The Pinnacle via Wonderland Carpark

This is a 4.0 km circuit from Wonderland Carpark, usually walked in about 1.5 hours. The track leaves the carpark and climbs through the Grand Canyon rock formations, threads the narrow cleft known as Silent Street, tops out at The Pinnacle lookout, then loops back down to the carpark rather than retracing the same line. The climbing is concentrated on the way up to the lookout, and the return gives all of that height back.

Grading sits at the moderate end on paper (Grade 3), but the route is described as medium to hard by regional information and as the more challenging way to The Pinnacle by park managers. Expect steep pitches, uneven rock, and stretches where you step up and over stone or use built steps. Some sections have handrails or short boardwalks, but much of the walking is on natural rock. Slippery rock is the main hazard, and it gets worse after rain.

• Wear sturdy shoes with grip
• Watch footing on wet or shaded rock
• Follow the trail markings through the rock passages

The walk starts at Wonderland Carpark on Wonderland Road, near Halls Gap. It is a small car park with public toilets and a picnic table. No permits or bookings are required.

Dogs are not allowed. Also not permitted: camping, fires, horses, fishing, generators, bicycles, motorised vehicles on management paths, tracks and roads, and firearms. Assistance dog entry is handled under separate requirements.

The route asks for reasonable fitness and confidence on steep, uneven, rocky ground, with narrow passages to pass through and rocks that turn slippery when wet. If that sounds like too much, the Sundial Carpark route to the same lookout is roughly 4.2 km return and is the easier way up, with less rock negotiation. There is also a longer walk in from Halls Gap and a wider Wonderland Loop, but neither is what this circuit covers.