Autopia Small-Group Escape, Hiking
12 hours 30 minutes · Autopia Tours
from A$165 per person Check availability →
Waterfalls Hike, 4 To 11 Guests
Grampians Hiking & Waterfall Day Tour, Small Group (4 To 11 Guests)
from $219 per person
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- Duration
- 12 hours
- Meeting point
- Melbourne
- Run by
- Hike & Seek
Overview
This day trip from Melbourne packs two hikes, a waterfall visit and two lookouts into one long day in Grampians National Park. Hike & Seek runs it with a group capped at eleven travellers, and the two walks cover a total of 6.5km at a moderate to challenging level. The Pinnacles and Boroka Lookout supply the photo stops, and Mackenzie Falls is one of the main sights of the day.
The day starts early outside the NGV on St Kilda Road, about a five minute walk from Flinders Street Station across Princes Bridge. Travellers describe the drive as long, with one reviewer noting roughly three hours each way, so the full twelve hour duration is mostly spent either hiking or riding.
It suits people with moderate fitness who want an active day out without renting a car. Park entry, rain ponchos and first aid are covered. Lunch is not; bring cash or a card for a meal, which the listing puts at around $25. Guides drive the van and lead the walks, and reviewers repeatedly praise them for being friendly, knowledgeable and good at matching the group's pace.
What's Included
Included
- Two moderate to challenging hikes with a total distance of 6.5km
- Plenty of photo opportunities at two stunning lookouts, The Pinnacles and Boroka Lookout
- A visit to the breathtaking Mackenzie Falls
- Entrance to Grampians National Park
- Rain Ponchos & First Aid
- Friendly and knowledgeable tour guides
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Cash or credit card for lunch (around $25)
Itinerary
- Meet outside the NGVThe meeting point is 180 St Kilda Rd, Southbank, directly outside the National Gallery of Victoria near the large thumb sculpture. It is roughly a 400m walk from Flinders Street Station, across Princes Bridge.
- Grampians National ParkThe drive to the park takes about three hours each way according to reviewers.
- The PinnacleThis stop is scheduled for 3 hours. It is the more strenuous of the two hikes, though reviewers call it short and doable rather than technical.
- MacKenzie FallsOne hour at the falls. The descent to the bottom and the climb back out are steep, according to one reviewer.
- Boroka LookoutA 30 minute stop at the lookout, with photo opportunities.
- Return to MelbourneThe tour ends back at the same meeting point on St Kilda Road. Total duration is 12 hours.
A$219from, per person
12 hoursduration
4.9across 82 guest reviews
11guests at most
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points from the listing and from what travellers report will help you decide whether this day suits you.
- Fitness needed. The listing asks for a moderate fitness level, with two hikes rated moderate to challenging. One reviewer describes both hikes as strenuous but doable and not technical or complicated. The ascent to The Pinnacles and the descent and climb at Mackenzie Falls are the hardest parts.
- What to wear. Comfortable trainers or hiking boots are recommended. The listing also suggests warm layers, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, since conditions in the Grampians can change over a long day.
- Food and water. Lunch is not included, so bring cash or a card, around $25 according to the listing. Reviewers mention a lunch stop and some even note an afternoon ice cream. Bring a 1L water bottle, as the listing recommends.
- Wildlife on route. Several travellers reported seeing kangaroos, wallabies and emus during the day, often between stops.
- Group feel. With a maximum of eleven travellers, reviewers often describe the day as personal and relaxed, with no sense of being rushed between sites.
- Weather. Rain ponchos and first aid are included, and the tour runs in wet weather. Reviewers who hiked in rain still rated the day highly, crediting guides for keeping spirits up. Poor weather can cancel the tour, with a different date or full refund offered.
Common issues. The drive is long, with one reviewer calling the three hour trip each way the only negative of the day. The listing states the tour is not wheelchair accessible and is unsuitable for anyone with heart problems or serious medical conditions. One reviewer reported a delayed departure caused by late arrivals. The tour also needs a minimum number of travellers to run, and cancellations for low numbers or bad weather result in a different date or a full refund rather than a guaranteed departure.
Common Questions
What Is Included In The Price?
Two guided hikes totalling 6.5km, park entry, rain ponchos and first aid are all included, along with stops at The Pinnacles, Mackenzie Falls and Boroka Lookout. Lunch is not included, so budget around $25 in cash or on a card.
Where Does The Tour Meet?
The meeting point is 180 St Kilda Rd, Southbank, directly outside the NGV near the large thumb sculpture. It is about a 400m walk from Flinders Street Station across Princes Bridge. Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included.
How Hard Are The Hikes?
The listing rates them moderate to challenging and asks for a moderate fitness level. Reviewers describe steep sections at The Pinnacles and Mackenzie Falls but say the walks are short and not technical. Good shoes are essential.
Is The Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?
The listing states the tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with heart problems or serious medical conditions. There is no specific child policy in the listing, so check the booking page before booking for younger travellers.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Later cancellations or changes are not refunded or accepted. Weather cancellations and low traveller numbers result in a different date or a full refund.
How Long Is The Day And How Big Is The Group?
The tour runs for 12 hours, including a long drive to and from the Grampians. The group is capped at eleven travellers, and reviewers often mention smaller groups on the day.
Ways To See The Grampians
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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Mackenzie Falls: Parks Victoria has closed the Mackenzie Falls precinct for construction, so the operator confirms the substitute stop. Check Parks Victoria for current status.