Members will no doubt be saddened by the widespread recent burn in Gariwerd / The Grampians. What started as two fires in late 2024 had by January 2025 merged into an enormous area in the central Grampians.

How Much Is Burnt

The map shows the final extent of the fires. Thanks to heroic efforts of firefighters, there was only minor damage to structures, but the toll on the bush and its wildlife was unavoidable. Special efforts have been made to safeguard the reintroduced population of Brush-tailed rock-wallabies and they appear to be doing well.

The main unburnt section is roughly the area north of the bitumen Mt Victory road from Halls Gap to Wartook. This is from Mts Zero, Stapylton and Hollow Mountain to Zumsteins and MacKenzie falls. The part adjacent Dunkeld with Mt Abrupt south of Cassidy Gap Road has also been spared. The park is closed between these two roads with the exception of some areas around Halls Gap.

Walker Access

Currently there is no access permitted to the closed areas, and no word on when it will be reinstated. Halls Gap itself and the main roads are unaffected. Probably the best place to keep an eye on updates is the Parks Victoria change of conditions listing here.

It is also unclear whether there has been damage to the infrastructure of the Grampians Peaks Trail. Of this, only the northern three and the southern two walk-in campsites are available for any bookings. Therefore, it’s still possible to walk the northernmost section from Mt Zero to Halls Gap. 

The Serra Terror

We can all hope that the region makes a speedy recovery. One way you can help and go bush at the same time is by participating in the Serra Terror. Now in its 15th year, it’s a local fundraiser, with this year’s profits going towards new equipment for the local volunteer fire service (the CFA).

It takes place on June 7 & 8, 2025 (the King’s Birthday long weekend) and is open to teams of 4 to 8 members, entering as either:

• Endurance teams – attempting to complete the full 80km course.
• Relay teams – members rotate at checkpoints, but teams must stay together on course. Allows people of all ages and fitness levels to participate.
• School teams

It sounds like a lot of fun. For more information, visit: www.serraterror.com