Chief Ranger David Roberts said the matter was serious, with those involved facing fines of $777 for defacing archaeological or historical remains or interfering with rocks in a park.

He said they could also face criminal or wilful damage charges and offences under the Aboriginal Heritage act.

“The damage occurred very close to significant Aboriginal cultural heritage sites,” he said.

“The Grampians National Park is extremely important to Aboriginal traditional owners.

“It defies belief that someone could desecrate the area in this way.”

Mr Roberts said Victoria Police had been notified and were investigating. 

“It is really disappointing to see tags and other graffiti anywhere in the Grampians National Park,” he said.

“This landscape is one of Victoria’s iconic natural areas, which gives pleasure to locals, domestic visitors and thousands of international tourists annually.”

Mr Roberts said Park Victoria were investigating the best way to remove the graffiti and would use suitable products, not toxic to the animals, birds and plants in the park. 

“The graffiti will require resources and time to clean up, all of which could be better directed to caring for this magnificent National Park or assisting visitors to further enjoy their experience,” he said

“We are asking people to be aware of their impacts on this diverse and complex natural environment, to help protect Grampians National Park for the community and for generations to come.”

Mr Roberts said Parks Victoria were calling on the public to help us identify the perpetrators of this act.

He said any information could be reported anonymously to the Area Chief Ranger Grampians National Park on 13 1963 or by private messaging Parks Victoria facebook page.