Grampians Walking Tracks Support Group
Who we are
The Grampians Walking Track Support Group was formed by our convenor, David Witham, in 2003 to attract and coordinate volunteer interest in maintaining and improving walking tracks within the Grampians National Park.
We operate under the broad umbrella of the Community Association of Halls Gap which also undertakes other activities such as the Wildflower Show, Halls Gap Botanic Garden, and Grampians Film Society and provides support for Run the Gap and Halls Gap Landcare.
What do we do?
In partnership with Parks Victoria, we carry out vital maintenance on popular walking tracks, such as trimming vegetation, cleaning water runoffs and clearing fallen timber.
Most of our works are carried out through the efforts of walking clubs:
- Grampians Bushwalking Club – Heatherlie and other walking tracks
- Wimmera Bushwalking Club – Mt Zero and Mackenzie River Walking Tracks
- Warrnambool Bushwalking Club – Southern Grampians walking tracks
- Melbourne Bushwalkers and Victorian Mountain Tramping Club – various tracks
It is a simple model and works extremely well.
Golton Gorge
Over the last two years our group has been working with Parks Victoria to restore walking access into Golton Gorge. The original track on the north side of the creek was badly damaged in the 2014 Northern Grampians Fire. Our enthusiastic crew of volunteers have completed the new alignment on the south side to the first set of falls and, with the assistance of Parks Victoria staff, redeveloped the access road, car park and picnic area.
Other activities
Our work with Parks Victoria extends to other initiatives, such as providing advice on the planning and development of the Grampians Peaks Trail.
We have assisted Parks Victoria with funding for improved track access into Summer Day Valley in the Northern section of the Grampians.
The All-Abilities Walking Track and TrailRider Guide covering walking tracks in Grampians National Park was published with funding from our group.
We also have links with Bushwalking Victoria and promote our activities through this organisation.
Opportunities
In collaboration with Parks Victoria, we have commenced investigating our next major project, a potential walking link between Smiths Mill and Mackenzie Falls.
Would you like to assist?
If you would like to help, there are a number of ways that you could be involved:
- You may belong to or know of an organisation or group of volunteers who would like to “adopt a track” and help maintain our great walking track network.
- We welcome volunteers to help maintain the new Golton Gorge Walking Track.
- Leaders are needed for each project, someone to meet and greet volunteers and provide direction and local information.
- Or you may wish to register on Park Connect through the Parks Victoria website to join any of our working bees or other volunteering opportunities around the State.
Contact us
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like more information or would like to help.
David Witham Phone: 03 53564300 Email: david@witham.net.au
Graham Parkes Phone: 0429 839179 Email: graham@grahamparkes.com.au
