It started with that classic parenting error: trusting a kid's memory.
We were in the Grampians, looking for a family walk. We had a solid crew with us - six kids ranging from eight to thirteen, plus a twelve-month-old baby in a stroller. We were standing at what I now know is the Wonderland Carpark when one of the older kids saw the trail sign and piped up.
"Hey, let's do that path," she said. "I did it at camp and it's short and easy."
Armed with that rock-solid intel, out came the stroller, and off we went.
At first, it was just a stony dirt path. No worries. But then the stones got bigger, and eventually, they just turned into actual rocks. The path started getting pretty steep, but we were stubborn, so we kept pushing.
Dropping Into the Gorge
Then we hit the edge of a gorge. The track turned into a steep set of uneven rock steps dropping straight down into a gully. At this point, we had to pull the baby out completely. One of us carried the baby, while two others grabbed the front and back wheels of the empty stroller, physically bumping it down the cliff face.
The bottom of the gorge descent, where the track crosses the creek on a narrow footbridge.
We hit the bottom and crossed a bridge over the creek. It was actually incredible - water absolutely rushing over these massive flat rocks right under our feet.
But then we looked at the path up the other side. It was a steep set of metal stairs bolted straight into the rock.
That was the moment we tapped out on the stroller. We literally just wedged the empty stroller between two big rocks, figured we'd grab it on the way back, and kept carrying the baby.
To be fair, the walk was beautiful. There were massive tree ferns everywhere, and the track hugged the creek. For a good stretch somewhere between the gully and just past the Splitters Falls turnoff, we could hear the water gushing along and kept catching glimpses of it through the scrub.
The stretch between the gorge and the Splitters Falls junction - shaded and lined with tree ferns.
Keep an eye out along this stretch for a signed turnoff to Splitters Falls. It's only about 100 metres off the main track - a short walk back and up a rise - and worth the few minutes even with kids in tow. It's a seasonal waterfall, at its best in spring when the wildflowers are out, and it can run dry by summer, so don't count on it if you're visiting later in the year.
The signed junction - Splitters Falls is just 0.1km from here.
We followed it up the short rise, and the track opened out at the falls a couple of minutes later.
Splitters Falls, just off the main track - worth checking if you're there outside of summer.
Then the serious clambering started. We were physically hauling ourselves - and a baby, taking turns - up over these huge boulders. But as we climbed higher, it opened up to this amazing view of the Elephant Hide rock formation right across the deep gully.
The view opens up as the track climbs higher across the gully.
Reaching the Baths
We didn't hang around too long to admire it, though. We pushed on and finally dropped down into Venus Baths.
And honestly, what a spectacular place. The water runs over these ancient, smooth rock slabs that have formed into natural pools. They're big enough to actually sit in, and the water was icy cold. On a hot day, with seven sweating kids, it was unbelievable.
Rock pools along the creek in this part of the Grampians.
We spent a couple of hours just hanging out and swimming. But eventually, reality set in: we had to get back to the car. The thought of trekking back up that gorge, carrying the baby, retrieving the stashed stroller, and dragging it all back up the hill was just too much.
So we came up with a new plan. Dad and one of the older kids drew the short straw and hiked back the hard way to rescue the stroller and fetch the car. The rest of us? We just walked the track straight out into Halls Gap.
Turns out, that walk was an absolute breeze. Just a flat, easy stroll. It was exactly the walk the kid had been thinking of in the first place - we'd just started at the completely wrong carpark.
Despite the chaos of that first attempt, we completely fell in love with the place and have been back heaps of times since. A massive landslide went through there years ago and wiped out parts of the track, so the back half of the walk is a bit different these days, but that first stretch remains exactly the same.
How to Actually Get to Venus Baths (Without the Stroller Drama)
If you are planning a trip to the Grampians with kids, Venus Baths is a must-do. Just make sure you pick the right starting point for your family.
- The Easy Route (Stroller Friendly): Start right in the centre of Halls Gap, near the Botanic Gardens. This is a flat, easy 2.5km return loop that follows Stony Creek. It is mostly shaded, highly accessible, and perfect if you are pushing a stroller or walking with toddlers.
- The Scenic Route (Not Stroller Friendly): Start at the Wonderland Carpark. This takes you down into the gorge and past the Elephant Hide. It is a brilliant, adventurous hike with rock hopping and steep stairs, but definitely leave the wheels in the boot and use a baby carrier instead.
- Bonus detour: If you're doing the Scenic Route, look for the signed turnoff to Splitters Falls about 700m from the Wonderland Carpark. It's a short there-and-back and worth it in spring, though it can run dry over summer.
- What to bring: Wear proper enclosed walking shoes (the rocks around the pools get incredibly slippery), and pack your swimmers or boardies on a hot day. The rock pools are naturally freezing and the perfect place to cool off.
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Last updated August 2026.