Mount Buffalo National Park
Mount Buffalo National Park has sheer cliffs, imposing granite tors, tumbling waterfalls, snow gums and stunning wildflowers. The park features over 90km of walking tracks, panoramic scenery, waterfalls and scope for adventurous pursuits such as rock climbing and hang-gliding.
Mount Buffalo is an all-seasons playground. In summer, wildflowers are plentiful and the park is a cool retreat from the heat of the lowlands. Take in superb 360-degree views from the summit of the Horn and the delightful Gorge Heritage Walk. Enjoy picnics, canoeing and camping at Lake Catani in the summer months.
In winter the park is ideal for cross-country skiing with its gentle undulating landscape, spectacular sub-alpine environment and the convenience of over 14km of marked ski trails. The park offers safe and accessible toboganning and snow play areas, providing great fun for the whole family.
There are over 90 km of tracks traversing pristine sub-alpine plant communities and unique landscapes. The tracks are generally well defined and signposted.
Opening hours
Mount Buffalo National Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays.
Things to see and do
During summer, enjoy bushwalking, canoeing, swimming, picnicking, sightseeing and cycling. Rock climbing, abseiling and hang gliding challenge the adventurous visitor.
Over winter, snow blankets most of the plateau and attracts crosscountry skiers to marked trails with tobogganing and snow play at Cresta Valley and Dingo Dell.
Self guided walks
There are over 90km of tracks traversing pristine sub-alpine plant communities and unique landscapes. The tracks are generally well-defined and signposted. Maps should be carried at all times. Please keep to formed tracks.
Short walks
1. Gorge Heritage Walk (2.5 km, 1 hour return)
This loop walk starts in the Gorge Day Visitor Area opposite the Chalet. Interpretive signs describe the area's history and beauty through the eyes of local pioneer, Guide Alice.
2. Dicksons Falls Nature Walk (4 km, 1.5 hours return)
This walk starts on the east side of the road opposite Cresta Valley ski area. Subalpine plant communities and masses of wildflowers are a highlight in late summer.
3. Lakeside Walk (3 km, 1 hour circuit)
Lake Catani is best seen from this circuit track as it passes through several different plant communities. The walk can be accessed from various points around Lake Catani.
4. View Point Nature Walk (4 km, 2 hours return)
Access to this walk is easiest from the Lakeside Day Visitor Area starting about 500m from the Lake Catani jetty.
5. Eurobin Falls Track (1.5 km, 45 minutes return)
This track climbs past the pretty Ladies Bath Falls and onto Lower Eurobin Falls. A steeper track continues up to the base of the Upper Falls.
6. Rollasons Falls Track (4 km, 1.5 hours return)
Start at Rollasons Falls Picnic Area. Turn left at the intersection for the Upper Falls lookout and right to the Lower Falls and rock pool. There is a short steep section at the end of this relatively easy walk.
7. Gorge - Lake Catani Track (4 km, 1.5 hours return)
This easy track links the Gorge and Lakeside day visitor areas through stands of Alpine Ash. View Point Nature Walk begins at Eurobin Creek Bridge below the Lake Catani dam wall.
8. Underground River Track (2.5 km, 1 hour return)
From the lower Gorge carpark, this track leads to Billsons and Haunted Gorge lookouts and onto the Underground River. Continue on to link up with the View Point Nature Walk. Note the Underground River Cave should not entered without an experienced guide and appropriate equipment.
9. Monolith Track (1.8 km, 1 hour circuit)
Access from the carpark opposite the Park Office. Returning by a loop to the Snow Clearing Depot and along the road to the carpark. Or continue 1.5 km to the Gorge Day Visitor Area. The track can also be accessed from the Chalet via the Gorge-Lake Catani Track.
10. Lake View Track (2 km, 45 minutes return)
This steep track, commencing near the Snow Clearing Depot, terminates at a large rock slab giving fine views of Lake Catani below and the Alps beyond Mount Buffalo.
11. Chalwell Galleries Track (1.7 km, 1 hour circuit)
Begin near the Lake Catani Campground. This track passes through the galleries which are a jumble of large granite rocks forming impressive passages. The climb through the galleries is steep and challenging.
12. Old Galleries Track (1 km, 30 minutes circuit)
Similar to Chalwell, the Old Galleries offer a shorter walk through the awe inspiring rock formations of Mount Buffalo. This short loop returns back along the main road.
13. Cathedral - Hump Track (2 km, 45 minutes return)
Starting at the Cathedral Picnic Area, the track leads past the spectacular Cathedral and on to the Hump summit for fine views of Cresta Valley and the Horn.
14. Corral - Castle Track (3.5 km, 1.5 hours return)
Le Souef Peak, Mahomets Tomb and the secluded Corral are also accessed from Cathedral Picnic Area. A side trip past the Sentinel and onto the Castle is worthwhile.
15. The Horn Track (1.5 km, 45 minutes return)
The highest point of Mount Buffalo at 1723 m is a must with 360o views of the plateau and Alps at the summit.
Longer walks
These longer walks take you to more remote areas of the park. Wear sturdy footwear, pack a snack, water and a jacket, be ready for sudden changes in the weather and always let someone know before you go!
