Hollow Mountain (Wudjub-guyan)

From Hollow Mountain Car Park, the signed route is about 2.2 kilometres return and usually takes around two hours. The lower section is a gradual track through banksias, grass trees, native pines and eucalypts. The upper section becomes steep, rocky and uneven, with rock hopping and scrambling over ledges and boulders. The hardest ground comes near the top, so leave enough daylight and energy for the return trip.

The wind-shaped caverns are the memorable payoff. Take your time looking at the orange and grey rock, but stay on the route and away from unstable cliff edges. This is a hands-and-feet walk rather than a casual stroll, and wet rock makes the upper section significantly less forgiving.

Go early for cooler temperatures and a quieter climb. Clear mornings give crisp views across the plains, while low-angle light later in the day brings out the rust tones in the cliffs. Avoid starting in rain or darkness, when slippery rock and route-finding become harder. Wear shoes with dependable grip, carry water because there is no verified drinking-water supply, and bring a warm layer for the exposed summit rock, which can feel windy even on a mild day.

A pit toilet and parking are available at the car park. Dogs are not allowed. The nearby Gulgurn Manja Aboriginal Rock Art Site is a separate, gentler walk from the same trailhead, making this a useful northern Grampians base when you have time for two very different experiences. In the surrounding open woodland, eastern grey kangaroos, emus and kookaburras are possible around dawn and dusk, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.