Explore
Mount Buffalo National Park
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 you're there
When to go
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
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
The Gorge Day Visitor Area was assessed for accessibility in March 2021, providing information about the accessibility of the viewing area, paths, toilets and parking, and photos.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
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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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Reservoir Road – Closure for repair
Reservoir Road will be closed for storm damage repairs starting Monday the 3rd of March 2025, with completion expected by Spring 2025.Reservoir Road will be closed to walkers, mountain bikers, and vehicles on weekdays (Monday to Friday) due to operational construction activities including large machinery repairing damaged sections.The road will open to walkers and mountain bikers on weekends and public holidays.Alternative access to Mt McLeod, Rocky Creek, Eagle Point, and Og Gog & McGog is available via Long Plain Track.Visitors are advised to stay alert to changing conditions and adhere to any closures.Attachments: Reservior_Rd_Closure_Map (334KB)
Mount Buffalo Snow Report 10/6/2025
Mt Buffalo National Park Snow, Road, and Weather Daily Report
Time: 08:30 hrs Date: Tuesday 10th June 2025Current conditions
Interpreting the Snow ConditionsToboggan SlopesExcellent – good deep cover with fresh surfaceVery Good – good deep coverGood – good cover, may have wet areas and or holes to soilFair – mostly covered but could be wet, holes and other hazardsPoor – patchy cover, wet, holes and other hazardsSnow play – enough snow for scraping together a small snow creature and some snowballsSightseeing – patches of snow to look atNo snow – time to go hikingInterpreting the Snow ConditionsCross Country Ski Trails and Snowshoe TrailsExcellent - good deep cover with fresh surfaceVery Good - good deep coverGood - complete cover with occasional obstacleFair - mostly continuous snow cover with some obstaclesPoor - mostly continuous snow cover with numerous obstaclesPatchy - patchy cover, insufficient for skiing or snowshoeingClosed - time to go kayakingView the Dingo Dell and Cresta Valley SnowcamsMt Buffalo Weather StationThe Mt Buffalo Parks Victoria office has a weather station on the roof (elevation 1320m). For current weather conditions and forecasting download the Davis WeatherLink app. Set Mt Buffalo Parks Office in your favourites. The Mt Porepunkah Fire Tower is the next closest Davis weather station to Mt Buffalo.General Information for Winter VisitorsIt remains a requirement to carry snow chains in all vehicles, for any vehicle passing through the Park entrance. This includes visitors who are wanting to visit Lady Bath, Eurobin or Rollason’s Falls.There is no entry fee to visit Mt Buffalo National Park.Mt Buffalo has three seasonal road closures. These are The Horn Road from Cresta Valley, Reservoir Road and the Lake Catani Road. These roads close on the Thursday after Kings Birthday in June and re-open on 15th September, if road conditions allow.The Lake Catani Campground is open for winter camping from the Friday before Kings Birthday long weekend until August 31. Limited facilities - drop toilet only. Walk in/ski in only. No booking required.Refer to the Parks Victoria Mt Buffalo National Park webpage for more information on winter activities.If you would like to receive the Mt Buffalo Snow Report email tomas.sanchez@parks.vic.gov.auMt Buffalo Snow Reports are also posted on the Parks Victoria Mt Buffalo web page – click the tab ‘!This area has reported issues’. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/mount-buffalo-national-park -
Gorge - Lake Catani track (Mount Buffalo National Park)
Weekend closure - Gorge-Catani Track
The Gorge-Catani Track will be CLOSED weekdays for repairs starting Monday the 19th of May to Friday the 13th of June 2025.The Gorge-Catani Track will be closed to walkers and mountain bikers on weekdays (Monday to Friday) due to construction activities.The track will open to walkers and mountain bikers on weekends and public holidays.The monolith walk can be accessed via the following trail head locations.- Mount Buffalo Road opposite the Park Office.
- Mount Buffalo Road opposite the Reservoir Rd turnoff.
Visitors are advised to stay alert to changing conditions and adhere to any closures.Weekday Closure - Gorge - Catani Track
The Gorge-Catani Track will be CLOSED weekdays for repairs starting Monday the 19th of May to Friday the 13th of June 2025.The Gorge-Catani Track will be closed to walkers and mountain bikers on weekdays (Monday to Friday) due to construction activities.The track will open to walkers and mountain bikers on weekends and public holidays.The Monolith Walk can be accessed via the following trailhead locations:- Mount Buffalo Road opposite the Park Office.
- Mount Buffalo Road opposite the Reservoir Rd turnoff.
Visitors are advised to stay alert to changing conditions and adhere to any closures. -
Mt McLeod Hike-in Camping Area (Mount Buffalo National Park, North Buffalo Remote and Natural Area)
Mt McLeod Track – Changing Track Conditions
Repair works on storm-damaged sections of Reservoir Road from Monday the 3rd of March 2025 will close access to the Mt McLeod Track for walkers and mountain bikers on weekdays (Monday to Friday).
Alternative access routes to the track includes:- Long
Plain Track, Rocky Creek Track, Five Acre Track, and Og Gog & McGog
Track (approximately 7.5 km to Mt McLeod Track)
Refer to attached map.
Mt McLeod Campground Closure
The Mt McLeod Campground will be closed Monday to Friday due to access restraints from Reservoir Rd.Bookings are available for Saturday nights.
Visitors are advised to stay alert to changing conditions and adhere to any closures.Attachments: VG_MtBuffaloNP_Map2_MtMcleod (3,178KB)
- Long
Plain Track, Rocky Creek Track, Five Acre Track, and Og Gog & McGog
Track (approximately 7.5 km to Mt McLeod Track)
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Rocky Creek Hike-in Camping Area (Mount Buffalo National Park)
Rocky Creek Track Alternative Access
Alternative access to the Rocky Creek Track is required Weekdays due to the closure of Reservoir Road for repairs.
Weekday access to the Rocky Creek track is available via the Long Plain Track.Refer to attached map.Attachments: VG_MtBuffaloNP_Map2_RockyCk (3,142KB)
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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
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.
How we keep it special
We aim to ensure that our valued parks, and the natural assets and cultural heritage they hold, can be enjoyed now and by future generations.
Mount Buffalo roofed accommodation
Parks Victoria is building brand new roofed accommodation at Mount Buffalo National Park. The aim is to create comfortable and sustainable accommodation that caters to visitors of diverse backgrounds and abilities. By providing diverse accommodation options at Mount Buffalo, we’re giving more people the chance to enjoy the park and extending the economic benefits to local economies all year around.
Mount Buffalo and surrounds activation
We are continuing to invest in a range of infrastructure improvements to strengthen Mount Buffalo National Park and the surrounding area as a key tourism drawcard, proving a year-round attraction for north eastern Victoria.