & Grampians Peaks Trail) turn sharp left, to head along Grampians Peaks Trail.
After another 10 m pass the sign.
After another 1.1 km cross the stepping stones.
After another 205 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 180 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 295 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 40 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 305 m cross the ford.
After another 1.7 km come to the viewpoint (on your right).
After another 1.8 km (at the intersection of Mount Difficult Road & Grampians Peaks Trail) continue straight, to head along Grampians Peaks Trail.
After another 1 km (at the intersection of Wartook Lookout & Grampians Peaks Trail) veer left.
After another 60 m turn left.
After another 10 m come to "Wartook Lookout".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 8.7 km to get back to the start.
An optional side trip taking you to Chatauqua Peak, providing you eastern views over Halls Gap.
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Chatauqua Peak Walk & Grampians Peaks Trail Start heading along Chatauqua Peak Walk (a walking track).
After another 315 m come to "Chatauqua Peak".
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 315 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Halls Gap to Lake Wartook Lookout
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
17.4 km
Time
6 h to 8 h
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Signage
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Some facilities on route
Toilet: There is one -59 m back from the start.
Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 5.8 km apart with the largest gap of 16.6 km.
Bushwalk
6 h to 8 h
Toilet: There is one -59 m back from the start.
Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 5.8 km apart with the largest gap of 16.6 km.
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After 90 m pass the sign (on your left).
After another 75 m head through/around the gate.
After another 95 m continue straight.
After another 35 m cross the ford.
After another 1.1 km cross the stepping stones.
After another 1.7 km come to the viewpoint (on your right).
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 8.7 km to get back to the start.
The end.