Durd Durd Overnight Hike

This is a point-to-point, one-way itinerary of 20.6 km on the Grampians Peaks Trail, walked over two days with one night in the hills. It starts at Mount William Carpark and finishes at Jimmy Creek Campground, so a vehicle shuttle or a licensed transfer between the two ends is required. The official day split is 13.3 km on day one and 7.3 km on day two.

• Climb the steep vehicle access road from Mount William Carpark to the summit area and its towers.
• Descend steeply into Boundary Gap, then climb back out on steps.
• Traverse the exposed Major Mitchell Plateau, the highest section of the trail, and follow the high-country route near Durd Durd.
• Take the short spur into Durd Durd Hike-in Campground for the night. The spur is part of the itinerary and is retraced the next morning.

Back on the main trail, the walking drops steadily off the high country through mountain terrain and into taller forest, with mountain views along the way, before reaching the Jimmy Creek Campground access area. Elevation sampling along the route shows plateau walking above 1,000 m and a long, sustained descent that ends near 300 m, so expect most of day two to be downhill on the knees.

Graded 5 and intended only for very experienced, very fit hikers. The practical difficulty rates 9/10. The ground includes steep rocky sections, rockier descents, uneven surfaces, steep steps and slippery rock, with genuine exposure on Mount William and across the Major Mitchell Plateau. Some plateau sections are gentler and use steel walkways. Walker reports commonly find the opening access road easier than the Grade 5 label suggests when the weather is kind, then rate the Boundary Gap descent as rough and steep and the climb out as hard work. Treat that as lived experience rather than a guarantee.

The route is remote and phone coverage is unreliable, so do not rely on it in remote sections. In winter and in wet spells the plateau can become dangerous, with strong wind, driving rain, sleet, low cloud, whiteout conditions and snow risk on the high sections. Snakes are a reported hazard on the route, and falling trees or limbs are a hazard in forested sections. Carry full wet and cold weather gear regardless of the forecast pattern you expect.

• Night one is at Durd Durd Hike-in Campground, which has a communal meal area, a basic toilet and a water collection point.
• Trail water is untreated. Treat all water before drinking.
• Fuel stoves are permitted. Open campfires are not. Pack out all rubbish.
• Dogs are not allowed anywhere on this route.

Overnight camping on this itinerary must be booked in advance and camping fees apply. Because the walk finishes at Jimmy Creek rather than returning to Mount William Carpark, arrange transport before you start. If you want more time on this part of the range, a separate three-day Duwul and Durd Durd itinerary covers a longer version of the same high country and is booked as its own trip.