Mount Buffalo National Park

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Mount Buffalo National Park

Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Taungurung Traditional Owners have to Mount Buffalo National Park, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

Get closer to nature at this spectacular 'island in the sky', home to plants found nowhere else on Earth. Sheer cliffs, granite tors, waterfalls and big views make Mount Buffalo a must-see alpine retreat. Hike through stunted Snow Gum forests, toboggan in Cresta Valley, camp at Lake Catani - and admire the view from the Horn. There's something to do in every season.

Camp in the company of wombats on the shores of Lake Catani, an idyllic spot high in the Alps that's perfect for a swim.

Follow the Lakeside Walk through twisted Snow Gum forests and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Check out the view from The Horn, the highest point in Mount Buffalo National Park at 1,723m. Watch Australian Kestrels dive on Bogong Moths at sunset.

Mount Buffalo is home to charismatic Australian wildlife and 550 species of native plants, including plants found nowhere else on Earth, such as the Buffalo Sallee tree.


A path leads to tents at Lake Catani Campground at Mount Buffalo National Park

Lake Catani Campground

Discover magnificent waterfalls and remote alpine landscapes while camping within beautiful Snow Gum woodlands beside Lake Catani in Mount Buffalo National Park.

A family take a cross country skiing lesson at Dingo Dell at Mount Buffalo National Park

Dingo Dell

Dingo Dell in winter is the ideal location for tobogganing, snow play and snowshoeing. In summer it is possible to walk up the old ski slopes to the top of the ridge for views across the plateau.

Two people cross country skiing at Cresta Valley in Mount Buffalo National Park.

Cresta Valley

Cresta Valley is a perfect all-seasons playground. In winter grab your trusty snow gear and enjoy family-friendly tobogganing and snow play or head out the marked cross-country ski trails or snowshoe walks. When the snow melts, the grassy plains burst into bloom and make for some scenic and invigorating walks.

The walking track that leads to remote hiking areas at Mount Buffalo.

Remote hike-in camping

There are two remote hike-in camping areas in Mount Buffalo National Park. Mount McLeod Camping Area is accessible along the Mt McLeod track, 8km from the Reservoir Picnic area.<br />Rocky Creek Camping Area is accessible along the Rocky Creek track, 6.5 km from the Reservoir Picnic Area.

Tours and adventure experiences in parks

One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Mount Buffalo National Park

Understand the risks associated with back country skiing and snowboarding. Beware of unstable and deep snow, steep icy slopes, cornice formation, avalanches and extreme weather.

Snow chains must be carried on all days as indicated by the signage at the Entrance Station. This applies to all classes of vehicles, including four-wheel drives. They must be fitted when and at the location indicated by road signage. Failure to do so endangers you and your family. Penalties apply.

Take note of all warning signs, they are there for your safety.

When to go

Long days and warmer temperatures offer all sorts of opportunities at Mount Buffalo. Hike, canoe, swim, picnic, cycle, rock climb, abseil or hang glide – choose your adventure.
From December to March grassy plains on the plateau are decorated with a diverse array of wildflowers, and animals return to the plateau after spending winter in the lower foothills.

Need to know

Mount Buffalo National Park

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Aerial shooting operations targeting deer (partial Park closures)

    The following Parks will have some areas closed while aerial shooting operations are undertaken. Popular visitor sites, walking trails and campgrounds are generally excluded from treatment areas and will remain open to visitors. More information and maps with details on access restrictions be posted here in the coming weeks. Please check the Change of Conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information.  
     
     11-15 Nov 2024
    ·      Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy & Tom Groggin)
    ·      Snowy River National Park (north)
     
    18-22 Nov 2024
    ·      Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop & Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains)
     
    9-13 Dec 
    ·      Snowy River National Park (south)
    ·      Croajingolong National Park
    ·      Cape Conran Coastal Park 

    3-7 Feb 2025
    ·      Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop)
    ·      Mt Buffalo National Park
    ·      Mt Mittamatite Regional Park
    ·      Wabba Wilderness Park
    ·      Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park

    10-14 Feb 2024
    ·      Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy & Tom Groggin)
    ·      Snowy River National Park (north)
     
    3-7 Mar 2025
    ·      Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop & Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains) 

    For more information on Parks Victoria's deer control program visit this link

    Ground shooting operations targeting deer

    Control operations (ground shooting) targeting deer are undertaken in this area.  The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Reservoir Road - closed to vehicles

    Reservoir Road has been damaged extensively by a storm on June 8th 2023. Reservoir Road will be closed whilst repairs are undertaken.  These repairs are expected to be complete by Spring 2025.

    The closure of Reservoir Road adds an additional 3kms each way for walks to Mt McLeod, Rocky Creek, Eagle Point and Og Gog & McGog.

    Parking is available at the junction of Reservoir  Road and Mt Buffalo Road near the Vic Roads depot.

    The road remains accessible for walkers and mountain bike riders.

Mount Buffalo National Park

Mount Buffalo Road
Mount Buffalo VIC 3740
13 1963
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