The Gorge and Mount Buffalo Chalet

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    The Gorge and Mount Buffalo Chalet

    Mount Buffalo National Park

    If you only have a short time to spend in Mount Buffalo National Park, the Gorge is the place to visit. Home to historic Mount Buffalo Chalet, the Gorge is perched on 200m sheer cliffs and commands fantastic views over the Alps. Enjoy one of the easy but rewarding walks and bring a picnic. 
    The Gorge is a perfect daytrip for people holidaying near Bright. There are picnic facilities and toilets, including accessible facilities for disabled visitors. And there's plenty to do, with a number of viewpoints from which to enjoy the stunning Alpine panoramas, the chalet and a range of walks. Some of the walks have benches for rest stops, making the Gorge an excellent place for people who are less mobile. 

    Things to do

    Water cascades down the granite rockface at Eurobin Falls.

    Ladies Bath and Eurobin Falls

    At Ladies Bath Falls, water cascades into a perfectly clear pool of water, while at Upper and Lower Eurobin Falls, Crystal Creek spills spectacularly over a formidable granite escarpment.
    The jetty at Lake Catani near the 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 couple in their thirties approach the summit lookout at the Horn of Mount Buffalo.

    The Horn

    Enjoy a picnic with a view at The Horn before climbing to the highest point in Mount Buffalo National Park and surveying the folded mountains of the Great Dividing Range stretching into the distance.

    How to get there

    The Gorge and Mount Buffalo Chalet

    Mount Buffalo is 325 kilometres, or three and a half hours’ drive, northeast of 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 snow covered. Snow chains must be carried and fitted when and where directed by road signs during the declared snow season.
    The Gorge and Mount Buffalo Chalet

    Facilities

    Carpark
    Lookout
    Picnic Area
    Toilets

    When you're there

    During winter the carpark at the Gorge Day Visitor Area is closed. Parking is instead available at the Mount Buffalo Chalet. From here there is a short walk to reach the Gorge lookouts and toilets. Download the Visitor Guide for more information. 

    Mount Buffalo Chalet

    Built in 1910 by the Victorian Government, the Mount Buffalo Chalet is listed in the Victorian Heritage Register for its architectural, historical and social significance.

    Today the building is only open for occasional guided tours. However, you can appreciate the grandeur of the building from the outside and explore the terraced European Garden which in spring time is a mass of stunning colour. 

    Gorge Heritage Walk - 2.5km, 1 hour return
    This walk starts in the Gorge Day Visitor Area opposite the Mt Buffalo Chalet and leads to many spectacular lookout points. Interpretative signs describe the area’s history and beauty through the eyes of local pioneer, Guide Alice.

    Lake Catani Track - 4km, 1.5hr return
    This easy track links the Gorge, campground and Lakeside Day Visitor Areas through stands of Alpine Ash and is suitable for cycling. There is also a loop walk around Lake Catani, which will add 3km or an hour to your walk. 

    View Point Walk - 4km, 2hr return
    Access to this walk can be from the Gorge Catani Track or Underground River Track. There are great views of the Buckland Valley from the lookout.

    The Gorge is also popular for more adventurous pursuits such as rock climbing, hang gliding and trail running. There is a hang gliding ramp just past the Echo Point Lookout at The Gorge Day Visitor Area.

    Need to know

    The Gorge and Mount Buffalo Chalet

    Accessibility

    The Gorge has a number of features, including accessible toilets and viewing area, that make it suitable for people with limited mobility. 

    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.

    How we keep it special

    During January 2020 the Mount Buffalo National Park and its historic alpine chalet came under fire threat from a 100,000 hectare forest fire burning to the South West of the park. See how we protected our built heritage from fire at Mount Buffalo National Park.

    Recent Mount Buffalo Chalet maintenance works

    Maintenance works at Mount Buffalo Chalet - contractors on site after recent snowfall, 11 May 2020.

    Contractors on site

    After recent snowfall, 11 May 2020.
    Maintenance works at Mount Buffalo Chalet - Elgas refurbishment of large bullets to provide gas heating for the building, 6 May 2020.

    Elgas

    Refurbishment of large bullets to provide gas heating for the building, 6 May 2020.
    Maintenance works at Mount Buffalo Chalet - generator replacement project underway, 6 May 2020.

    Generator replacement project underway

    6 May 2020.
    Maintenance works at Mount Buffalo Chalet - re-cladding of the kitchen wall, 6 May 2020.

    Re-cladding of the kitchen wall

    6 May 2020.
    Maintenance works at Mount Buffalo Chalet - North Wing repaint and repair, after 24 April 2020.

    North Wing repaint and repair (after)

    After 24 April 2020.
    Maintenance works at Mount Buffalo Chalet - North Wing repaint and repair, before 24 April 2020.

    North Wing repaint and repair (before)

    Before 24 April 2020.
    Maintenance works at Mount Buffalo Chalet - North Wing protection works, 22 April 2020.

    North Wing protection works

    22 April 2020.
    Maintenance works at Mount Buffalo Chalet - new weatherboards arrived for re-cladding work, 20 April 2020.

    New weatherboards arrive

    Weatherboards arrive for re-cladding work, 20 April 2020.
    Maintenance works at Mount Buffalo Chalet - new solar system, installed 2019.

    New solar system

    Installed 2019.

    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.

    • Mount Buffalo National Park

      Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer - Mount Buffalo NP

      Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
       
      14-18 November 2022
      21-25 November 2022
      8-12 May 2023
      29 May-2 June 2023
      5-9 June 2023
       
      See attached map for details. 

      Attachments: Mt Buffalo Aerial Shooting Information (430KB)

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      The Horn Road closed

      Due to recent snow fall The Horn Road is currently closed from Cresta Valley. The road closure will be reopen when the snow melts and safe driving conditions are returned.

      It is a 8km return walk from Cresta Valley carpark to The Horn Picnic Area along the Horn Road.

      Reservoir Road closed

      Due to recent high rainfall there are sections of this road that require remediation before vehicle traffic can safely pass. 

      Access will be restored as soon as possible  - please feel free to walk to the reservoir in the mean time. The closure of Reservoir Road adds an additional 3 kms to the Mount McLeod and Rocky Creek hike-in campsites walks.

      We apologise for any inconvenience this may add to your plans.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Ground shooting operations targeting deer

      Ground control operations targeting deer will be undertaken in these Parks and Reserves from December 2022 to December 2023. These areas will remain open to visitors during operations.
       
      Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mount Bogong, Dinner Plain, Dargo High Plains, Foothills and Southern Alps)
      Buchan Caves Reserve
      Burrowa-Pine Mountain
      Cape Conran Coastal Park
      Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
      Cabbage Tree Creek Flora Reserve
      Errinundra National Park
      Lake Tyers State Park
      Lakes National Park
      Baw Baw National Park
      Mount Buffalo National Park
      Mount Mittamatite Regional Park
      Mount Mitta Mitta Flora Reserve
      Mount Lawson State Park
      Mount Granya State Park
      Mountain Creek Education Area
      Pheasant Creek Flora Reserve
      Wabba Wilderness Park
      Wilsons Promontory National Park

      For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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