Duwul Overnight Hike

A 26 km total-return out-and-back over two days, starting and finishing at Redman Road Trailhead. Graded 4 and usually walked as an overnighter, it takes the high route through Seven Dials and over Redman Bluff to Duwul Hike-in Campground, then returns by exactly the same track.

From the trailhead the track drops to cross Barney Creek at about 320 m before the long, sustained climb through Seven Dials toward Redman Bluff at roughly 1017 m. From there it descends a short way to the campground, which is your turnaround point for the night. Day two retraces the ridge and the creek crossing back to your car, which stays at the trailhead the whole time. Expect a maximum elevation near 1004 m, a low point around 339 m and roughly 1600 m of total ascent across the walk.

This is a demanding walk with a heavy pack. The track is rough, steep and uneven, with rock steps, slippery surfaces and sections of rock hopping. There are narrow stretches near Mount William Road and near cliff edge, so careful foot placement matters. Boots with grip, trekking poles if you use them, and a slow, steady pace all help.

The reward is exposed montane high country: broad outlooks over the Serra Range and across the central Grampians, with the ridge falling away on both sides. Weather changes quickly up here, so views can arrive and vanish within the same hour.

• Overnight camping at Duwul Hike-in Campground requires advance booking.
• The campground is remote, with tent platforms and sand pads, a toilet, a communal cooking area and untreated rainwater tanks.
• Fuel stoves are permitted; open campfires are not. Carry a stove and plan to treat any tank water you use.
• Redman Road Trailhead is remote, so arrive self sufficient with all your food, water capacity and warm, windproof layers.
• Dogs are not permitted in Victorian national parks, aside from applicable assistance-dog rules.

You earn every metre twice. Because it is a return hike, day two repeats the same rough terrain in reverse with no fresh scenery, and the climb from Barney Creek is relentless with an overnight pack. Walkers wanting the summit without the effort will be better served by the much shorter Mount William (Duwul) Summit Walk from its own carpark; this route trades convenience for remoteness and a night high on the range.