16. Mount McLeod Track (16 km, 6 hours return)
Starting near Reservoir Picnic Area, the track leads to the most remote part of the park, North Buffalo Plateau. As an alternate return route, try the Mount McLeod Shortcut Track providing a more gradual climb onto the main plateau, linking back with the Mount McLeod Track.
17. Mollisons Galleries Track (18 km, 6 hours circuit)
Begin on Mount McLeod Track turning left after 300m. Detour to Og Gog & Magog and Eagle Point along the way. An alternate return route is available via the Rocky Creek loop track which is a wilderness track- basic construction with limited markings & definition. The track may be difficult to find and independent navigation is essential.
18. Rocky Creek Track (13 km, 4 hours return)
From the Reservoir this management vehicle track links in with Long Plain, Macs Point and Mollisons Galleries Tracks, terminating at the remote Rocky Creek Campground.
19. Long Plain Track (8 km, 3 hours return)
Reach Mount Dunn via this picturesque track from near Lake Catani. Continue 2 km onto the Reservoir or try a loop out to Macs Point and back via Rocky Creek Track.
20. Macs Point Track (7 km, 3 hours return)
Start at the snow plain 300m south of the Leviathan. This track also links into Long Plain Track via Stanley Rocks and Giants Causeway. A longer circuit is via Rocky Creek Track returning along Long Plain Track.
21. South Buffalo Track (8 km, 3 hours return)
From Cresta Valley this track initially climbs a ridge then meanders though Snow Gum glades and small snow plains, terminating at the South Buffalo view point.
22. Back Wall Track (12 km, 4 hours return)
Begin on Dicksons Falls Nature Walk, turning right after 500m passing by the historic Chinamans Wall. The alternative Eastern Loop track is currently closed.
23. The Big Walk (11.3 km, 4 - 5 hours one way)
The longest walk on Mt Buffalo.This track climbs the plateau from the park entrance to the Gorge Day Visitor Area. Detours are possible to Rollasons Falls and lookouts along the way. Water is limited along this track so remember to carry plenty with you.
Picnicking
A number of picnic areas around Mount Buffalo National Park offer a variety of facilities. For the best views, visit the Gorge Day Visitor Area or the Horn. Eurobin Creek and Rollasons Falls picnic areas enable access to fantastic waterfalls, while Grossmans Mill and the Oval picnic areas are great locations to enjoy tranquil views across the lake or breathtaking views into the Gorge and across the valleys.
The Lakeside Day Visitor Area is being developed to have tables, toilets, shelter and free gas barbeques and offers shady relief in summer. The Lake Catani jetty or beach is a great place to enjoy a cool swim or paddle a canoe.
Camping
There are unpowered car based camping sites at Lake Catani Campground open from November to April and for a short period during winter for snow camping. In the warmer months, the amenities include the stone hut, hot showers, flushing toilets, and sink areas for dishwashing and laundry. In winter, campers only have access to a pit toilet and the stone hut and need to walk or ski 1km from the closed gate on Mount Buffalo Road.
Remote, minimal impact bush camping is available at Rocky Creek and Mount McLeod campgrounds for a limited number of hikers. Pit toilets are available and fuel stoves are permitted. Bookings are required for summer and remote camping.
Rock climbing and abseiling
A number of licensed tour operators provide activities in the area. Rock climbers are asked to complete the trip Intentions book at the Gorge prior to climbing.
Bike riding
Bikes are restricted to vehicle tracks within the park. There are great rides along the Reservoir Road and the Gorge-Catani Track.
Tobogganing and snow play
During winter there is plenty of fun to be had in the snow in designated areas at Cresta Valley and Dingo Dell.
Cross country skiing
Marked trails commence at the information board in the Cresta Valley carpark.
Hang gliding
For experienced pilots only, the launch ramp is 200 metres past the Gorge lower carpark.
Getting There
Mount Buffalo is 325 kilometres, three and a half hours' drive northeast from Melbourne along the Hume Highway. Either take the Snow Road exit just before Wangaratta or continue along the highway to the Great Alpine Road (B500) exit.
Watch out for native animals, especially early in the morning and at dusk. Take care driving during winter. The main road is often snowcovered from McKinnons Corner through to Cresta Valley. Snow chains must be carried and fitted when and where directed by road signs during the declared snow season.
The Reservoir, Lake Catani and Horn roads are unsealed and can become dusty and rough. These roads are closed during winter or following periods of heavy rain. The Horn and Reservoir Roads are not suitable for caravans.
Location
Mount Buffalo Road, Mount Buffalo 3740 Map
Web Links
→ Mount Buffalo (Parks Victoria)
→ Park Notes - Mount Buffalo National Park The Big Walk (PDF)
→ Mount Buffalo Ski School on Facebook
→ Park note - Mt Bufalo NP - The Great Granite Plateau (including walks)
→ Heritage Story - The Garden of the Gods
→ Heritage Story - Bogong Moths at Mount Buffalo
→ Heritage Story - Alice in Wonderland
→ Visitor Guide - Mount Buffalo National Park (PDF)
→ Visit Mount Buffalo on Facebook
