Mount Buffalo National Park: Visitor Guide

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Mount Buffalo National Park

Visitor Guide

Approaching Mount Buffalo, few people could fail to be impressed by the spectacular granite cliffs rising
before them. Crisp fresh air, giant tors, deep gorges, tumbling waterfalls, Snow Gum woodlands and
masses of summer wildflowers all combine with views of the nearby Alps.

Opening hours several different plant communities. The walk can be accessed from
various points around Lake Catani.
Mount Buffalo National Park is open every day, including weekends
and public holidays. 4. View Point Walk – 4km, 2 hours return
Access to this walk can be from the Gorge Catani Track or
Getting there Underground River Track. There are great views of the Buckland
Mount Buffalo is 325 kilometres, three and a half hours’ drive north- Valley from the lookout.
east from Melbourne along the Hume Highway. Either take the
5. Eurobin Falls Track – 1.5km, 45 minutes return
Snow Road exit just before Wangaratta or continue along the
highway to the Great Alpine Road (B500) exit. This track climbs past the Ladies Bath Falls and onto Lower Eurobin
Falls, then continues up to the base of the Upper Falls. Please
Watch out for native animals, especially early in the morning and at remain on the track.
dusk. Take care driving during winter. The main road is often snow-
covered from McKinnons Corner through to Cresta Valley. Snow 6. Rollasons Falls Track – 4km, 1.5 hours return
chains must be carried and fitted when and where directed by road Start at Rollasons Falls Picnic Area. Turn left at the intersection for
signs during the declared snow season. the Upper Falls lookout or right for the Lower Falls and rock pool.
The Reservoir, Lake Catani and Horn roads are unsealed and can There is a short steep section at the end.
become dusty and rough. These roads are closed during winter or 7. Gorge - Catani Track – 4km, 1.5 hours return
following periods of heavy rain. The Horn and Reservoir Roads are This easy track links the Gorge, campground and Lakeside Day
not suitable for caravans. Visitor Areas through strands of Alpine Ash and is suitable for
Things to see and do cycling.
During summer, enjoy bushwalking, canoeing, swimming, picnicking, 8. Underground River Track –2.5km, 2 hours one way
sightseeing and cycling. Rock climbing, abseiling and hang gliding From the lower Gorge carpark, this track leads to Billsons and
challenge the adventurous visitor. Haunted Gorge lookouts and onto the Underground River. Continue
Over winter, snow blankets most of the plateau and attracts cross- to link up with the View Point Nature Walk. Do not enter the
country skiers to marked trails with tobogganing and snow play at Underground River Cave without an experienced guide and
Cresta Valley and Dingo Dell. A café operates at the Dingo Dell Day appropriate equipment.
Visitors Centre, check website for operating times. 9. Monolith Track – approximately 1.8km, 1 hour one way
Walking Monolith Track can be accessed from the carpark opposite the Park
There are over 90km of tracks traversing pristine subalpine plant Office, from the Gorge carpark or from the VicRoads sheds. The
communities and unique landscapes. The tracks are generally well- Monolith offers 360 degree views of the plateau. Return or continue
defined and signposted. Maps should be carried at all times. Please along one of the other tracks mentioned.
keep to formed tracks. 10. Lake View Track – 2km, 45 minutes return
Short walks This track starts near the VicRoads sheds and ends at a large rock
slab giving fine views of Lake Catani below and across the Alps.
1. Gorge Heritage Walk – 2.5km, 1 hour one way
11. Chalwell Galleries Track – 1.7km, 1 hour circuit
This self-guided walk starts in the Gorge Day Visitor Area opposite
the Mt Buffalo Chalet and leads to many spectacular lookout points. A natural adventure playground, this walk starts near the Lake
Interpretative signs describe the area’s history and beauty through Catani Campground and passes through snow gums and up to a
the eyes of local pioneer, Guide Alice. jumble of large granite rocks forming impressive passages. The climb
through the galleries is steep, narrow and challenging at times,
2. Dicksons Falls Nature Walk – 4km, 1.5 hours return
suitable for those comfortable with heights and confined spaces.
This walk starts on the east side of the road opposite Cresta Valley
carpark. Subalpine plant communities and masses of wildflowers are 12. Old Galleries Track – 1km, 30 minutes circuit
a highlight in summer. The Old Galleries is a shorter walk through the awe-inspiring rock
3. Lakeside Walk – 3km, 1 hour circuit formations of Mount Buffalo. The loop returns along the main road.
Lake Catani is best seen from this circuit track as it passes through

Parks Victoria
Phone 13 1963
www.parks.vic.gov.au
Merriang

Mount Buffalo National Park Lookout Hill

Map 1

HAPPY VALLEY
Merriang South RD Rosewhite
Buffalo Creek Ovens
BUFFALO Happy Valley
GR
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RD
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RD MI
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TRK Havilah
Buffalo River AL
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TRK
NUG GUL
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Nug Nug LO
NUG

TRK
Masterton Hill
491m
Mount Buffalo Park Entrance and
RD

Chalet Rollasons Falls Eurobin Creek


Picnic Area Picnic Area

RD
ER
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K
TR

UR Porepunkah
SP
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Nug Nug Hills


