Grampians Peaks Trail Stage 2

The architectural brief called for provision of structures at selected campsites along the trail, being: Communal Hiker Shelters, Amenities pods and Gariwerd Camp Huts. Fundamental to Parks Victoria’s brief were three key elements: celebration of Gariwerd (Grampians) with landscape as hero, recognition of the scale and diversity of the terrain through site responsive designs, and the adoption of design strategies for construction and maintenance in response to the trails’ remote nature. The brief for the GPT demanded designs that were deeply connected to the landscape and could enhance the hiking experience as it evolved through diverse terrain.

A considered selection of natural materials was used to celebrate the specific nature, colours and textures of each campsite whilst minimizing impacts on the environment. Touching the earth lightly, the structures will be enveloped by vegetation and gain the patina of the site as they age and weather over time. In celebration of Gariwerd’s iconic angled profile the design of the structures share a single sloped peak silhouette, whilst the adaptable cladding designs, robust materiality and details allowed for longevity and construction in remote areas with limited access. The designs are deeply connected to the landscape enhancing the hiker experience.

The GPT will bring visitors closer to the rich Aboriginal culture of the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples who have lived in these ranges for thousands of years. The robust structures will conserve, protect, and celebrate the unique beauty of Gariwerd, achieving the highest grade of environmental sensitivity through the protection of site-specific conditions. Being a key nature-based destination and one of the iconic walks of Australia, GPT will bring tourism development opportunities for the local community. The project aims to dramatically increase the number of walkers using the GPT and generate significant economic benefit for the region and Victoria.

Heading southbound from Mt Zero in the north, the trail passes over the summit of Gar (Mt Difficult), continuing through Halls Gap with hiking highlights including Redman Bluff, Major Mitchell Plateau and Mt Abrupt (Mud-dadjug) before reaching Dunkeld. A diverse trail programme accounts for day trips through to 13-day odysseys, tailored to a vast array of users including outdoor enthusiasts, families, and more. The trail and campsite locations were established by Parks Victoria working closely with Noxon Giffen (Architects), McGreggor Coxall and OPS Engineers (Structural Engineers) in a highly-collaborative operation spanning 3.5 years. As part of the design process, Parks Victoria worked closely with Traditional Owners to define clear guidelines and boundaries for landform, ecology, spatial typology, and cultural immersion at each site. As a result, the trail will bring visitors closer to the rich Aboriginal culture of the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples who have lived in these ranges for thousands of years.