The southern Grampians town of Dunkeld will appeal to even more hikers, visitors and tourists thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora today represented Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney to visit the upgraded trailhead and visitor hub in the centre of town – backed by a $450,000 investment from the Labor Government.

The project adds to Dunkeld’s reputation as a top destination for hikers with its world-class Grampians Peaks Trail – a unique 164-kilometre hiking trail through the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.

Starting at Mt Zero in the north and heading south, the trail passes over the summit of Gar (Mt Difficult) and continues through to Halls Gap, before reaching Dunkeld in the south.

The upgrade includes a new covered platform where hikers can stop and rest, upgrades to the trailhead to make it easier for people to set off with more pathways, signs linking the trailhead, an information centre, public toilets and Memorial Park.

Alongside improved parking and a pedestrian refuge for safer crossing at Parker Street, the upgrade creates a hub at the centre of the experience where hikers and tourists can begin their tour of the national park.

The Albanese Government and Southern Grampians Shire also contributed to the project.

The Grampians Peaks Trail opened in 2021 and was made possible through a $23.2 million investment from the Allan Labor Government and $10 million from the Albanese Government through Horsham Rural City Council.

The trail connects visitors to the precious natural and cultural values of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and its spectacular peaks – from the sandstone outcrops at Mount Zero in the north to Mount Abrupt in the south.

The Dunkeld trailhead and visitor hub upgrades are part of the Labor Government’s record investment of more than $41 billion in rural and regional Victoria since 2015.

For more information go to rdv.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora

“We are proud to back an initiative like this, attracting more tourists to Dunkeld, and boosting jobs and the local economy.”

“This project has significantly improved facilities so more hikers will choose to depart from or arrive at Dunkeld when they tackle the renowned Grampians Peaks Trail.”