On Saturday- Grampians National Park’s most spectacular peaks were open to the public after construction delays. It’s one of the longest trails in Victoria. Grampians park peaks trail is a 13 day/12night journey starting at MT zero.
The project cost almost $33.2m starting last year, but construction was delay due to heatwaves. Also, wet winters and later covid-19 pandemic have impacted the making for a much longer period. Tammy Schoo, the acting area chief manager for the Grampians national park said, ‘’this project has been in the pipeline for well over twenty years from the first idea, so today is a milestone. It’s been a complex project both in its planning and its contraction. ‘’
National Park trail
There are almost 11 campsites for booking and most of its length is a grade 4 walk with steep climbs. It’s a combination of easier and slightly flattered more challenging climbs. The trail is built into stages.
Schoo said that the first section from Halls Gap to Bugiga was open in 2015, and the remaining 100km required construction in remote areas with materials brought in by Helicopters.
Now you can stay at unique hike-in campgrounds along the trail and can enjoy the panoramic views. The trail peaks are the best for hiking in a north-to-south direction. Also, there is a variety of trails based on experience, fitness, and how much time you spend.
Conservation group Concerns
Since the park is open to the public, there are also some concerns of the environmentalists and conservationist groups. According to The Guardian, Early in the trail’s development, some conservation groups raised concerns about what is known as ‘’ infrastructure creep,’’ which refers to the expansion of recreational infrastructure and accommodation in pristine areas.
Meanwhile, Matt Ruchel, the executive director of the Victorian National Parks Association said that most of the huts and high–end accommodation along the trails had been revise. And all the work is done with care and keeping the integrity of the place.