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)
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Gorge - Lake Catani track (Mount Buffalo National Park)
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.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. -
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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Mount Buffalo National Park
Lake Catani campground is currently closed. Camping is not permitted. The campground is closed in the shoulder periods between the summer and winter seasons.
Lake Catani campground is currently closed. Camping is not permitted. The campground is closed in the shoulder periods between the summer and winter seasons.Summer and holiday periodsSummer camping at Lake Catani is available from the beginning of November (Melbourne Cup weekend) until the end of April and campsites must be booked online in advance. Advance online bookings apply at Lake Catani Campground for selected holiday periods. Refer to the information on peak season bookings for release dates and minimum booking periods.WinterAvailable from the Friday before the King’s Birthday long weekend in June until the end of August, winter camping is available at Lake Catani for free. No booking is required. Lake Catani Campground is only accessible by skiing, snowshoeing or walking. The track into Lake Catani is a seasonal road and is closed from the Thursday after the King’s Birthday long weekend until mid-September. The road closure may remain in place longer if the track is impacted by snow. The campground amenities are closed during winter. However, a pit toilet located behind the Stone Hut is open for winter campers.Thanks. -
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.