14 May 2019
We came to Grampians National Park to do some hiking and we hiked to The Pinnacle on our second day in the park.
We had already done a hike to a Pinnacles Lookout earlier in our trip. Unlike the Pinnacles Lookout at Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island, the Pinnacle at Grampians is one of the most spectacular vantage points in the Grampians National Park.
Ways to get to The Pinnacle
According to the Grampians travel guide, there are a few ways to get to The Pinnacle.
1. Walk from the Sundial car park.
2. Walk from the Wonderland car park.
3. Walk from the Halls Gap Botanical Garden.
From Wonderland Car Park to the Grand Canyon
We chose to start our hike from the Wonderland car park since this is the most popular and interesting route. It was 10 AM when we started out, with perfect weather for our hike.
A signboard at the starting point informed us that the distance is 5.5 km return with an elevation gain of 280 m (almost equivalent to climbing a 90 storey building).
Interesting rock formation seen near the starting point.
About 200 metres into the walk, we arrived at the entrance to the Grand Canyon, the first point of interest along this trail.
Hiking through the “Grand Canyon”
We followed a stream and cross a footbridge into the Grand Canyon. This is not the famous Grand Canyon in USA but nevertheless is still a rocky canyon with interesting landscape and hiking trail.
Towering rock faces in the Grand Canyon.
We saw a group of local school children with their teachers in the canyon on a rock climbing expedition. We stopped to watch two boys scaled up the almost vertical canyon wall while their mates cheer them on. These local kids are tough.
We continued our ascend along the Grand Canyon. The trek up involves some rock steps, slippery rocks surfaces and some rock hopping.
We had to pass beneath these two large rocks leaning on each other….
Rocky steps leading out of the Grand Canyon.
We took a flight of rocky steps up and left the Grand Canyon.
We entered into a stretch of open rocky terrain. We followed yellow triangular markers painted on the rock surfaces.
From “Grand Canyon” to “Silent Street"
We passed two of the “attractions” on this trail called the Cool Chamber and Bridal Veil Falls.
The Cool Chamber offers some shade and is supposed to be a cool place on a hot day.
Some open rock terrain. Good rubber sole shoes needed. These rocks would be slippery when wet.
Some other hikers on the same trail.
Hiking through the “Silent Street”
The next point of interest along the trail is a narrow gorge called the “Silent Street”. A flight of metal stairs led down to the very narrow gorge.
Entrance to the “Silent Street”.
At some places, the gorge is only wide enough for one person to pass through at a time.
I enjoyed walking through this part of the trail. As times, it almost felt like we were creeping through a cave or crack in the cliffs.
Emerging from Silent Street.
The Pinnacle Lookout
After emerging from the “Silent Street”, there were more rock hopping and steep climbs. We knew we were nearing the top when we felt the chilly winds.
Heading towards the sounds of excited voices, we soon arrived at The Pinnacle’s viewing point.
Making my way to the Pinnacle viewing platform. It is a rocky spur jutting out from the jagged cliff faces.
Even though I am safely behind the metal barriers, my heart was pounding as I made up way to the tip of the rock spur jutting out of the steep rock cliffs. I am not sure if it was from the exertions getting to the top or my fear of heights or both.
The views from viewing platform were stunning. It is one of the very best vantage points in the Grampians National Park for terrific scenic views over a vast expanse of western Victoria.
View of Halls Gap below the steep cliff.
View to Lake Bellfield which is a local water supply source and is about 5km from Halls Gap.
The steps leading the Pinnacle viewing platform.
Once again, we saw people risking lives just to get a photo to show off to their friends.
We seek shelter from the cold wind behind a large rock and ate our rations of Snickers and water. There were many groups of hikers around the Pinnacle. Most was enjoying the views, taking photos or getting a well-earned rest.
Was the views worth the effort?
Definitely yes for us. We enjoyed the journey to the top as well.
Returning to the Wonderland Car Park
We returned via the way we came. Going down was easier on the lungs but not our aging knees.
Somewhere near the Bridal Veil Falls, my wife realised that her Ray-ban sunglasses was not with her. We reckoned it was dropped while we were resting at the peak. We reckoned that chances of finding it would be slim, even if we made our way back up to the top.
It was a good thing we stopped to watch a man doing rock-climbing.
Soon thereafter, a couple on their way down caught up with us and asked if we had dropped a pair of sunglasses. They told us they had been checking with everyone they met on their way down.
Hurrah!
The sunglasses was reunited with the owner. My wife was the most relieved and could not thank the kind couple enough.
We ended our hike at the Wonderland car park and spend the rest of the day in a happy mood at Halls Gap.
Where we stayed in Grampians
The best place to stay when visiting the Grampians National Park is at Halls Gap, the village at heart of the park. It is best to book the accommodation in Halls Gap early, especially during the peak summer period.
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