603m TRK

ILE
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Grossmans Mill E
BUFFALO

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Picnic Area Mount
McLeod
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1516m

RD
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Reservoir M

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Picnic Area L O
MT

FFA The Gorge


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Lake

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Buffalo

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Mt Dunn
1492m Lakeside Day

ND
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Visitor Areas
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Dandongadale The Horn


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1723m Dingo Dell Lake Catani


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The Horn Day Visitor Area Campground


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Cresta Valley See Map 2
YA

Day Visitor Area


R
RA
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Buck
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Salt
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Buckland
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Toilets Lookout Mt Buffalo Road Seasonal road closure

Disabled access Camping area Highway Minor river

Sheltered area Shower Main road Creek / stream

Picnic table Heritage building Sealed road Mount Buffalo National Park

Fireplace Café Unsealed road State park

BBQ (Gas) Swimming 4WD Plantation


Mount Mary

BBQ (Wood) Toboganning Walking track Buckland Junction


Waterbody

www.parks.vic.gov.au Sugarloaf Hill


Disclaimer: Parks Victoria does not guarantee that this data is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability which 0 5 Kilometers
may arise from you relying on this information. Data source acknowledgements: State Digital Mapbase. The State of Victoria and
the Department of Environment and Primary Industries. Cartography by Parks Victoria October 2019
For mobile App search for Avenza PDF Maps Mount Buggery
Mount Angus Paddy Hill
TRK
The Hill Of Rock
1160m

Mount Buffalo National Park

MILE
TRK
Map 2 — Great Granite Plateau

K NINE
Moore Hill
476m

TRK
NINE M ILE TR
Mount McLeod R
SPU
Camping Area (Remote) ILE
M The Big Walk
TRK 6
Rollasons Falls

N
VE
Picnic Area

SE
23

E
Mount McLeod

FIR
1516m

D
LEO
23

MC
RD
16 A LO
BUFF
Eurobin Falls & Park Entrance
MO UNT Lady Bath Falls
The Big
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T
UN Walk
Picnic Area
MO

Mackeys
23 Lookout
Reeds
Park Office Lookout

5
IR
VO
S ER
RE The Monolith

RD
9
Lake View 8 The Gorge Eurobin Falls
Reservoir
9
7 and Chalet Picnic Area
Picnic Area 10 3
Og Gog Magog Grossmans Mill
1480m Lake
Picnic Area Catani
19
4
Mt Dunn Lakeside Day Visitor Area
Crk

19
1492m 11
Eagle View Point
Mollinsons 17 Point
Galleries 20
Chalwell
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TRK
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Galleries
Cathedral
Ro

18
CREEK Picnic Area 12 Old

BUC
Galleries
Macs Point
ROCKY
14
The Cathedral
Cresta Valley Lake Catani Campground
Day Visitor Area 13
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The Hump Le Souef yR
Plateau ll e
Dingo Dell Day Va
Visitor Area
Rocky Creek 21

d
Camping Area

k lan
(Remote)

Buc
South Buffalo

15
The Horn The Horn
1723m
Picnic Area
B
Dicksons Falls 23 Wilkinsons
Lookout
22
Crystal Brook Pulpit
Falls 1 Rock

The Back Bents


Wall
BU Lookout
FFA
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MO ROAD
Buc

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The Chalet 8
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9
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Information Waterfall
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ARA

