Perched high on the remote and windswept expanse of the Major Mitchell Plateau, the First Wannon Remote Campground is a destination reserved for the dedicated and well-prepared hiker. This is not a roadside campsite; it is a true backcountry experience within the rugged heart of the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd), accessible only via a challenging walk. The campground itself is a designated, minimalist site offering a profound sense of solitude and an unparalleled connection to the wild, alpine environment of the Grampians. It serves as a crucial overnight stop for those undertaking multi-day treks across the plateau, including sections of the iconic Grampians Peaks Trail.
The experience of camping at First Wannon is defined by its spectacular surroundings. By day, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking, 360-degree views across the national park and the vast western plains of Victoria. The landscape is a unique mix of sub-alpine vegetation, ancient rock formations, and hardy wildflowers. At night, far from the light pollution of any town, the sky transforms into a dazzling celestial display. Facilities are intentionally basic to minimise environmental impact, consisting of a non-flush toilet and cleared tent pads. There are no shelters, tables, or water taps. All campers must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying in all their gear, food, and a reliable method for treating water collected from the nearby headwaters of the Wannon River. Booking is essential through Parks Victoria, and hikers must be prepared for the notoriously changeable weather, which can shift from brilliant sunshine to freezing winds, rain, or even snow in a matter of hours, regardless of the season.
First Wannon Remote Campground – VIC Location Map
First Wannon Remote Campground
- Address: Major Mitchell Plateau Track, Pomonal VIC 3379 (Hike-in access only)
- Website: www.parks.vic.gov.au
- GPS Coordinates: -37.32104, 142.58863
- Location: A designated hike-in campground on the Major Mitchell Plateau in the Grampians National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents and swags carried by hikers only.
- Road Access: NONE. This is a walk-in only site. The nearest car park is several hours’ hike away.
- Site Surface: Compacted earth on designated tent pads.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, with a valid booking from Parks Victoria.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check booking conditions on the Parks Victoria website.
- Number of Powered Sites: 0.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: A small number of designated tent sites.
Facilities
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. You must collect water from the nearby creek and treat it before use (boil, filter, or chemical treatment).
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Unreliable to non-existent. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger is essential.
- TV Reception: No.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a basic, non-flush wilderness toilet is available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out site. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Prohibited. Fuel stoves only.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Activities & Important Information
- Essentials to Bring: Tent, sleeping gear, all food, water treatment system, fuel stove, topographic map, compass/GPS, PLB, wet weather gear, and warm clothing (even in summer).
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets and domestic animals are strictly forbidden in Grampians National Park.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: This campground is a waypoint on long-distance walks, such as the Grampians Peaks Trail.
Local Amenities
The nearest towns with services are Halls Gap and Pomonal. These are a significant drive and then a long hike from the campground.
Pubs & Places to Eat (in Halls Gap)
- Halls Gap Hotel: Approximately 25-30 km drive to the trailhead from Halls Gap.
- The Views Restaurant: Offers dining with spectacular views in Halls Gap.
- Spirit of Punjab: Popular Indian restaurant in the centre of Halls Gap.
Local Attractions
- The Grampians National Park (Gariwerd): The entire park is an attraction, with famous lookouts like The Balconies, Boroka Lookout, and MacKenzie Falls.
- Halls Gap Zoo: Regional zoo located near Halls Gap.
- Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre: Learn about the local Indigenous culture and the park’s ecology.
Camping & Services (Drive-in options)
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, Brambuk Backpackers.
- Next Free Camps: Plantation Campground (near Halls Gap) is a popular drive-in free camp.
- Nearest Dump Points: Halls Gap.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Halls Gap.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Halls Gap.
- Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Located in Halls Gap township.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Note: The weather on the Major Mitchell Plateau is alpine and can change extremely quickly. Be prepared for severe conditions at any time of year.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Can be warm and sunny, but also prone to severe thunderstorms, high winds, and cold snaps. High fire danger.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Often provides the most stable weather for hiking, with clear, cool days. Nights are cold.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Very cold, with frequent rain, high winds, fog, and a high likelihood of snow and ice on the plateau. Only for experienced and specially equipped hikers.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Characterised by variable weather. Can be beautiful with wildflowers, but also prone to cold fronts, wind, and rain.