7
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0 100 200 Metres


CK

CR
BUL

EE Toilets Café
K
A

Disabled access Self-guided walk Gate Mt. Buffalo Road


TR
K

Sheltered area Hiking 1 Short / long walks MVO (Management vehicles only)
TR
K

Picnic table Cross-country skiing Highway Seasonal road closure

Fireplace Tobogganing Main road Minor river

BBQ (Gas) Canoeing Sealed road Creek / stream

BBQ (Wood) Swimming Unsealed road Mount Buffalo National Park

Camping area Cycling 4WD State park

Lookout Heritage building Walking track Waterbody

www.parks.vic.gov.au
Disclaimer: Parks Victoria does not guarantee that this data is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability which 0 1 2 3 Kilometres
may arise from you relying on this information. Data source acknowledgements: State Digital Mapbase. The State of Victoria and
the Department of Environment and Primary Industries. Cartography by Parks Victoria October 2019
For mobile App search for Avenza PDF Maps
13. Cathedral - Hump Track – 2km, 1 hour return Eurobin Creek and Rollasons Falls picnic areas enable access to
Starting at the Cathedral Picnic Area, the track leads past the fantastic waterfalls, while Grossmans Mill and the Oval picnic areas
spectacular Cathedral and onto the Hump summit for the views of are great locations to enjoy tranquil views across the lake or
Cresta Valley and the Horn. breathtaking views into the Gorge and across the valleys .
14. Le Souef Plateau Track – 3.5km, 1.5 hours return The Lakeside Day Visitor Area is being developed to have tables,
toilets, shelter and free gas barbeques and offers shady relief in
Starting at the Cathedral carpark, the track leads you up onto the Le
summer. The Lake Catani jetty or beach is a great place to enjoy a
Souef Plateau, where you can explore a hidden and secluded section
cool swim or paddle a canoe.
of Mount Buffalo, including the Sentinel and Mahomets Tomb.
Camping
15. The Horn Track – 1km, 40 minutes return
There are unpowered car based camping sites at Lake Catani
This track takes you to the highest point on Mount Buffalo, 1723m,
Campground open from November to April and for a short period
with 360 degree views of the plateau and the Alps at the summit.
during winter for snow camping. In the warmer months, the
Medium and long walks amenities include the stone hut, hot showers, flushing toilets, and
These longer walks take you to more remote areas of the park. sink areas for dishwashing and laundry. In winter, campers only
Some of these walks may be unmarked and difficult to find in some have access to a pit toilet and the stone hut and need to walk or ski
conditions, so independent navigation devices are recommended. 1km from the closed gate on Mount Buffalo Road.
Use the map to link walks together to create longer circuit walks. Remote, minimal impact bush camping is available at Rocky Creek
16. Mount McLeod Track – 16km, 6 hours return and Mount McLeod campgrounds for a limited number of hikers. Pit
toilets are available and fuel stoves are permitted.
Starting near Reservoir Picnic Area, the track leads to the most
remote part of the park, North Buffalo Plateau. As an alternative Bookings are required for summer and remote camping. Book online
route, try the Mount McLeod Shortcut track. Remote camping is at www.parks.vic.gov.au/stay or by contacting the Parks Victoria
available and can be used as a base for exploring the plateau. Information Centre on 13 1963.

17. Mollisons Galleries Track – 18km, 6 hour circuit Rock climbing and abseiling
Start on Mount McLeod Track turning left after 300m. Detour to A number of licensed tour operators provide activities in the area.
Og, Gog & Magog and Eagle Point along the way. The track ends at Rock climbers are asked to complete the trip Intentions book at the
the rocky outcrop of Mollison’s Galleries providing views into the Gorge prior to climbing.
Buffalo River Valley. An alternative return route is available via the Bike riding
Rocky Creek loop track. Bikes are restricted to vehicle tracks within the park. There are great
18. Rocky Creek Track – 13km, 4 hours return rides along the Reservoir Road and the Gorge-Catani Track.
From the Reservoir this management vehicle track links in with Long Tobogganing and snow play
Plain, Macs Point and Mollisons Galleries Tracks, terminating at the During winter there is plenty of fun to be had in the snow in
remote Rocky Creek Campground. designated areas at Cresta Valley and Dingo Dell.
19. Long Plain Track to Mt Dunn – 6km, 2 hours return Cross country skiing
Reach Mount Dunn via this picturesque track starting near Lake Marked trails commence at the information board in the Cresta
Catani. The first 1.5km is flat walking along the creek then gently Valley carpark.
starts climbing up to Mt Dunn.
Hang gliding
Other tracks and destinations can be accessed from Mt Dunn. Use
For experienced pilots only, the launch ramp is 200 metres past the
the map to create your own walking adventure by linking tracks.
Gorge lower carpark.
20. Macs Point Track – 7km, 3 hours return
Be prepared and stay safe
Start at the snow plain 300m south of the Leviathan to reach Macs
Point. This track links into Stanley Rocks and Giants Causeway. Mount Buffalo National Park is in the North East fire district.
Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering parks
21. South Buffalo Track – 8km, 3 hours return and forests during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of
From Cresta Valley this track initially climbs a ridge, then meanders forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for
through Snow Gum meadows and small snow plains, terminating at days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au No fires may
the South Buffalo view point. be lit on Total Fire Ban days. On Code Red Fire Danger Rating days
22. Back Wall Track – 12km, 4 hours return this park will be closed for public safety. Closure signs will be
erected but do not expect an official warning. Check the latest
Starting from Dicksons Falls Nature Walk, this walk takes you to the
conditions at www.parks.vic.gov.au or by calling 13 1963.
southernmost point on the plateau, passing Giant’s Playground and
ending with stunning views from the top of the Back Wall. All visitors, and especially walkers, should realise that weather
conditions can change rapidly in alpine areas.
23. The Big Walk – 11.3km, 4-5 hours one way
Snowfalls can be experienced at any time of the year and water can
The longest walk on Mount Buffalo, this track climbs from the park
be extremely scarce, so always be prepared with:
entrance to the Gorge Day Visitor Area. The walk highlights the
unique biodiversity and geology of Mount Buffalo and provides  warm clothing
plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy superb view of the  wind and waterproof jacket
Australian Alps. There are opportunities along the Mount Buffalo  gloves, hat, sunglasses and strong footwear
Road to start or finish the walk.  first aid kit and sunscreen
 energy food and water
Picnicking  compass and relevant topographical map
A number of picnic areas around Mount Buffalo National Park offer Before you go, let someone know where you are going, and when
a variety of facilities. you expect to return. Check road and track conditions beforeyou go.
For the best views, visit the Gorge Day Visitor Area or the Horn. Many roads and tracks are closed seasonally during the colder,
wetter months for environmental and safety reasons.

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